The Order for Baptist Ministry has been around for 20 years now and offers a way of life, worship and scattered and gathered community, especially for Baptist ministers, based on a dream and vision of what ministry can be. There are two cells in the EMBA area, a central one which meets in person and another at the northern end of our region which usually meets online. Cells meet every few weeks for fellowship, prayer and to share in accountability questions based on ministry ordination vows. There is also an annual gathering to draw together members from across the country for fellowship and discernment of the continuing direction of OBM.
I was in the London OBM cell for 10 years and when I relocated back to the EMBA, one of the first things I looked for was an OBM cell to join. The happy result was the formation of a new cell spanning North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire! I have found that my cell provides the type of supportive but honest accountability and encouragement I need as a minister and which can sometimes be hard to find elsewhere. Being part of an OBM cell is also a great way to fulfil the accountability aspects of CMD for Baptist Ministers. I also love the prayers and liturgies which are available to everyone and give us a bank of material which are truly Baptist in theology. As well as for cell use I’ve been known to use parts of them in services for communion or other special occasions.
Our central group writes, ‘We find that our OBM cell is different from most ministers’ gatherings. The focus is less on what’s happening in our churches – though of course that is touched on – but more on what’s happening in our own lives and what the Lord is wanting to do. So our gathering includes using one of the OBM daily offices which are reflective and bring a note of worship. And then we use the OBM cell review questions which are quite searching, giving an extra depth to our sharing, and then praying for one another.’
You can see the accountability questions here: https://www.orderforbaptistministry.co.uk/cell-review-process-and-structure/
You can see the daily liturgies here: https://www.orderforbaptistministry.co.uk/daily-office/
You can see the Dream here: https://www.orderforbaptistministry.co.uk/
For more information see the OBM website or contact membership@orderforbaptistministry.co.uk