Our story so far
Baptist churches, like many others in the UK, have a deep sense of covenant commitment to one another, but operate as independent legal entities. While this creates a freedom to worship and witness in ways that are appropriate to their local context, it also places significant responsibility on the shoulders of local leaders.
Our churches support each other through Regional Associations, co-ordinated and resourced through our Baptist Union. In recent years, members of the Association Team in the North West, became increasingly aware that many local churches were struggling with the growing raft of responsibilities that were coming this way. This was caused by a number of factors, decreasing numbers, lifestyle changes and significant increase and complexity in UK regulation. A Regional Association did not have the resources to simply respond to the growing need, so they began to imagine an organisation that could work alongside them to provide this vital support.
Providing Services
Our initial plans were simply to provide a range of key services either by harnassing the skills of willing professionals or building a network of trusted commercial providers who could work with churches on a cost-effective basis. This included bookeeping services, help with online banking, maintaining websites and managing buildings etc.
As we began to explore this, it became clear that some churches were asking for more, seeking to delegate a far greater amount of responsibility to a support organisation. This stalled our initial planning somewhat, and also came at a time when the Covid pandemic, significantly impacted life in numerous ways. Plans needed to be put on hold.
From service to community
As we emerged from Covid, we wrestled again with how our organisation could best respond to a raft of needs that had become more pressing through its impact. It was then we struck on the idea that it needed to operate less like a service provider and more as a community, to the point of being able to function as a church when required.
It was at this time, we also struck upon the name of Onesimus, a New Testament character who knew what it was to be enslaved, but whose name means useful. It seemed ideal in that we wanted to become a community that released people from a sense of slavery to neccessary regulation, by providing useful support. So we formed as a registered charity with the aim of becoming a community of usefulness.
New Opportunities
Our commitment to function as a community opened up new horizon's for our work. Within our NWBA are a number of Pioneers to whom we offer regular support. These are largely individuals or small groups seeking to establish a Christian presence in new communities and contexts. As their work develops, they too are often confronted with various important legislative requirements, that can suddenly put a significant demand on their resources, making it more difficult for them to maintain their primary focus. Onesimus was able to provide that support structure by enabling them to become local congregations within our network.
As we sought to develop our community of voluteer skills, we recognised another aspiration that Onesimus was able to respond to. There were various individuals who have a strong sense of identity with our Baptist Community, but for various reasons can no longer physically gather with a local Baptist church. This is often because they have moved to a location where it is simply not possible to attend a local Baptist church. Through our online community, they are able to connect with one another and provide vital prayer and support for the other ministries that we support
The Journey Ahead
Onesimus is still in its infancy, and there is still much work to do in fully developing our vision. However, we are continually told of the urgent needs for the work we are seeking to develop, and are keen to connect with anyone who feels they have something to offer to this ministry, or who can benefit from our support.