The sunny afternoon of 13 June saw a congregation of some 40 gather in the beautiful and well-kept building of Otley Baptist Church, Suffolk. The occasion was the second conference of the Church Support Fellowship.
Several friends from nearby congregations attended, affording encouragement to the church and to the CSF. The CSF was formed some six years ago to provide help for smaller churches, some in danger of closing.
Other varied needs were identified: pastorless churches struggling to fill the pulpit; difficulty handling complex legislation; rising costs of maintenance and heating; lack of technical skills, e.g. setting up a website. Many needs can be resolved by putting congregations in contact with those who could help.
— This article continues for ET members
