BUV Constitution
A Constitution is the legal framework around which a church operates. Constitutions should reviewed and be kept up to date every few years. This current constitution of the Baptist Union of Victoria was established by the Baptist Union Incorporation Act (Vic) in 1930, which follows the principles of trust premises and leadership of the local […]
Pastoral Recovery Program
To those who are called to it, pastoral leadership is a vocation of unparalleled privilege. It is also an intensely relational vocation that exposes its practitioners to some of the most painful and damaged aspects of human life and community. As none of us are fully integrated, Pastoral Leaders almost inevitably find that their own […]
Pastoral Reviews
The Baptist Union of Victoria has had more than 20 years of developing pastoral review processes and has facilitated hundreds of pastoral reviews in its churches. This strong history of learning is offered to Baptist Churches and pastors through the work of the Pastoral Leadership Support and Development team. Along the way we’ve discovered that […]
Exit Interviews for Pastoral Positions
It is a core commitment of the Pastoral Leadership Support and Development team that a Pastor who participates in an Exit Interview is able to determine how the information they share is used. Exit interviews provide strong foundations for ongoing care of both the Pastoral Leader, their family and the church they are leaving as […]
Welcome to Ministry Podcast
Pastor/Leader Complaints Process
The BUV has a Complaints Procedure to handle any issues raised by members of one of our churches or of the public about the conduct of leaders and/or pastors. The procedure document may be downloaded below. A Professional Standards Group oversee complaints processes within the Union. This group includes the Professional Standards Consultant, external professionals, […]
Talking Together About Church Life (Church Review Tools)
The Church Health and Capacity Team has produced a simple tool to assist a group of leaders to talk together about the life and mission of their church. It might be used on a planning retreat or could be extended into a congregational forum in a smaller church. Please click here to view or download […]
Spiritual Vitality (Healthy Ministry)
Spiritual Vitality is one of the single biggest factors in having a healthy faith community. It is no surprise that the ‘Natural Church Development’ research pin pointed passionate spirituality as being more important than worship style, when it came to churches that are doing well around the world. Jesus’ words in John 15:4-5 explain it […]
Staying Healthy in Christian Ministry
One of the key factors influencing the health of a church is the well-being of its leaders. A major study of Australian Christian workers has been conducted at the University of Western Sydney. It makes some important findings for Pastors, others who make heavy commitments to ministry or mission, and those who care for them. […]