1981.
The Reverend Wilfred B. Stanbury was invited to 'preach
with a view' and at the Quarterly Church Meeting 24th June 1981, votes were
cast. For 18, Against 1, Abstentions 5, and so the ¾ majority required
meant that Wilfred Stanbury became Pastor to Eynsford Baptist Church. The
evidence is that from the start his emphasis was on evangelism and prayer.
 |
There is no doubt that Pastor Wilf Stanbury sought to
reverse the decline in the Church which had set in under previous incumbents,
and had accelerated in the 1970s. The Reports and discussions in the latter
years of Malcolm Cook's incumbency were in response to that point whereby
the decline was having an effect on the income, threatening the viability
of the employment of their own Pastor. Eynsford Baptist Church always sought
hard to maintain their income to support their own Pastor despite the temptations
to go in with nearby Churches. However from now on, finance was always to
remain a concern and features regularly in the
minutes. |
|
The 2nd of December 1981, was the first Quarterly Church meeting Wilf presided
over. News was given of the support for Mission in Orissa, North India. It
was also reported that the Sunday School was expanding.
1982 Closure of Shoreham Baptist Church.
At the meeting of 15th September it was announced that Shoreham Baptist
Church had closed. At the meeting 1st December, it was reported that both
the Junior and Senior Youth Clubs had 30 in each section. Inflation for the
past eight years had run in double figures - the pay rises needed to keep
up were in the hundreds. The basic stipend for the 1st January 1983 was fixed
at £4,750 - a rise of £750.
1983.
It was reported at the AGM, 9th March 1983 that expenditure last year
exceeded income by £1,500. To meet present liabilities it was stated
that there was a need for a 50% increase in giving. If all the giving was
covenanted that would provide an increase of 30%. Wilf had not been idle,
and it was noted at the AGM; "Much blessing had been received through
his ministry & his activity in the life of the Church & Village was
greatly appreciated". The AGM also reported on the Youth Groups, which
had a total of 60 members, with 20 - 30 in attendance each evening. Church
numbers had grown and the verdict at the AGM was an; "overall picture
of increase". At the Quarterly Meeting of 15th June, it was clear that
Wilf had introduced a schema whereby the work of the Church had been categorised
into four headings: The Worshipping Church; the Teaching Church Church; The
Caring Church and the Mission Church. These Headings were used for all the
Agenda and Minutes Headings, and gave a clear indication to the progress
of the Church.
"And How Shall They Hear Without A Preacher"
Romans 10:15
"Holding forth the word of
life..."
Philippians 2:16 |
|
Open Air Mission.
As part of the ongoing outreach, on the 19th June an Open Air Service
was held, led by Ken Weaver of the "Open Air Mission". The Open Air
Mission was founded in 1855, by John MacGregor who had been burdened with
the need for people to hear the Gospel when so few attended a place of worship.
Having attended an open air witness , where a small crowd had gathered, he
realised that this was a way to reach people - he met with the preachers
at that meeting - and they agreed to meet and pray together, and the work
of the Open Air Mission was born. |
 |
At the Quarterly Meeting of the 14th September, it was reported that House
Group attendance was growing, and that Prayer cells (house based) were to
be created. The Bible Study Groups were experiencing; "a deeper sense
of fellowship & an enrichment in study".
1984.
At the AGM of 14th March 1984, it was reported that membership had increased
from 34 to 37 - 5 new members but 2 losses. These figures reveal a severe
decline from the previous decade (1973 recorded 69 members). It was noted
that 5 Prayer cells had been created, and that there was a regular Wednesday
Morning Group. On the 12th September 1984, Mr R Ettridge resigned as minute
secretary having given 45 years service. Mr J Fiend took over. Mr Ettridge
was made life Deacon. At the same meeting, it was noted that the less formal
evening services were popular with young people. The numbers had increased
to 24. Some tensions are evident in the minutes as it is recorded that the
Pastor said that they "needed tolerance of each others point of view and
should encourage each other to grow as a family".
Pub Ministry!
A "Pub Ministry" was begun at the Castle Hotel talking to people contacted
on the door to door ministry, however the venture had not been as successful
as was hoped, but showed a flexibility of style - being all things to all
men. Like all ventures, the outreach was soaked in prayer - with a
Saturday Morning Prayer Meetings, and prayer before the Sunday Service. Worship
had taken on a new direction and it was noted that a music group had formed
with 3 guitars, a Clarinet, a Violin, Piano and a Recorder. There was a concern
by one of the Deacons who; "advised that the Pastor should not let the
pressure of church work encroach on his free time". |
I have become all things to all men, that
I might by all means save some.
The Apostle Paul - 1 Corinthians 9:22 |
|
1985.
The annual meeting of 23rd March 1985 demonstrated the encouraging changes
- with Praise and Prayer as a part of the meeting. It had been an encouraging
year for the Sunday School, with children contributing to the family service
throughout the year. There were 22 'on the books' with an average attendance
of 15. There was to be an Easter Holiday Club with a drive for recruitment.
The Senior Youth Club had been closed as it was not viable. There was a Young
women's weekly house meeting for prayer and bible study, with a more formal
meeting in Church on Tuesdays. Wilf and his wife Helen were thanked for their
hard work. The figures for the annual membership, at 40 - which included
3 new admissions to Church membership.
The Church not disheartened continued with mission work. As reported in the
quarterly Church meeting, a television was purchased with a video player
for showing Video films for youth work. Pastor Wilf also undertook hospital
visiting. The meeting 19th June reported that Mrs P Cornfield a Church Community
Worker was undertaking youth work and visiting local schools. On the 16th
June there had been a healing Service. Joint Church Services had also taken
place with the local Anglican Group of Churches - Eynsford, Farningham and
Lullingstone. The Outreach work also included and Easter Club which 100 children
attended, and five teams had been created for door to door outreach. The
Pastor even found time to undertake a sponsored bike ride for the "Friends
of Kent Churches".
Sunday Trading.
The meeting on 18th September discussed the proposed Sunday Trading with
a complaint to the local MP Mr Mark Wolfson who replied to the Church a few
months later. New hymns were to be introduced with many arguing that changes
should not be introduced too fast. At the meeting of 1st October the Real
Life Mission at Sevenoaks for the 9th June 1986 was discussed. It was reported
again that the numbers at the Evening Service were low, and that radical
changes were needed. The average attendance at the morning service was 23
of which 7 were under 50 years of age. However, the Deacons argued that evolution
was needed not revolution. Although Sunday numbers were down, the Church
hosted various activities mid week such as a Keep Fit Club and a Mother and
Toddlers Club.
At the meeting 16th December, it was reported that the Christmas Magazine
had been sent out. The Pastor had undertaken a Counselling Course, undertaken
Hospital visiting, and that toward the Real Life Mission, 57 homes had been
visited - again concern for what was a very hard working Pastor was voiced
- the minutes note that the; "Church expressed concern that the Pastor's
day off was being intruded upon and encouraged the Pastor to take sufficient
time off for relaxation".
1986.
At the meeting 24th February it was reported that the Sunday School had grown
since the Easter Holiday Club. The Annual Meeting on the 22nd march revealed
that the music group was now with 6 musicians, and that the Christmas Magazine
was delivered to 1,000 homes. Door to door work continued for the Real Life
Mission. Tension was evident in the meetings with one very enthusiastic member
requesting to meet with others "next tuesday Evening at 8.00pm for a time
of praise and prayer where we can each ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit
and for guidance on ways to be obedient to his commandment of 'Go, then to
all peoples and make them my disciples' Matthew 28:19' " - which of course
the Pastor and others had been doing for the past few years! Some of the
tension was located in the fact that the Church was moving in ethos from
a traditional Baptist Church, to that of a Charismatic Church, and the delivery
of worship shifting from the traditional organ led hymns to being led by
a music group.
At the quarterly meeting 22nd April the Pastor asked members to make the
Real Life Mission a matter of prayer. The next quarterly meeting 17th June
news was given of being offered a page in the Trident Parish Magazine (which
continues to be the case to date; 2009). The meeting 16th September it was
announced that there were deficit problems of £200 - £300 each
week! Covenants and Standing Orders were urged. Thankfully it was announced
at the meeting 16th December that Church Finances were in a satisfactory
state.
1987.
At the AGM 21st March it was announced that the income had dropped and
£3000 worth of stock had been sold to compensate. The following figures
were given Women's Fellowship 12 in number. Easter Club 90+ in attendance.
Morning Service 25, and Evening Service (which had picked up) 25-36 in number.
There was a Young People's Fellowship following the Evening Service. The
Quarterly meeting of 24th March gave details of the cost of a Wedding; Minister
£10, Organist £6, Cleaner, £5, and Church £15 - giving
a total of £36-00. If in the Winter £15 was added for the heating.
Agnostics Anonymous.
At the following Quarterly Meeting it was noted that a fortnightly Bible
Study had been instituted, and the deficit was reported at a more modest
£40 per month. Outgoings £940 - Income £900!! However
by the meeting of 15th December, it was reported that the deficit had been
eliminated. The "Agnostics Anonymous" had met 3 times and 5 people
attended - this was another venture in outreach - again of being all things
to all men. An 18+ group had also been formed, with 10 in attendance, and
the Sunday School reported a membership of 35 children with 20-25 in regular
attendance. The Holiday Club had reported an attendance of 50 children.
1988 Assistant Student Minister arrives.
At the Quarterly Meeting & AGM of 21st March 1988, the sad news of the
closure of Shoreham Baptist Church was announced, and that from the sale,
£10,000 had been inherited by Eynsford Baptist Church. This inheritance
was to occupy the discussions of the next quarterly meetings of 13th June
and 19th September. By the meeting of 14th December it was reported that
funds had been used for Graveyard maintainance, Notice Boards, Lounge
redecoration and new chairs. 'Assistantship' - Spurgeon's College had offered
to supply as part of his training, a Mr Sherwin Chase as an; "assistant
student minister". The AGM also heard about the Cameo Group - (Come
And Meet Each Other). This was a women's group for both Church members and
non Church members, which operated under the Cameo name and was to be found
in other Churches. |
|
A survey was undertaken whereby the deacons, key leaders and the Pastor were
involved in interviewing each other to assess where they were going. The
key areas of Church life were examined; Bible Study; Worship Team; 18+ Young
Peoples fellowship; Prayer Groups; Cameo. At the top of one of one of the
summary sheets was this statement;
"The Church's Mission is:
To Love God; To Love your neighbour and; To make disciples of all
nations." |
Succinctly the task of the Church had been wrapped into one short sentence
combining, the Summary of the Law (Mark 12: 28-34), and the Great Commission
(Matthew 28: 19-20). This of course was a task statement for those already
converted. One of the facts to emerge from the notes preserved from the exercise,
was that Eynsford was seeking to assist the
Union Church at Crokenhill (see
notes in Chapter 8) form a housegroup.
1989.
The fashion of "having a vision" and a "vision statement" had already begun,
mainly amongst the Evangelical Churches. At the AGM of 18th April 1989, the
Deacons had considered the vision of the Church, and in pursuance of their
vision it was stated clearly that;
"All activities need involvement of Church members which means
a cost, commitment and sacrifice. We need to prioritise our time and give
something back to God. If we ask, the Holy Spirit will enable us to do
this" |
The Junior Youth Club (9½ - 12) had 8 - 10 children in attendance, and
the Senior Youth Club (13 - 17) had 25 young people in attendance. The quarterly
meeting of 10th April 1989 discussed support for the Billy Graham Crusade
to take place at Crystal Palace 21st, 22nd and 23rd of June. At the quarterly
meeting of 19th June, the Holiday Club for the 27th - 30th July was discussed,
as was the forthcoming meeting of the "Agnostics Anonymous" for the 7th July.
An announcement was given for a mini
Spring Harvest 30th June, 1st
and 2nd July. At the Quarterly meeting 18th September 1989, it was
reported that the Holiday Club had been a great success, and that it was
proposed to have an Advice Centre had begun in Church, however it took until
the Quarterly Meeting on the 11th December for the Advice Centre to be approved.
In the 5th May and 14th June meetings of the Diaconate the Billy Graham Mission
was discussed, with the Church having booked a coach to the event (21st -
23rd June). Door to Door invitations had taken place 23rd May to 10th June
- with every house being visited, posters had been put up around the Village.
In the Deacons' meeting of 19th July, the Pastor suggested a look forward
to 1991, the 200th Anniversary of the Church, and the creation of a Committee
to do the planning.
Dilapidated Organ Discussed.
At the Deacons' meetings 13th September, the dilapidated organ was discussed.
A temporary repair had been done, and various options were discussed - 'run
it into the ground', a rebuild at £5000, a replacement (pipe or electronic)
at £2000. The decision (or indecision) was to continue to use the Organ
in its present condition for the immediate future. At the same meeting, the
issue of the Poll Tax was discussed, and as recommended by the Baptist
Union, the "Pastor's Compensation" (Payment package - an American term creeping
into UK usage! - which is "Settlement") be increased by the amount for the
Minister, his Wife and immediate family. This was agreed by the Deacons,
who were considering paying it directly to avoid it being a taxable benefit
to the Pastor.
The Assistant Student Minister's time had come to a close at the end of December,
and as he had served without pay, the Deacons proposed to give him a gift
of £100.
Compiler The Rev'd Dr Michael Foster
|
Eynsford Christian Fellowship
(Baptist)
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