Church Minister reflects on 'special' nine years in role - The Rugby Observer

Church Minister reflects on 'special' nine years in role

Rugby Editorial 9th Jul, 2018   0

A VICAR who has helped feed and shelter thousands of Rugbeians is stepping down as a Minister after nine years in the role.

Rugby Baptist Church in Regent Place will say goodbye to the Revd Dr Michael Bochenski this weekend.

During his tenure, the church has seen dozens of new members join and a multi-cultural congregation grow – including West Indian, African and Chinese worshippers.

He has also led the town’s homeless charity Hope 4 Rugby for nine years, and the inter-church network Rugby Revive for seven years. He has helped to launch and develop the Winter Night Shelter, the new Hope Centre on Newbold Road, the Rugby Foodbank, the Rugby Street Pastors, and the Gift of Years project, which supports local care and residential homes.




He said it had been ‘a joy’ to welcome so many new people to the church.

“It has been especially great to link up with Christians from all over the world and to learn so much from them too,” he added.


“I have been a Minister for some forty years in many different places, but ministering here in Rugby has been very special.

“A number of us have worked very hard at building co-operation between churches and their leaders and the local communities we serve. The outcome of this has been a range of ministries and community projects focusing especially on the needs of some of Rugby’s neediest and most vulnerable citizens.

“For me that is always near the heart of authentic Christianity.”

Church Secretary Emma Tiller said: “Michael has been at the heart of our church life for nearly ten years. He’s made a huge difference to the town as well as the church, and we’ll miss him very much.”

Michael and his wife Jane will be looking back at over 40 years of Christian ministry in the presence of family and friends on Saturday (July 14) at Rugby Baptist Church. The preacher will be The Revd Jonathan Edwards, former General Secretary of the Baptist Union.

Dr Bochenski’s final service as the Minister of Rugby Baptist Church will be on Sunday (July 15) at 10.30am.

Visit www.rugbybaptist.org.uk for more information.

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