Baptist Bigger Breakfast to capture mens' hearts and stomachs

The Baptist Men's Movement is calling on churches across the UK to take part in the biggest men's breakfast ever.

The Bigger Breakfast initiative was launched at the Movement's annual conference over the weekend, inviting men to gather together on Saturday 11 October to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

"Every one enjoys a good breakfast," said Bob Pengelly-Phillips, BMM chairman. "This is a great way to bring men together for a time of fellowship, fun and food.

"There are more than 2,000 Baptist churches in the UK. If every one hosted a breakfast with 20 men present, we'd have a record figure of 40,000 men."

Churches are encouraged to host an event that is appropriate to their situation and venues can include a kitchen table, the church hall, local cafes or even Wetherspoon pubs. Organisers do not even have to cook a full English breakfast - advice on the website suggests everything from a continental to a fast.

"We want churches to feel they can take part in The Bigger Breakfast regardless of their capabilities. I love suggesting to people that they can contact their local Wetherspoon pub as the chain offers a high-quality breakfast for a price cheaper than many churches charge for a breakfast in their own premises. There's no washing-up either," says BMM vice-president, Phil Creighton.

"The other great advantage of organising a breakfast at a venue that's not your local church is that non-Christians will feel happier about coming along," Mr Pengelly-Phillips added.

The BMM has a range of speakers available for church groups to invite.

"We hope every church will rise to the challenge and be part of this record-breaking attempt," said Mr Creighton.

There is no charge for churches to sign up and join the campaign. Resources will be made available on the website, including downloadable invites, posters, graces and menu ideas.

The campaign is being backed by the Rev Jonathan Edwards, general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

"I am thrilled to welcome The Bigger Breakfast initiative. Everyone knows that there are far fewer men in our churches than women and so I especially welcome this project.

"I congratulate the Baptist Men's Movement on this imaginative idea and I hope that it will be a blessing to churches throughout the country - whether or not they have ever head of the Baptist Men's Movement before.'

Signing up to the event is free and church groups can decide on the format they wish their breakfast to take. Ideas and inspiration can be found on a new BMM website, www.biggerbreakfast.co.uk, designed to help churches make the most of their bigger breakfast.