It is a joy to partner together in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through moments of celebration and the trials of life, it is a profound gift to be bound to one another in love and service. Let us embrace this gift and nurture our relationship with one another, believing that the Holy Spirit fully equips and fully empowers all believers. We belong together because we belong to Jesus Christ, and because we belong to Jesus we are called in the Holy Spirit to God’s ongoing mission.
Thank you for being a family dedicated to sensing together the leadership of the Holy Spirit. During this Annual Gathering, we will explore new structures and patterns of ministry in the life of the BWA. Will you join me in asking for the grace to clearly hear the Spirit of the Lord speaking through one another? Let us pray for both transforming relationships and the ministry to which we are being called. During this Annual Gathering we will also be launching a new Acts 2 Movement as a call to unprecedented global collaborative mission. Would you join me in praying that together as one family we can humbly pursue a global Pentecost that renews every church and overflows with Gospel witness to every language and people group in the world?
Thank you for being a mission-oriented family. I am prayerful our time together will strengthen our longstanding mission statement, “Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.” This last year, BWA Baptists pursued ministry such as: an evangelism explosion of Gospel witness across Barbados and resourcing next gen missionaries in El Salvador; supporting the renovation of a hospital operating theater in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a Pregnancy Centre Outreach in Canada, and response to natural disasters around the world; welcoming a new President of the 21Wilberforce Center and providing help to those displaced by ethnic and religious violence in Manipur; and continuing to strengthen theological training and the work of BWA Women in more than 140 countries. As we gather together may we share out of our gifts and passions and be renewed once again with the mission of God. Let us also register and plan to join the next BWA World Congress in July 2025 with many new details available at BWABrisbane.com
Thank you for being a generous community. To all who work to make gatherings like this possible, thank you. To the many who prepared presentations, sermons, and collaborative action plans, thank you. You are at the heart of the BWA family. I pray that a spirit of generosity will flow through us and out of us.
Thank you for being a praying community. Time and again, as I travel with you, I am convicted by the many BWA Baptists who gather in prayer. At a personal level, I am humbled by the many who regularly pray for the ministry of the BWA, our team, and for our families. Thank you. May we continue to pray for one another by name and in the ways in which we were instructed by Jesus.
Each Annual Gathering we focus on one of the five BWA ministry areas. This year our emphasis is on peace. As part of this focus, we are grateful for the many who participated in the 10th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education with its theme, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” In a world where too many face war, persecution, and violence, let us live as Ambassadors of ChristCentered Peace.
Thank you Nigerian Baptist Convention for your leadership and friendship in helping plan this Annual Gathering. Your investment will make a lasting difference in uniting a family in shared transformation in Jesus Christ, shared relationship, and shared participation in the mission of God.
In gratefulness to gather again with you in person and online,
• Human Rights, Peace, and Reconciliation Apa Suite
• Racial, Gender, and Economic Justice Asia Suite
• Religious Freedom Abora Suite
• Christian Ethics (Closed Working session) Diamond Boardroom
• Mission (Closed Working session) Antarctica Suite
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break Orchid Hall / Grand Ballroom
DAILY SCHEDULE
Day/Date/Time Meeting/Event
Friday, July 12
Location
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Commissioning Worship Lantana Hall
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Orchid Hall / Grand Ballroom
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Networks
• GBMN Apa Suite
• Global Communications Network Mazonia Suite
2024 BWA ANNUAL GATHERING – BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Monday, July 8 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Baptist World Aid
“People on the Move: From Africa to Europe”
Lantana Hall
Thousands of young people leave Africa and embark on the dangerous journey to Europe. Why is it necessary to leave everything and what hopes do they have for the future? What is the impact refugees are having on some European countries and how are the European churches responding?Euticauls Wambua Nzengu, Thomas Klammt, & Michael Abodunrin
Baptist Heritage & Identity
Antarctica Hall
“Progress of Baptist Work in Nigeria (1850-2023): A Historical Survey; and the Growth of Pentecostalism and the Reshaping of Baptist Faith in Nigeria Since the 1980s”
In this two-part session, the work of Baptists in Nigeria will be explored, from 1850-2023, and Pentecostalism, as its growth has affected Baptist life in Nigeria. - Ademola Ajayi & Matthews Ojo
Creation Care and Racial, Gender & Economic Justice (Joint)
Mazonia Suite
“Climate Change and Migration in Africa: A Panel Discussion”
Climate change is a justice issue. A panel of presenters will focus on the specific intersections of climate change, migration, and conflict in Nigeria and throughout Africa. - Dalitso Matekenya Jr. & Jonathan Kivatsi Kavusa
Evangelism Australia Suite
“How Can We Release Christian Young People to Reach Their Generation with the Gospel?”
This session will be highly interactive as it will engage participants in reaching this generation of young people for Christ. - Koffi Kpomgbe & Pastora Acosta
Governance Review Session
Apa Suite
Over the last four years, the BWA has undergone an intentional review of its governance structures in order to more fully align around the BWA mission, “Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.”
This initiative has included multiple years of study, consultation, and alignment by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Audit Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee, and a Governance Review Committee that is part of the Executive Committee. This important session will detail the new Constitution and Bylaws that are being unanimously recommended by the BWA Executive Committee and that will be voted on at the General Council session on Wednesday, July 10, at 10:15 am This session will give opportunity for questions and dialogue as we seek to listen and journey with one another in continued consideration of strengthening BWA governance as a worldwide family in Christ and participating together in the shared mission of God.
Transformational Leadership
“The India Context: Challenges of Leadership”
Asia Suite
Transformational leadership varies in different contexts. This session examines the challenges of leadership in India. - A. K. Lama
Interfaith Relations
“How Do We Talk to Each Other About Talking to Others?”
Abora Suite
The session will take a narrative approach with two stories that highlight the internal tensions we face as Baptists about interfaith dialogue in general. The focus will be on listening to each other. - Nabeeh Abbassi & Rob Nash
Theological Education
How African Baptists Read the Bible
Africa Suite
This session will explore the theological, cultural, and social implications of an African Baptist's reading of the biblical text. – Caleb O. Oladipo
Tuesday, July 9 | 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
Christian Ethics Abora Suite
Part One: “Shalom: Victory Over Chaos”
Part one’s presentation examines the challenges facing peace and peacemaking through a biblical-ethical lens. - Dennis Sansom & Elias Apetogbo
Part Two: “A Dialogue on Peacebuilding from an African Perspective”
Part two's session includes a dialogue with the General Secretary of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship about ways to build peace throughout Africa. A specific focus will be placed on the African perspective and beneficial ways to conduct partnerships. - Dennis Sansom & Elias Apetogbo
Mission
“Many Voices – Many Places”
The session will explore the development of a polycentric, polyvocal missiology across our global Baptist movement, learnings from across the world, and implementation of practical, collaborative polycentric partnerships. - Scott Pilgrim, Darrell Jackson, & Titus S. Olorunnisola
Human Rights, Peace, and Reconciliation Mazonia Suite
“The Reality and Intersectionality of the Conflicts Occurring in Nigeria and Haiti: The Role that Climate, Hunger, and Poverty Play in Conflicts”
The topic will be addressed from the perspective of the Nigerian context, drawing comparisons or contrasts with the Haitian crisis. - George Dawari
Racial, Gender, and Economic Justice Asia Suite
“Gender Justice: Ordination and Women”
The results of a 3-year collaborative, PROJECT VIOLET, will be presented. Project Violet examines the experiences and place of women in Baptist life. The dialogue will include a panel discussing the theological, missional, and structural obstacles women ministers face in Baptist life. - Jane Day with panelists Rachel Adepate Lateju, Patricia Hernandez, & Cassandra Aline Jones
Governance Review Session
Apa
Suite
Over the last four years, the BWA has undergone an intentional review of its governance structures in order to more fully align around the BWA mission, “Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.”
This initiative has included multiple years of study, consultation, and alignment by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Audit Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee, and a Governance Review Committee that is part of the Executive Committee. This important session will detail the new Constitution and Bylaws that are being unanimously recommended by the BWA Executive Committee and that will be voted on at the General Council session on Wednesday, July 10, at 10:15
am This session will give opportunity for questions and dialogue as we seek to listen and journey with one another in continued consideration of strengthening BWA governance as a worldwide family in Christ and participating together in the shared mission of God.
2024 BWA ANNUAL GATHERING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Tuesday, July 9 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Baptist World Aid Asia Suite
“Trauma Care for Humanitarian Aid Workers”
Volunteers, aid recipients, and staff are susceptible to psychological trauma in times of humanitarian crises. How do project coordinators and leaders recognize indicators of trauma within their teams and those they serve? What measures can be implemented to mitigate the impact of trauma? How can donors support efforts to improve the well-being of implementing partners? - Dickson Masindano & Dean Miller
Baptist Heritage & Identity
Antarctica Suite
Part One: “Operation Reach All (ORA) Decade: Lessons and Challenges for Contemporary Baptists”
Exploring the decade of evangelistic emphasis, which has yielded lessons to benefit contemporary Baptists. - Simon Kolawole
Part Two: Commission’s business session Commission’s annual business session.
Evangelism
Australia Suite
“How Do You Mobilize Your Local Church for Evangelism?”
Panelists from every region will share their best practice strategies in an open learning dialogue. - Kingston Adeyemi, Osarieme Iginoba, & Simon Oyeshola
Transformational Leadership
Part One: “Leadership Challenges and Solutions in Our Own Contexts”
Apa Suite
Part one will be an interactive session on the challenges of transformational leadership and finding relevant solutions for galvanizing change in our own contexts. - TaNikka Sheppard
Theological Education
Abora Suite
“Baptist Theological Education in Nigeria: Looking Back, Looking Ahead”
This session will briefly explore more than 100 years of Baptist theological education in Africa. - Emiola Nihinlola
Creation Care
“Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa”
Mazonia Suite
The consequences of climate change are felt most deeply by the most vulnerable sectors of the population. We will explore how small-scale farmers in Africa are mitigating the impacts of climate change through innovative farming techniques and other initiatives. - Polisi Kivava
Religious Freedom
Lantana Hall
“Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Nigeria”
Representatives from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)
– a peace and governance expertise hub under the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs driving peace-focused policies to intervene in conflictaffected areas – will share about efforts being made to prevent and counter violent extremism in Nigeria, challenges for peacebuilding, and offer insights on potential opportunities for the Baptist network to collaborate on peace efforts. - Ambassador Kio S. Amieyeofori, MFR., Dr. Jospeh Ochogwu, & Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar (OON), Minister of Foreign Affairs
Thursday, July 11 | 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
Baptist World Aid and Creation Care (Joint) Australia Suite
“The Interrelatedness of the Climate Crisis, Poverty, and Acute Hunger”
Very often it is the poor and already vulnerable communities that are disproportionately impacted by the climate crises. This is true for many African countries where the most vulnerable reside. This session will explore the interconnectedness between climate change, poverty, and acute hunger. How can churches, civil society, and donors work together to respond effectively to this problem? Case Study: Central African Republic Churches are partnering with the government to proactively address this crisis. - Panelists Fiona Smith, Angelique Walker-Smith, Dalitso Matekenya, & Nicolas Singa-Gbazia
Baptist Heritage & Identity
Antarctica Suite
Part One: “Baptist Women Missionary Union of Nigeria: Yesterday and Today's Kingdom Helpers in Human Capacity Building through Evangelism and Stewardship”
Part one will explore the Nigerian Baptist WMU and its role in Kingdom Building. - Omoni Grace Ego & Isaac Deji Ayegboyin
Part Two: “Christian Missions’ Creativities in the Parturition and Advancement of Formal Education in Nigeria: The Pre-Colonial, Colonial, and Post-Colonial Eras”
Part two will present formal education in Nigeria during pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras. - Omoni Grace Ego & Professor Isaac Deji Ayegboyin
Evangelism
Contextual Evangelism Workshop
Mazonia Suite
Participants will engage in discussions and other creative exercises to test and develop materials that comprise the rough draft of a Handbook on Contextual Evangelism. - Doreen Massey
Theological Education
Asia Suite
“Ministerial Education for North Koreans in China, and South Korea”
This session will explore the work of theological education for Koreans in a world of global displacement. - Miyon Chung
Christian Ethics
“Promoting Peace and Understanding: Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria”
The session focuses on practical and applied insights for understanding and engaging in dialogue with individuals of different faiths. The presentation will place an emphasis on real-world implications for churches and communities. - Uzoma Uzoeshi
Interfaith Relations Diamond
“Interfaith Dialogue”
This session is open only to commission members due to the sensitivity of the topic. - Emiola Nihinlola & Paul Fiddes
BWA Vision: Acts2Movement
For two years, the BWA has engaged in an intentional process of listening to God and, out of that, has developed a major strategic initiative. This process included gathering more than 100 BWA leaders from around the world to pray, study, and listen together. As an outgrowth of this global discernment, in March 2024 the BWA Executive Committee unanimously adopted a 10-year strategic initiative. All BWA partners are invited to an in-depth discussion and reflection that will further help shape and deepen this initiative. Based around Acts 2 and the year 2033, this initiative is a call to every Baptist, every Baptist church, and every BWA Member Partner to work together in an unprecedented collaborative global mission strategy. In addition to a vision overview, the session will consider a strategic action plan. Join the worldwide Baptist family as we pray and pursue a global Pentecost of the Holy Spirit filling and overflowing into renewed churches and Gospel witness in every language.
Abora Suite
Lantana Hall
2024 BWA ANNUAL GATHERING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Thursday, July 11 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Doctrine and Christian Unity
“Synodality: A Baptist Witness”
Virtual Only
The Catholic Church has recently emphasized the significance of synodality or “walking together” with others, including those from other traditions as well as those on the margins. This session will engage a Baptist response and contribution. - Valérie Dival-Poujol, Paul Fiddes, Stephen Harmon, & Elizabeth Newman
Transformational Leadership
Part Two: “Leadership Challenges and Solutions in Our Own Contexts”
Apa Suite
Part two, in a roundtable format, will be a continuation of the interactive session on the challenges of transformational leadership and finding relevant solutions for galvanizing change in our own contexts.
Mission
“The Impact of Racial Justice on Mission”
Australia Suite
Stories will be shared from Africa, Latin America, and North America about mission and racial justice in these regions and what the lessons are for the missional church in the 21st century. - Jennifer Lau, Joao Marcus, & Samuel Reeves
Human Rights, Peace, and Reconciliation
“Haiti, the Church, and Peacemaking”
Mazonia Suite
This session will address the Haitian crisis and make recommendations for the role the church can and should play in engendering sustained peace in the beleaguered Caribbean nation of Haiti. - Maguy Durce
Friday, July 12 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Religious Freedom
Abora Suite “Global Freedom Network – Africa”
The 21Wilberforce Global Freedom Network program, starting with Africa, is a regionally based religious freedom threat assessment and intervention system for the BWA to help mitigate threats in each region. Join us to find practical ways to support and get involved in this new model initiative.George Dawari & John Gongwer
Human Rights, Peace, and Reconciliation
Apa Suite
“‘Loving Our Neighbors:’ A Response to the BWA Hunger and Poverty Task Team Resolution”
This session will address practical recommendations outlined in the resolution, “Loving Our Neighbors: A Timely Contextual and Advocacy Approach to Addressing Hunger and Poverty,” a paper presented by the BWA Hunger and Poverty Task Team related to the Human Rights, Peace, Renewal and Reconciliation Commission and presented at the 2022 Annual Gathering. - Angelique Walker-Smith
Racial, Gender, & Economic
Justice
“Gender Justice in Asia”
Asia
Suite
As an expression of culture, some women must leave their professions to help their husbands if they are senior pastors. This session will present the experiences of women and the consequences they have endured. - May May Latt & Liza B. Lamis
BWA Vision: Acts2Movement
Mazonia Suite
For two years, the BWA has engaged in an intentional process of listening to God and, out of that, has developed a major strategic initiative. This process included gathering more than 100 BWA leaders from around the world to pray, study, and listen together. As an outgrowth of this global discernment, in March 2024 the BWA Executive Committee unanimously adopted a 10year strategic initiative. All BWA partners are invited to an in-depth discussion and reflection that will further help shape and deepen this initiative. Based around Acts 2 and the year 2033, this initiative is a call to every Baptist, every Baptist church, and every BWA Member Partner to work together in an unprecedented collaborative global mission strategy. In addition to a vision overview, the session will consider a strategic action plan. Join the worldwide Baptist family as we pray and pursue a global Pentecost of the Holy Spirit filling and overflowing into renewed churches and Gospel witness in every language.
Religious Freedom Abora Suite
“Persecution and Peacemaking in Nigeria”
Nigerian religious and political leaders who have become important voices on issues related to violence and peaceful coexistence will offer their perspectives on the ongoing persecution by militia terrorists, present local advocacy initiatives, and explore potential avenues for the Baptist network to strengthen and collaborate on practical endeavors. - Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Imam Murtala Sulaiman Bamidele, & Rt. Hon. Bitrus Kaze Christian
Commission Planning Session
Closed to members only.
Commission Planning Session
Closed to members only.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
Special Sessions
Regional Fellowship: All Africa Baptist Fellowship
General Council Meeting
Monday, July 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lantana Hall
*Denotes Hybrid session
Hello, fellow AABF Family, thanks be to God for another time together. How does it feel to be together exclusively with your fellow brothers and sisters during the General Council of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF)? Amazing!
The family meeting will feature induction of officers, appreciation, welcoming of New Member Bodies, future schedules, and lots of exciting news.
Above all, it is going to be a time of refreshing for the AABF family. See you there.
Regional Fellowship: Asia Pacific Baptist Federation
Monday, July 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Asia Suite
BWA Annual Gathering provides a space/time for Regional Bodies to gather in a dedicated room to meet, greet, pray, fellowship and receive updates from the Regional General Secretary. All are welcome.
Rev. Wesley-Colas will present a description of the steps being taken to restore peace in Haiti and the extent to which the Haitian people and the church, in particular, are involved.
Regional Fellowship: European Baptist Federation
Monday, July 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Africa Suite
EBF is changing. Come and discover more about the staff changes, the work of our President Mateusz Wichary in Africa, and what the future holds for outgoing Assistant General Secretary Helle Liht. We will also take time to reflect on the changes in the political landscape in Europe and how we might together respond by maintaining international unity.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
Regional Fellowship: North American Baptist Fellowship*
Monday, July 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Abora Suite
Are you from the United States or Canada? If so, please join us at the North American Baptist Fellowship’s (NABF) Regional Meeting, for an interactive experience to:
• discover what is happening in the NABF and within our member denominations
• hear what role the NABF can play in your denomination, organization, church, and/or your own journey
• connect with others from across our continent, and
• find out how you can offer your gifts to the NABF family.
Regional Fellowship: Union of Baptists of Latin America
Monday, July 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Antarctica Suite
Join us for a panoramic view of the different realities and challenges of our region, Latin America. Our time together will include 3 prayer requests about Brazil floods, migration within the continent and violence of the continent.
Governance Review Session
Monday, July 8
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Apa Suite
Tuesday, July 9
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Apa Suite
Over the last four years, the BWA has undergone an intentional review of its governance structures in order to more fully align around the BWA mission, “Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.” This initiative has included multiple years of study, consultation, and alignment by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Audit Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee, and a Governance Review Committee that is part of the Executive Committee. All are invited, including General Council members, to attend a governance information and feedback session on either Monday, July 8, at 4:00 p.m. or Tuesday, July 9, at 10:15 a.m.
This important session will detail the new Constitution and Bylaws that are being unanimously recommended by the BWA Executive Committee and that will be voted on at the General Council session on Wednesday, July 10, at 10:15 a.m. This session will give opportunity for questions and dialogue as we seek to listen and journey with one another in continued consideration of strengthening BWA governance as a worldwide family in Christ and participating together in the shared mission of God.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
Aid Symposium: The Church’s Role in Times of Protracted Crises*
Tuesday, July 9
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mazonia Suite
With the proliferation of violent conflicts and natural disasters across the globe, the Church is being called upon to respond not just at the onset of the emergency, but to manage prolonged disasters. These responses increase burdens on church resources, affect the psychological well -being of volunteers, beneficiaries, and staff, and often require strategic operational and funding shifts.
Hear brief situation updates from Ukraine, Palestinian Territories, Myanmar, Sudan, and the US Southern border. We will then delve into a discussion with Baptist leaders in the sector: How and when should implementing partners and donors pivot from an emergency response to long-term programming – rethinking strategy, expanding fundraising, engaging advocacy mechanisms, etc.
Facilitator: Melissa Lipsett (President, Baptist World Aid Australia)
Mission Symposium
Tuesday, July 9
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Abora Suite
Exploring 21st Century mission trends, we will hear a presentation from Kang-San Tan of BMS World Mission on how Baptist mission can generate collaboration between Global North and Majority World Missions guided by the principles of polycentric and polyvocal mission. This will be followed by an opportunity to engage in conversations around the topic and explore how we can participate as Baptists around the world to further our mission together.
Preaching Symposium*
Tuesday, July 9
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Lantana Hall
Notable Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “We cannot play at preaching. We preach for eternity.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in the Ebony magazine, “In the quiet recesses of my heart, I am fundamentally a clergyman, a Baptist preacher.” Come and participate in this celebration of preaching as we hear three mini-sermons, all focusing on peace, from Baptist preachers who embody Spurgeon’s and King’s words today. Following the sermons there will be a panel discussion centered on the topic of sermon preparation. We will close our celebration of preaching with a time of Q&A and reflection on all that has been shared.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
BWA Vision: Acts2Movement
Thursday, July 11 Friday, July 12
10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lantana Hall
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mazonia Suite
For two years, the BWA has engaged in an intentional process of listening to God and, out of that, has developed a major strategic initiative. This process included gathering more than 100 BWA leaders from around the world to pray, study, and listen together. As an outgrowth of this global discernment, in March 2024 the BWA Executive Committee unanimously adopted a 10-year strategic initiative. All BWA partners are invited to an in-depth discussion and reflection that will further help shape and deepen this initiative on either Thursday, July 11, at 10:15 a.m. or Friday, July 12, at 9 a.m.
Based around Acts 2 and the year 2033, this initiative is a call to every Baptist, every Baptist church, and every BWA Member Partner to work together in an unprecedented collaborative global mission strategy. In addition to a vision overview, the session will consider a strategic action plan. Join us, as together as a worldwide family, we pray and pursue a global Pentecost of the Holy Spirit filling and overflowing into renewed churches and Gospel witness in every language.
BWA Men
Thursday, July 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Asia Suite
An opportunity for informal fellowship and sharing with other men. We pray these discussions will enrich your Annual Gathering experience as you learn from others around the world.
BWA Women
Thursday, July 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Australia Suite
Connect with women from around the world, learn more about the upcoming Baptist Women’s Summit in 2025, and discover how to engage more fully in BWA Women’s global community, leadership, and advocacy.
Denominational Leaders
Thursday, July 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Abora Suite
Connect with convention/union leaders from around the world for a time of networking, supporting, and visioning. Come and share your unique perspective as we continue our partnership in ministry.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
Pastors
Thursday, July 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mazonia Suite
An opportunity for informal fellowship and sharing with other pastors and church leaders. Join us as we spend time getting to know one another, reflect on the newly launched BWA Acts2Movement strategic plan for 2033, and help contribute to the planning of this important initiative where pastors and church leaders will be key.
Young Leaders
Thursday, July 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Apa Suite
An opportunity for informal fellowship and sharing with other young leaders. Come along and hear about the NxtGen Leadership Summit to be held in Brisbane ahead of the Baptist World Congress in July 2025 and help contribute to the planning.
*Denotes Hybrid session
CERTIFICATE
Certificate in Peace Reflection
The goal of the Certificate in Peace Reflection is for participants to acquire a broad base of knowledge and ideas from select commission seminars which could enhance their engagement in peacemaking when they return home to serve their local congregation/home church. To receive a certificate, a person must attend five of the following sessions:
• Monday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Climate Change and Migration in Africa: A Panel Discussion
How do we talk to each other about talking to others?
• Tuesday, 10:15 am – 12:15 am
Shalom: Victory Over Chaos
The Reality and Intersectionality of the Conflicts Occurring in Nigeria and Haiti: The Role that Climate, Hunger and Poverty Play in Conflicts
• Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Nigeria
• Thursday, 10:15 am – 12: 15 am
Promoting Peace and Understanding: Christian – Muslim Relations
• Thursday, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Haiti, the Church, and Peacemaking
Persecution and Peacemaking in Nigeria
At the conclusion of each commission session you attend, please have the facilitator initial the relevant section of the form.
In addition, on the form, please provide at least two (2) sentences for each session you attend, describing something new you learned or something you plan to reflect upon, along with some general reflections. If need be, please use additional sheets of paper. Please print clearly.
Forms must be returned to the registration desk by 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 11.
Successful participants should collect their certificates between 11:00 and 11:15 am on Friday, July 12 from the front of the main plenary room (Lantana). We will take a group photograph at the end of the final Commissioning Service.
COVENANT ON INTRA-BAPTIST RELATIONSHIPS
Covenant on Intra-Baptist Relationships
Preamble: Baptist World Alliance: Unity and Diversity
1. “The Baptist World Alliance, extending over every part of the world, exists as an expression of the essential oneness of Baptist people in the Lord Jesus Christ.”1
2. The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) exists as “a global movement of Baptists sharing a common confession of faith in Jesus Christ bonded together by God’s love to support, encourage and strengthen one another while proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit before a lost and hurting world.”2
3. BWA organizes its work around five clusters of commitments, namely, to join together in worship and fellowship, to nurture the passion for mission and evangelism, to defend religious liberty and human rights, to respond to human need through relief and sustainable community development, and to promote relevant theological reflection.3
4. From its inception, BWA was understood to be a family of “Churches of the Baptist order and faith throughout the world.”4 In its earliest years, however, BWA’s membership was mostly composed of conventions and unions from the Western world. Over the past century, the BWA family has grown into a truly worldwide organization with widespread membership from East and West, North and South.
5. The growth of BWA membership is marked by increased cultural diversity. This diversity includes various cultures, languages, customs, histories, racial identities, ways of expressing theological conviction, and personal and communal encounters with Christ in different cultural contexts. By God’s grace, the BWA reflects, in a visible way, the rich diversity of the one body of Christ.5
6. BWA seeks to live out its commitment to unity in the face of the diversity that marks its membership. It regards this diversity as a God-given gift and therefore essential to effectively represent the kingdom of God despite certain obvious challenges. In order to achieve the goals for which the BWA was established, and which continue to be the foundation for cooperation among BWA members, the BWA must maintain a delicate balance. That balance is between maintaining a unity of purpose and common commitment even as the organization seeks to honor and be blessed by the diversity that characterizes the fellowship.
7. One of the greatest assets in the BWA's worldwide commitment to unity, in the face of our rich diversity, is its ability to foster space for open dialogue among the various constituencies that constitute the membership of the BWA. That space will allow the BWA to harvest the fruit of the various biblical, theological and experiential perspectives that the members bring to, and articulate in, BWA gatherings. The expression of new perspectives on, and cultural expressions of, our faith is a gift that is graciously shared and received within the BWA.
COVENANT ON INTRA-BAPTIST RELATIONSHIPS
8. However, the BWA commitment to open dialogue and honest communication in the midst of our profound diversity also presents the BWA with perhaps the greatest challenge to the unity we are called to maintain.6 That challenge comes in the form of the difficulty of achieving clear, precise and commonly-understood communication through the use of language, especially when translation from one language to multiple languages is involved. That challenge is enhanced when well-meaning individuals do not know or fully appreciate the biblical, cultural, historical or theological distinctives and sensibilities that inform the perspectives articulated by various members of the BWA family.
9. The commitment to maintain unity within the BWA, while celebrating the diversity marking the movement, implies concern to take positive steps to advance our oneness and to reduce opportunities for misunderstanding. With this in mind, BWA affirms the following principles and guidelines for discussion and dialogue among Baptists attending the BWA meetings, and sharing in the work of the BWA:
Principles and Guidelines
1. “With God all things are possible”7 and apart from Christ Jesus, we can do nothing.8 Therefore, all BWA meetings take place within a context of worship, acknowledging God's presence and leadership.
2. Christians are finite beings and sinners saved by grace.9 Therefore, we cannot assume that our knowledge or understanding is complete and free from error. On account of this, our opinions and perspectives must always be offered in a spirit of humility and with the request for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our speaking and in our listening to others.
3. All humans are made in the image of God.10 In Christ, we are being conformed to the image of Christ11 and we share in the one body of Christ.12 We “affirm the dignity of all people, male and female, because they are created in God’s image and called to be holy.”13 Furthermore, as members of the body of Christ, we belong to one another.14 No matter how passionate BWA members may be about an issue or a position they articulate, the conversation/dialogue must always be focused on principles and not on individuals, cultures, regions, nations, or denominational bodies. Our conversations, dialogues and debates must never degenerate into attacks on the personhood, humanity or the authenticity of one's Christian faith and commitment.15
4. We are all members of the one household of faith.16 We “declare that, through the Holy Spirit, we experience interdependence with those who share this dynamic discipleship of the church as the people of God.”17 As a world community of Baptist believers, we remain incomplete until we have vigorously sought to hear, understand, and respect the diverse viewpoints reflected by others, especially those persons from cultures that have been marginalized through material poverty
COVENANT ON INTRA-BAPTIST RELATIONSHIPS
and the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. Therefore, we strive to avoid practices or conversations that perpetuate the dominance of one cultural perspective as providing the normative experience or theological perspective for all members of the BWA.
5. The members of the BWA celebrate the gift of language that reflects our rich diversity. Language is an index of one’s identity and affirms one’s history and culture. The BWA therefore, recognizes the need to provide for greater opportunities to assist members to hear and speak in their own languages.18 To that end, the BWA will seek to identify and employ a variety of tools that will contribute to make communication in various languages plausible and possible during our meetings.
6. We are called to love one another.19 By this, we demonstrate that we are Christ’s disciples.20 We believe that true unity and fellowship can never be achieved until relationships move beyond acknowledgment of, and respect for the other, and toward care and concern. Therefore, representatives attending BWA gatherings seek to develop lasting and meaningful relationships through thoughtful and prayerful conversations both within and outside of formal meetings.
7. We acknowledge that Baptists are known to have a wide range of opinions and perspectives on many issues including what constitutes “truth.” Yet, we love and accept one another.21 When we believe an opinion or perspective is seriously flawed, we challenge each other as beloved family members rather than as strangers and enemies. Even the correction of perceived errors must be done in love.22
8. We are committed to seeking the interests of each other.23 Therefore, we encourage and expect that, in situations where a person's point of view or perspective is not clearly articulated or understood, perhaps due to a language and/or cultural barrier, the person moderating the meeting will diligently and respectfully provide the speaker with the opportunity to clarify the point the speaker seeks to articulate. This will contribute to the ensuing conversation being focused on the intended meaning of statements rather than inaccurate presumptions about what was said. Each person who speaks during our meetings shall be free to conclude the point being made without unwarranted interruption, except by the moderator of the meeting when the requirement of gracious speech and proper decorum is violated.
In our gatherings, everything should be done decently and in order.24 All participants will respect the authority of the moderator and endeavor to respect the diversity and live into the unity that is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the BWA family.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 2013
COVENANT ON INTRA-BAPTIST RELATIONSHIPS
1 Preamble to BWA Constitution.
2 BWA Vision Statement developed by the 21st Century Committee and adopted at the 19th Baptist World Congress in Birmingham, England, in 2005.
3 The statement on BWA clusters of commitment emerged in the deliberations of the 21st Century Committee.
4 “Preamble” to BWA Constitution as approved at the inaugural congress in 1905. See The Baptist World Congress, London, July 11-19, 1905: Authorised Record of Proceedings, (London: Baptist Union Publication Department, 1905): 330-31.
5 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Romans 12:4.
6 Ephesians 4:3.
7 Matthew 19:26.
8 John 15:5.
9 Ephesians 2:5, 8; I Corinthians 13:9.
10 Genesis 1: 26-27.
11 Romans 8: 29.
12 Romans 12:4-5.
13 BWA Centennial Statement § 11.
14 Romans 12:5
15 See Colossians 4:6.
16 Galatians 6:10.
17 BWA Centennial Statement § 8.
18 See Acts 2:5-12.
19 John 13:34; 1 John 4:7-12.
20 John 13:35.
21 Romans 15:7.
22 Ephesians 4:15.
23 Philippians 2:4.
24 1 Corinthians 14:40.
GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE General Council Meeting Lagos, Nigeria
SESSION ONE Monday, July 8, 2024 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
1:30 Call to Order, Welcome, Prayer Tomás Mackey
1:40 Adoption of Agenda Tomás Mackey
1:45 Confirmation of Minutes Tomás Mackey
1:50 President’s Report Tomás Mackey
2:10 Report of Resolutions Committee Brian Kaylor
2:20 General Secretary’s Welcome Elijah Brown
2:40 Seeking God's Peace in the World – All Africa Baptist Fellowship Elias Apetogbo
2:55 Report of Membership Committee Karl Johnson
3:30 Break Tomás Mackey
SESSION TWO Tuesday, July 9, 2024 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
1:30 Call to Order Tomás Mackey
1:31 BWA Ministry Update Elijah Brown
2:20 Human Resources Committee Report John Beasy
2:30 Seeking God's Peace in the World – Union of Baptists in Latin America Parrish Jacome
2:45 Seeking God's Peace in the World – BWA Women Merritt Johnston
3:00 Report of Resolutions Committee Brian Kaylor
3:15 AABF Youth Mission Year Commissioning Elias Apetogbo/Elijah Brown
3:30 Adjournment Tomás Mackey
GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
SESSION THREE
Wednesday, July 10, 2023 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
10:15 Call to Order Tomás Mackey
10:16 Seeking God's Peace in the World – Men’s Department Dawari George/Ayoola Badejo
10:31 Seeking God's Peace in the World – North American Baptist Fellowship TaNikka Sheppard
10:46 Report of Constitution & Bylaws Committee Bob Terry
11:05 Seeking God's Peace in the World – Caribbean Baptist Fellowship Anslem Warrick
11:20 23rd Baptist World Congress Ron Bobo/Carolina Mangieri
12:15 Adjournment Tomás Mackey
SESSION FOUR
Thursday, July 11, 2024 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
1:30 Call to Order Tomás Mackey
1:31 Report of BWA Awards Committee and Presentation of Thomas Klammt Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award
1:55 Seeking God's Peace in the World – European Baptist Federation Alan Donaldson
2:10 Report of Resolutions Committee Brian Kaylor
2:30 Report of Nominations Committee Tomás Mackey
2:50 Seeking God's Peace in the World – Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Vesekhoyi ‘Vee’ Tetseo
• July 9, 2025, General Council Meeting, Brisbane, Australia
• July 7-12, 2025, 23rd Baptist World Congress, Brisbane, Australia
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE
General Council Meeting
Stavanger, Norway, July 3-4, 2023
SESSION ONE
Monday, July 3, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Call to Order and Welcome
President Tomás Mackey called the meeting to order and welcomed General Council members and proxies who were attending both virtually and in person. He recognized new attendees as well as leaders who had been attending for decades.
Apologies were given including those from General Secretary Emeritus Neville Callam, Past Presidents David Coffey and John Upton, Treasurer Carolyn Fossen, BWA Women’s President Karen Wilson, and the delegation from Myanmar who had their visas denied. Regional Secretary Parrish Jacome also submitted his apologies as he had visa difficulties.
President Mackey reminded the General Council of the parliamentary procedures for the meeting, including comments from the floor being limited to recognized General Council members and the need to limit discussions to agenda matters due to the condensed schedule.
The following General Council members attended the meeting. Those marked with an * joined virtually.
President Tomás Mackey
General Secretary Elijah Brown
First Vice President Karl Johnson
Vice Presidents
Samson Ayokunle
Fernando Macedo Brandão
Otniel Ioan Bunaciu
Joel Dorsinville*
Noemi Janson-Lidak
Jennifer Lau
Elizabeth Mvula
Albert Reyes
Lina Mikhael Sawan
Rachael Tan
Samuel Tolbert
Elijah Wanje
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Member Partner Representatives
Argentina
Argentine Baptist Association
Armenia
Union of Evangelical Christian Baptist Churches of Armenia
Australia
Baptist Union of Australia
Austria
Baptist Union of Austria
Belarus
Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists of Belarus
Brazil
Brazilian Baptist Convention
National Baptist Convention
Bulgaria
Baptist Union of Bulgaria
Cameroon
Raúl Scialabba*
Asatur Nahapetyan
Angela Garton
Melissa Lipsett
Mark Wilson
Walter Klimt
Leonid Mikhovich
Andre Simao Santos
Luiz Roberto S. Silvado
Ronald S. Carvalho
Filipe Ahrens Espindola
Esdras Dias d. Sousa Ferreira
Teodor Oprenov
Cameroon Baptist Convention Nditemeh Charlemagne
Union of Baptist Churches in Cameroon
Canada
Canadian Baptist Ministries
Croatia
Baptist Union of Croatia
Denmark
Baptist Union of Denmark
Raphaël Ziloua Zoumvouta
Jennifer Lau
Željko Mraz
Lone Møller-Hansen
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Estonia
Union of Free Evangelical and Baptist Churches of Estonia
Ethiopia
Emmanuel Baptist Church of Ethiopia
Germany
International Baptist Convention
Union of Evangelical Free Churches (Baptists) in Germany
Ghana
Ghana Baptist Convention
Honduras
National Convention of Baptist Churches in Honduras
Hungary
Baptist Union of Hungary
India
Baptist Church of Mizoram
Garo Baptist Convention of India
Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church
Israel
Association of Baptist Churches in Israel
Italy
Christian Evangelical Baptist Union of Italy
Jamaica
Jamaica Baptist Union
Jordan
Jordan Baptist Convention
Lebanon
Einike Pilli proxy for Erki Tamm
Yonas Fikadu Woldemariam
Tim Faulkner
Christoph Stiba
Enoch Thompson
Dacia Padilla Maldonado*
János Papp
Irene Colbert
Lalbiakliana Renthei
Khawvel Thanga
Janang R. Sangma
B. Zazawna Lai
Bader Mansour
Giuseppe Miglio proxy for Giovanni Arcidiacono
Convention of the Evangelical Baptist Churches in Lebanon
Merlyn Hyde Riley
Nabeeh Abbassi
Charles Costa
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Lithuania
Baptist Union of Lithuania
Malawi
Baptist Convention of Malawi
Malaysia
Malaysia Baptist Convention
Moldova
Taras Sereda*
Elizabeth C. Mvula
John Kok
Union of Christian Evangelical Baptist Churches of Moldova Ion Miron
Myanmar
Myanmar Baptist Convention
Netherlands
UNIE-ABC: Baptist and CAMA Churches in The Netherlands
New Zealand
Baptist Union of New Zealand
Nigeria
Nigerian Baptist Convention
Norway
Baptist Union of Norway
Poland
Baptist Union of Poland
Romania
Convention of Hungarian Baptist Churches of Romania
Rwanda
Union of Baptist Churches in Rwanda
Aye New*
Peter Stoter
Charles Hewlett
Israel A. Akanji
Anino Arenyeka*
Samson O. Fatokun
Dawari George
Yusuf T. Gwada
Rachel A. Lateju
Olubode Oke
Abiodin J. Oloyede
Adebola A. Samson-Fatokun
Jan Sæthre
Marek Glodek
Ottó Rajna
Abel Jumbe*
Augustin Ndayishimiye*
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Sweden
Uniting Church in Sweden
Switzerland
Swiss Baptist Union
Taiwan
Chinese Baptist Convention
Togo
Togo Baptist Convention
Trinidad and Tobago
Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
Baptist Union of Uganda
Ukraine
Karin Wiborn
Stefan Gisiger
Deren Yang proxy for Huang Jung-Rung
Pierre Ayawo Adossi
Anslem Warrick
John R. Aupal*
All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists Igor A. Bandura
Volodymyr Kondor
United Kingdom
Baptist Union of Great Britain
Baptist Union of Scotland
Baptist Union of Wales
United States of America
American Baptist Churches USA
Baptist General Association of Virginia
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Philip Barnard
Ali Boulton
Lynn Green
Brian Talbot
Judith Morris
Roy Medley
Chaks Zadda proxy for James O. Wolfe, III
Raimundo Barreto proxy for C. Jeff Woods
Jim Baucom
Will Cumbia
Melvin R. Harris*
Anna Miller
James G. Somerville
Jerry Carlisle
Katie Fruge
Josue Valerio
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
District of Columbia Baptist Convention
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society, USA
National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc.
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC)
Zomi Baptist Churches of America
Laura Ayala
Paul Baxley
Kasey Jones
Trisha Miller Manarin
Emmett L. Dunn
Darwan Lazard
Samuel C. Tolbert
Ronald Bobo
Nicole Adams*
Pau Khan Lian
3 At-Large and Personal Members Representatives Fred Deegbe
Additional Members
Auxiliaries and Youth Department
Youth Department
Six (6) Ex-officio
BWA Women
John Beasy
Jocelyn Blount
Johnathan Hemmings
Melody Maxwell
Kang-Sang Tan
Mathias Jonas Kakenge Mbwenga - Africa
President Karen Wilson*
Additional Rep
Six (6) Ex-officio
Patricia Lane
Jane Immaculate Mwangi - Africa
Vernette Myint Myint San - Asia
Karlene Edwards-Warrick - Caribbean
Fabienne Seguin - Europe
Liliana Fernández de Farina - Latin Am
Men’s Department
President Dawari George
Six (6) Ex-officio
Samson O. Fatokun - Africa
Olubode Oke - Africa
Randy Wood - North America
Ayoola Badejo proxy for Harold Wolgast
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Chairs of Standing Committees
Audit
BWA Awards
Constitution and Bylaws
Congress
Human Resources
Membership
Nominations
Resolutions
Regional Fellowship Presiding Officers
All Africa Baptist Fellowship
Asia Pacific Baptist Fellowship
European Baptist Federation
North American Baptist Fellowship
Regional Secretaries
All Africa Baptist Fellowship
Melvin R. Harris*
Thomas Klammt
Bob Terry
Ron Bobo
Lone Møller-Hansen
Karl Johnson
Tomás Mackey
Brian Kaylor
Israel Akanji
Mark Wilson
Stefan Gisiger
Emmett Dunn
Elias Ametepeh A. Apetogbo
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Vesekhoyi Tetseo
Caribbean Baptist Fellowship Anslem Warrick
European Baptist Federation
North American Baptist Fellowship
Past BWA Presidents
Adoption of Agenda
Alan Donaldson
Jeremy Bell
Paul Msiza
On a motion by Jerry Carlisle, seconded by Paul Msiza, the General Council adopted the agenda as presented.
Confirmation of Minutes
By consensus, the General Council approved the minutes as presented.
President’s Report
First Vice President Karl Johnson invited President Mackey to present his report to the General Council. President Mackey expressed appreciation for General Secretary Brown and the entire BWA Team. He shared how he had represented the BWA since the last Annual Gathering, including in Argentina, Nicaragua, South Korea, Spain, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela.
He also highlighted four mission fields for the BWA to address:
• The mission field of those under severe pain
• The mission field of the new generations
• The mission field of extreme polarization
• The mission field of extreme secularism
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
He called on the BWA to deepen its response to these mission fields and gave practical examples of how to show Christ’s love in each of the areas. President Mackey emphasized the importance of the Covenant on Intra-Baptist Relationships in identifying how to be both one and multiple, rich in variety of expressions and strong in the identity of its unity. He stated that this should always be distinctive of the BWA. He concluded by challenging the General Council with Jude 24-25 and recognized the young adults in attendance at the Annual Gathering. First Vice President Johnson thanked him for the report.
Report of Resolutions Committee
Brian Kaylor, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, outlined the resolutions process and explained that the draft resolution had already been emailed to General Council members as a first reading. This change in process was due to the shortened General Council meetings and to be more inclusive of those participating virtually. Kaylor then did a second reading of the only proposed resolution which was entitled: Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples. He thanked the Resolutions Committee for their work and noted that any suggested changes were due later that day.
Welcome by General Secretary
General Secretary Brown conveyed his greetings to the General Council and stated his appreciation for both the Baptist Union of Norway and the EBF Team for their help in planning and hosting the Annual Gathering.
General Secretary Brown then announced that he was inducting a new person to the General Secretary’s Global Leadership Council, comprised of individuals who represent the best of the BWA and whose sacrificial ministry of truly global impact within Baptist life accords them a permanent place of honor within the BWA. Since 2018, only three individuals have been inducted into the Global Leadership Council: David Coffey, Billy Kim, and Emmanuel McCall. He announced that Regina Claas was being named to the General Secretary’s Global Leadership Council.
He shared several tributes for her lifetime of sacrificial ministry within the global Baptist family, and then invited Claas to join him on the platform. Claas spoke of her love of the BWA and gave thanks to God.
General Secretary Brown shared how much he was looking forward to the SENT Conference later that week and concluded by stating that the BWA family is a people on a mission.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – Regional Updates
During the General Council, each BWA Regional Secretary was given time to share a mission story/testimony from their region and to facilitate a creative prayer time. The General Council members were encouraged to read the regional reports in the published report book. During the first session, the General Council heard from Regional Secretaries Alan Donaldson (European Baptist Federation) and Jeremy Bell (North American Baptist Fellowship) and prayed for both regions.
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
General Secretary Recognition
Lone Møller-Hansen, Chair of the Human Resources Committee, recognized General Secretary Brown for his five years of service. President Mackey prayed for his ongoing ministry with the global Baptist family.
Break
Before the break, President Mackey asked Josue Muniz to come and lead the General Council in prayer.
SESSION TWO
Monday, July 3, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Call to Order
President Mackey called the meeting back to order after the break.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – Regional Updates
During the General Council, each BWA Regional Secretary was given time to share a mission story/testimony from their region and to facilitate a creative prayer time. The General Council members were encouraged to read the regional reports in the published report book. During the second session the General Council heard from Regional Secretaries Elias Apetogbo (All Africa Baptist Fellowship) and Vesekhoyi Tetseo (Asia Pacific Baptist Federation) and prayed for both regions.
BWA Ministry Update
General Secretary Brown began the BWA ministry update by reminding the General Council that the BWA family has a biblical call to live as a people sent on the mission of God. As a missionary people, the BWA has gathered in this sacred space for this Annual Gathering to be sent on the evangelistic mission of God to every neighborhood and every nation. He challenged attendees to be renewed as a missionary people, understanding that since every person is created in the image of God, there is also a commitment to tell all people about the God in whose image they are made.
General Secretary Brown noted that since the first generally recognized modern Baptist church in 1609, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard has been integral to the identity of Baptists. He continued by pointing to historic figures that emphasized the Baptist call to live as people sent on the mission of God, including George Liele, William Carey, Ann and Adoniram Judson, and Johan Gerhard Oncken. Additionally, General Secretary Brown noted that for more than 115 years, BWA Baptists have resolved that mission and evangelism is a central command of Jesus Christ and a central component of Baptist identity. He pointed to BWA resolutions passed in 1939, 1955, 1965, 1983, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2011 and then posed four questions to consider:
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Question One: Does the BWA Baptist family continue to live the conviction that we are a mission people who are sent?
General Secretary Brown told some stories of different evangelism efforts and noted that around the world many BWA Baptists remain passionate about sharing the Gospel. He shared the fastest growing Baptist conventions by region from the previous year:
Africa: Baptist Church of Congo (DR Congo), 22%
Asia Pacific: Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church (India), 15%
Caribbean: Baptist Alliance of Barbados (Barbados), 5%
Europe & Middle East: Baptist Union of Lithuania (Lithuania), 25%
Latin America: Convention of Independent Baptist Churches (Brazil), 12%
North America: Chin Baptist Churches USA (USA), 53%
Celebrating that in the last 10 years BWA Baptists had grown by 29%, General Secretary Brown gave the following statistics on the BWA Baptist growth by region over the last 10 years:
Europe and Middle East
North America
Asia Pacific
Caribbean
Latin America
Africa
2% decline
5% decline
26% growth
71% growth
27% growth
102% growth
He stated that this growth was testimony to the grace of the Lord and the passionate commitment of many Baptists to share the Good News. General Secretary Brown then shared the annual BWA Baptist Vulnerability Index, reminding attendees that these are the Baptists around the world who are in contexts simultaneously facing the highest levels of war, persecution, hunger, and livelihood challenges.
Top 10 Most Vulnerable BWA Baptists
1. Syria
2. Central African Republic
3. Democratic Republic of Congo
4. South Sudan
5. Sudan
6. Chad
7. Burkina Faso
8. Burundi
9. India
10. Nigeria
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
He noted that the Baptists in these 10 countries represent 30.45% of all BWA Baptists and called on the global Baptist family to stand together with them through prayer and partnership.
Question 2: Does the BWA continue to prioritize the conviction that we are a mission people who are sent?
General Secretary Brown noted that leading in mission and evangelism is one of the founding principles of the Baptist movement and one of the five key ministry areas of the BWA. He then reported that the BWA had invested significant resources into this ministry area in the last year. These included:
• A virtual School of Evangelism as a multilingual partnership with regions to equip and release Baptists to serve on mission. 400 were trained in the Caribbean and 3,000 were trained in Latin America.
• A grant for Venezuela to help Baptists plant 50 churches.
• During May, which is Evangelism Emphasis Month, Baptists in 39 countries participated and 97,674 people gave their life to Jesus Christ.
He also announced that the Global Baptist Mission Network would be launched the next day and then mentioned other ways the BWA responded last year in holistic Gospel witness. This response included:
• Racial Justice: The 2022 Annual Gathering was the largest in 20 years and focused on racial justice. The BWA statement “Restorative Racial Justice: A Call to Live in Flourishing Freedom” has now been translated into Spanish and French.
• Domestic Violence: BWA Women launched a major Stand Against Domestic Violence initiative as around one third of women worldwide have experienced violence by an intimate partner.
• Religious Persecution: Partnering with 21Wilberforce and BWA United Nations representatives, BWA continued engagement on behalf of Myanmar. 21Wilberforce mobilized 10,000 people who helped successfully pass United States human rights legislation on Myanmar. The need for advocacy is ongoing, including for Myanmar Baptist leader Pastor Samson Hkalam who is unjustly imprisoned.
• Aid: In the last year, BWAid provided food to address unprecedented hunger, responded in hope to war and extreme economic crisis, gave help in COVID and health crises, and facilitated training for transformation.
• Train Next Generation Leaders: BWA is launching the Bob Morris Scholarship to honor the late leader of the EBF children and youth ministry. This scholarship fund was established to carry on his legacy of investing in the next generation. BWA’s initial goal is to raise $100,000. So far, $57,000 has been raised and ongoing generosity to this fund will help the BWA continue to invest in Horizons to train the next generation of children and youth leaders around the world.
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
General Secretary Brown celebrated that there are many areas in which the BWA is sent with biblical witness.
Question 3: Will the conviction that we are a mission people who are sent continue to organize our BWA governance structures?
General Secretary Brown stated that for more than 400 years, mission has often been the impulse that has led to organizing as a Baptist movement. He reminded the General Council that four years ago the BWA began an intentional governance review to re-energize the BWA identity and mission as the two primary organizing principles of BWA governance structures. This review grows out of the BWA mission statement which states, “Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.”
He continued by stating that after several years of study, the Membership Committee, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and the Executive Committee unanimously adopted a Bylaws and a Constitutional proposal that would more intentionally align BWA membership and mission, strengthen the original 1905 vision and membership of the BWA, and enhance the global diversity of the BWA. General Secretary Brown reminded attendees that there have been multiple breakout sessions with General Council members on the membership changes and that last year the General Council had overwhelmingly voted to adopt the Bylaws proposal. The one-year notice of motion was given for the Constitutional proposal which would be voted on today. He encouraged General Council members to vote for the Constitutional changes.
General Secretary Brown invited General Council members to additional breakout sessions that would cover updates related to the Constitution, Bylaws, titles, and the governance structures of the BWA. The sessions would be available both in-person and online. The sessions, with the same content, would be held once on Monday afternoon and once on Tuesday afternoon.
Question 4: Will we recommit as individuals to live as a mission people who are sent?
General Secretary Brown posed this question and encouraged attendees to walk through the week in prayerful anticipation that the Lord is going to renew structures, churches, and individuals to have a passionate dedication to engage in evangelism and mission. He concluded with a prayer of commitment.
Report of Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Bob Terry, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, reminded the General Council of the notice of motion distributed in April 2022 and amended in July 2022. The following proposed changes to the Constitution were for consideration at this 2023 General Council meeting:
MINUTES
THE JULY 2023 MEETING
CONSTITUTION
IV MEMBERSHIP
1. “An organized Baptist body such as a union or convention which desires to cooperate in the work of the Alliance shall be eligible for membership, subject to the approval of the General Council.” In accepting membership in the Alliance the member body thereby assumes responsibility for assisting in the support and furtherance of the purposes and work of the Alliance.
2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: The intention of Associate Membership is to involve organized Baptist groups in the global ministry of the Baptist World Alliance through prayer, the sharing of resources and participation in the meetings, congresses and conferences of the Baptist World Alliance. The ministry of organized Baptist bodies and the Alliance are all strengthened through this intentional partnership.
3. PERSONAL MEMBERSHIP: The intention of Personal Membership is to involve Baptists in the global ministry of the Baptist World Alliance through prayer, the sharing of resources and participation in the meetings, congresses and conferences of the Baptist World Alliance. The ministry of individuals and the Alliance are both strengthened through this intentional partnership.
The General Council shall comprise:
IV PARTNERSHIP
In accordance with the teaching of Scripture, the BWA intentionally seeks a membership that reflects, in a visible way, the rich diversity of the global body of Christ.
1. MEMBER PARTNERSHIP: An organized Baptist body which desires to fully participate and cooperate in the work and mission of the Alliance and fulfills the criteria detailed in the Bylaws of the Alliance shall be eligible to be a Member Partner, subject to the approval of the General Council. In accepting this membership in the Alliance, the Member Partner thereby assumes responsibility for assisting in the support and furtherance of the purposes and work of the Alliance.
2. MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP: The intention of Ministry Partnership is to involve other Baptist groups in the global mission of the Baptist World Alliance. The mission and ministry of Baptist groups and the Alliance are all strengthened through this intentional partnership.
3. AFFINITY PARTNERSHIP: The intention of Affinity Partnership is to involve Baptist churches, individuals and other groups in the global mission of the Baptist World Alliance. The ministry of these partners, and the Alliance are both strengthened through this intentional partnership.
VI GENERAL COUNCIL
The General Council shall comprise:
(b) Members nominated by member bodies and seated by the General Council, vacancies to be filled by the General Council on nomination of the member body concerned. The number of places to be allocated to each member body shall be determined in accordance with the Bylaws: provided that each member body shall be entitled to at least one place, and no Member body shall have more than ten percent of the total membership of the Council. …..
(b) Representatives nominated by Member Partners and seated by the General Council, vacancies to be filled by the General Council on nomination of the respective Member Partner. The number of places to be allocated to each Member Partner shall be determined in accordance with the Bylaws: provided that each Member Partner shall be entitled to at least one place, and no Member Partner shall have more than ten percent of the total membership of the Council. …..
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council voted and approved the Constitutional amendments as presented.
For: 86 Against: 1
RESULT: Motion Passed
Abstain: 2
MINUTES OF THE JULY 2023 MEETING
Terry then presented a notice of motion for a new Constitution to be considered at the 2024 General Council meeting. He noted that the draft Constitution had been endorsed by both the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Executive Committee. He also outlined the following principles:
• The Constitution should reflect BWA’s nature as a global Baptist family organized as an ecclesiological network.
• The Constitution should articulate an ecclesiology of the BWA.
• The Constitution should focus on the identity of the BWA while the Bylaws focus on the mechanics of the BWA.
• The Constitution should focus on principles, but the principles should give enough indication that the Bylaws focus on mechanics as an outgrowth of the constitutional principles.
• The Constitution’s focus on identity and principles (who we are) would lend itself to a shorter document changed less often.
• The Bylaws’ focus on mechanics (how we are) would lend itself to a longer document that can be changed over time.
The draft of the proposed Constitution is appended to these minutes and was commended to the General Council for careful study and review. Terry shared that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee anticipates that there will also be a notice of motion distributed by April 2024 regarding new Bylaws.
Adjournment
President Mackey reminded the General Council members of the Governance Review Breakout Session to be held later that day. He then adjourned the General Council meeting.
SESSION THREE
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 9:00 – 10:25 a.m.
Call to Order
President Mackey called the meeting to order for the day.
Report of Resolutions Committee
Brian Kaylor, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, brought the resolution for consideration by the General Council:
The Resolutions Committee moves the adoption of the Resolution on Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples.
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The General Council unanimously approved the Resolution on Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples as presented.
The resolution is appended to these minutes.
Global Baptist Mission Network Launch
General Secretary Brown announced the launch of the Global Baptist Mission Network (GBMN) and gave an overview of the new initiative. Designed as a partnership embracing interdependence, collaboration, and cooperation, this new network will connect missionfocused organizations, mission departments, and individuals working with a focus on advancement of world mission. He celebrated that there was already representation from all six BWA regions as 23 mission organizations from 17 countries have joined as inaugural members. General Secretary Brown celebrated that the GBMN’s membership comprises more than 7,000 missionaries.
Providing a space for relationship building, discussion, and networking, the GBMN aims to help its members work more effectively. The network, which will meet during each Annual Gathering, will facilitate relationships among Baptist mission leaders and movements, provide thought leadership in the field of mission, identify and reach new mission fields, collaborate between agencies and mission personnel, and curtail resource waste. General Secretary Brown thanked Everton Jackson, GBMN Facilitator and BWA Director of Integral Mission, and KangSan Tan, GBMN Steering Committee Chair, for their tireless efforts in putting together this new network.
Kang-San Tan then spoke of the privilege to serve alongside outstanding colleagues from various Baptist missions from different parts of the Baptist family. He highlighted some of GBMN’s initial endeavors, including a Global Mapping project led by John Chan of Canadian Baptist Ministries with the aim to develop a global database of Baptist mission agencies and departments that will foster enhanced communication and new partnerships across the GBMN movement. He also shared about a “Many Places-Many Voices” project led by Scott Pilgrim of Baptist Mission Australia and Darrell Jackson from Whitley College in Australia. Tan reported that this collaborative initiative is aimed at sparking polycentric and polyvocal missiological thought and dialogue in order to lead GBMN towards new missional directions and missional partnerships. He shared the names of the GBMN working group members and noted that there was additional room to strengthen gender and cultural diversity. He invited attendees to the GBMN session the following day to help shape the direction of these collaborative initiatives.
Following a video presentation on GBMN, General Secretary Brown made an appeal for membership and shared about the application process. The inaugural members were recognized and invited to the front. The following is the list of the inaugural members of the GBMN:
• The Union of Indonesian Baptist Churches, Indonesia (APBF)
• Jamaica Baptist Union, Jamaica (CBF)
• Baptist Union of Denmark, Denmark (EBF)
• BMS World Mission, Great Britain (EBF)
• Living Word Society, The Convention of Lebanese Baptist Evangelical Churches, Lebanon (EBF)
• Russian Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists, Russia (EBF)
• All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists, Ukraine (EBF)
• Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, USA (NABF)
• NBCA (INC) - International Foreign Mission, USA (NABF)
• American Baptist International Ministries, USA (NABF)
• Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, USA (NABF)
• Canadian Baptist Ministries, Canada (NABF)
• Brazilian Baptist World Mission, JMM, Brazil (UBLA)
• Confederación Evangélica Bautista-Evangelical Baptist Confederation, Argentina (UBLA)
• Directorate of Missions and Evangelization-National Bapt. Con of Venezuela, Venezuela (UBLA)
• The Administrative Mission Board, National Baptist Convention of Brazil, Brazil (UBLA)
• Junta de Missões Nacionais - Board of National Missions, Brazil (UBLA)
President Mackey concluded the GBMN launch by offering a prayer of dedication.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – Regional Update
During the General Council, each BWA Regional Secretary was given time to share a mission story/testimony from their region and to facilitate a creative prayer time. The General Council members were encouraged to read the regional reports in the published report book. During the third session, the General Council heard from Regional Secretary Anslem Warrick (Caribbean Baptist Fellowship) and prayed for the region.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – BWA Women
BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston gave an update on the ministry and recognized the women present. The General Council members were encouraged to read the report in the published report book. A time of prayer was held.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – Men’s Department
Men’s Department Director Ayoola Badejo gave an update on the ministry and recognized the men present. The General Council members were encouraged to read the report in the published report book. A time of prayer was held.
Report of Membership Committee
First Vice President Karl Johnson, reporting as Membership Committee Chair, presented eight applications for consideration. The first four were conventions/unions.
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First Vice President Johnson presented the membership application for consideration from Association of Telugu Baptist Churches (ATBC), a body of 34,400 members in 236 churches in India. The official address of the association is in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. If accepted, the ATBC would be the twenty-third BWA member body in India. ATBC is a new member of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), and Regional Secretary Tetseo wrote to support the application. Support for the application was also received from Karnataka Baptist Convention. All necessary membership application documents had been submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted Association of Telugu Baptist Churches into BWA membership.
First Vice President Johnson then presented the application from the Telangana Baptist Convention (TBC), a body of 73,607 members in 534 churches in India. The official address of the convention is in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. If accepted, the TBC would be the twentyfourth BWA member body in India. TBC was a new member of the APBF, and Regional Secretary Tetseo wrote to support the application. Support for the application was also received from Karnataka Baptist Convention. All necessary membership application documents had been submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted Telangana Baptist Convention into BWA membership.
First Vice President Johnson then presented the membership application for consideration from Union of Baptist Evangelical Churches of Niger, an organization of 4,014 members in 34 churches. If accepted, it would be the first BWA Member Partner in Niger. The Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Niger is a new member of AABF, and the Regional Secretary wrote to support the application. Support for the application was also received from the Togo Baptist Convention. All necessary membership application documents were submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Niger into BWA membership.
The next membership application considered was from the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land, a body of 500 members in 13 churches in the Palestinian Territories. If accepted, it would be the first BWA member body in the Palestinian Territories. The Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land is a longstanding member of the European Baptist Federation and Regional Secretary Donaldson wrote to support the application. Support for the application was also received from the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel. All necessary membership application documents were submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted the Council of Local Churches of the Holy Land into BWA membership.
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First Vice President Johnson then shared that in prayerful anticipation of the vote yesterday on the changes to the Constitution being adopted, a handful of groups applied to be part of an inaugural group of Member Partners who are ready for immediate consideration at this Annual Gathering. This possibility of being inaugural Member Partners was only open to a handful of groups that have been close to the BWA for many years.
He presented four applications for consideration for this inaugural group of Member Partners.
The first inaugural Member Partner application he presented was from the Baptist Missionary Society Ltd. Founded in 1792, The Baptist Missionary Society Ltd is a mission organization located in the United Kingdom working in around 30 countries on four continents. If accepted, The Baptist Missionary Society Ltd would be the third BWA Member Partner focused primarily on mission. The EBF Regional Secretary wrote to support the application as did the Baptist Union of Great Britain. All necessary membership application documents were submitted. On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted The Baptist Missionary Society Ltd into BWA membership.
The second inaugural Member Partner application First Vice President Johnson presented was from Dallas Baptist University. Founded in 1898, Dallas Baptist University is an education organization located in Texas, USA, with more than 4,300 students. If accepted, Dallas Baptist University would be the first BWA Member Partner focused primarily on education. The NABF Regional Secretary submitted a reference form and support for the application was received from the Baptist General Convention of Texas. All necessary membership application documents were submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted Dallas Baptist University into BWA membership.
The third inaugural Member Partner application he presented was from Howard Payne University. Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is an education organization located in Texas, USA, with 1,000 students. If accepted, Howard Payne University would be the second BWA Member Partner focused primarily on education. The NABF Regional Secretary submitted a reference form and support for the application was received from the Baptist General Convention of Texas. All necessary membership application documents were submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted Howard Payne University into BWA membership.
The fourth inaugural Member Partner application presented by First Vice President Johnson was from the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development. Founded in 1998, the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development is an aid organization that seeks to strengthen the witness of the Church in the Arab World through inclusive education,
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community development, and church discipleship. If accepted, the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development would be the first BWA Member Partner focused primarily on aid, relief, and community development. The EBF Regional Secretary and the Convention of the Evangelical Baptist Churches in Lebanon wrote to support the application. All necessary membership application documents were submitted.
On a motion by the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee, the General Council unanimously accepted the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development into BWA membership.
First Vice President Johnson asked the Geneal Council to pray for the Suspension/Removal Process Subcommittee. It was formed based on the new Bylaws Article 1, 1.h which states: The Membership Committee may at times discern and recommend suspension or removal of a Member Partner, where they are no longer fulfilling the conditions under which their membership was approved. Suspension or removal must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee and reported to General Council. Removal does not preclude future reapplication.
He celebrated the new members and thanked Julie Justus Williams for walking alongside the applicant groups. First Vice President Johnson then invited representatives of the new members to the stage. Leaders Sam Bontha from Association of Telugu Baptist Churches, Solomon John Baptist from Telangana Baptist Convention, Panlieba Tchalieni from Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Niger, Munir Kakish from Council of Local Churches of the Holy Land, Kang-San Tan from The Baptist Missionary Society Ltd, Bob Garrett from Dallas Baptist University, and Nabil Costa from Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development were invited to share what BWA membership means to their organization.
Break
President Mackey dismissed the General Council for a short break.
SESSION FOUR
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Call to Order
President Mackey called the meeting back to order after the break.
BWA Team Member Recognition
Lone Møller-Hansen, Chair of the Human Resources Committee, recognized BWA Director of Global Partnerships and Unity Julie Justus Williams for her more than twenty years of service to the organization.
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Report of BWA Awards Committee
BWA Awards Committee Chair Thomas Klammt began his report by thanking committee members, especially President Mackey for his participation and Merritt Johnston for her organizational support. The members of the Awards Committee had been diligent in preparing and executing the nomination process and were excited to make a recommendation to the Executive Committee. He shared the nominations process for the 2024 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. Klammt invited General Council members to send nominations of human rights champions before the end of November and to encourage others to do the same.
Presentation of Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award
Klammt continued by announcing Mona Khauli from Lebanon as the recipient of the 2023 BWA Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. Klammt read a citation that emphasized her faith and humanitarian values that led to devoting her life to advancing the human rights of women and girls in Lebanon. He celebrated that through Khauli’s steadfast commitment, she has advocated for women’s equal participation in society and has led numerous programs to empower women through social, economic, and educational development.
Lina Sawan from Lebanon, BWA Vice President and member of the Awards Committee, shared some personal words about the awardee and then the plaque was presented to Khauli. The General Council gave her a standing ovation.
Khauli expressed her appreciation for the award, noting that she had served as one of the BWA Vice Presidents from 1995-2000, alongside the dedicated Denton Lotz. She noted that both Janice and Denton Lotz became personal family friends over these years. Khauli shared stories from her years of service and how this honor is a precious foreshadow of the future crown –“the Crown of Life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.” She invited Charles Costa, President of the Convention of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Lebanon, to the stage with her and noted her appreciation that her granddaughter was able to travel with her to receive this award.
Report of Nominations Committee
As the chair of the Nominations Committee, President Mackey presented the following nominations to the General Council:
On a motion by the Nominations Committee, the General Council unanimously elected Wayne Faison, Lone Møller-Hansen, and Enoch Thompson to serve on the Executive Committee for the 2023-2026 term and Valerie Carter Smith to serve as an Additional General Council Member for the remainder of the quinquennium.
President Mackey called for continued prayers for the Nominations Committee as they embark on the 2025-2030 Officer Search process. President Mackey also thanked Director Justus Williams for staffing the Nominations Committee.
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A comment was made from the floor regarding the ongoing need for the Middle East to be represented by a BWA officer.
Praying for God’s Mission in the World – Regional Update
During the General Council, each BWA Regional Secretary was given time to share a mission story/testimony from their region and to facilitate a creative prayer time. The General Council members were encouraged to read the regional reports in the published report book. During the fourth session, the General Council heard from BWA Vice President Fernando Brandão on behalf of Regional Secretary Parrish Jacome (Union of Baptists in Latin America) and prayed for the region.
23rd Baptist World Congress Launch Celebration
Ron Bobo, Chair of the Congress Committee, invited the General Council to the 23rd Baptist World Congress to be held in Brisbane, Australia, from July 7-12, 2025. Based on Luke 4:18-19, the theme for the Congress is “Living the Good News” and he gave an overview of the daily subthemes.
His invitation was echoed by Mark Wilson in his capacity as National Ministries Director of Australian Baptist Ministries and President of APBF. Wilson shared that both the country and region were looking forward to hosting the 23rd Baptist World Congress.
Stewart Pieper, Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) and Director of Queensland Baptists, spoke to the General Council about the city of Brisbane and how the LAC was working on the Congress logistics. A video was shown about the Congress logo’s rich symbolic meaning described by the designer, Australian Indigenous artist Mariah Sweetman.
Carolina Mangieri, Director of Global Events and Fellowship, then announced the official opening of Congress registration. She shared about the events of the Congress week, including the Baptist Women’s Summit and the Emerging Leaders’ Summit. Mangieri noted that the Congress offers experiences for all ages with family-friendly sessions and special programs provided specifically for children and teenagers during the morning and afternoons of the event.
The Australian Baptists present at the Annual Gathering distributed koalas to participants while Merritt Johnston, Director of Communications and Media/BWA Women Executive Director, called on General Council members to promote the Congress. She also made a special invitation to the women present to attend the Baptist Women’s Summit.
General Secretary Brown concluded the Congress launch celebration by announcing a coupon code, expiring July 9, to save 25% off the Congress registration price.
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Invitation to Nigeria
Director Mangieri shared how the BWA was looking forward to July 2024 when the 10th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE) and Annual Gathering would be held in Lagos, Nigeria. She recognized members of the Local Arrangements Core Committee present at the Annual Gathering, including Israel Akanji, Elias Amétepeh A. Apetogbo, Ayoola Badejo, Joesph Biodun, and Adebola Samson-Fatokun. An invitation video was shown.
Worship
General Secretary Brown thanked Lina Toth, Chair of the Commission on Baptist Worship and Spirituality, and her team for sharing their gifts by leading worship throughout the week.
President’s Benediction and Adjournment
President Mackey thanked both in-person and online attendees. He noted that the Baptist Union of Norway would be thanked for hosting the Annual Gathering following the combined worship service with the European Baptist Federation the next day. After giving the benediction, President Mackey adjourned the meeting.
Submitted by Julie Justus Williams, July 2023
Future BWA Meetings
• July 5-7, 2024, 10th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE), Lagos, Nigeria
• July 7-12, 2024, Annual Gathering, Lagos, Nigeria
• July 7-12, 2025, 23rd Baptist World Congress, Brisbane, Australia
Appendix I: Draft Constitution of the Baptist World Alliance as Presented to the General Council
PREAMBLE
The Baptist World Alliance extending to every part of the world, exists as an expression of the essential oneness of Baptist people in the Lord Jesus Christ sharing a common confession of faith in Jesus Christ bonded together by God’s love to support, encourage, and strengthen one another while proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit before a lost and hurting world. The Baptist World Alliance is hereinafter referred to as “BWA.”
Our Authority
Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the BWA declares that the divinely inspired Old and New Testament Scriptures have supreme authority as the written Word of God and are fully trustworthy for faith and conduct.
Our Heritage
Rooted in scripture and historic, faithful Christian witness, the BWA stands together as a Baptist family forged in the crucible of biblical discipleship, committed mission, and religious freedom, drawing upon a collective shared history since the first generally acknowledged modern Baptist congregation in 1609 and as an organizational movement since 1905.
Our Ecclesiology
The BWA recognizes the traditional autonomy and interdependence of Baptist churches and organized Baptist bodies. Our ecclesiology is as a covenantal people centered upon Jesus Christ as revealed through the Bible and in commitment to shared discernment and transformation in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:2), shared relationship (Jn. 17:23), and shared mission (Acts 1:8) as one worldwide Baptist family in an ecclesiological missional network.
Shared Relationship
Our ecclesiology is firstly defined as a shared covenant of relationship. Made in the image of the Triune God (Gen. 1:26-27), and being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29) in the power of the Holy Spirit, we share in the one body of Christ (Rom. 12:4-5) as one household of faith (Gal. 6:10), and therefore we are called together by Christ and belong to one another. We declare that, through the Holy Spirit, we experience interdependence with those who share this dynamic discipleship of the church as the people of God. While seeking to live out a commitment to unity in diversity, we love one another (Jn. 13:34; 1 Jn. 4:7-12) and demonstrate we are Christ’s disciples (Jn. 13:35) as we affirm and strengthen a shared covenant of relationship.
Shared Mission
Our ecclesiology is secondly defined as a shared covenant of engagement in the mission of
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God throughout the world. Commissioned by Jesus to make disciples of all nations in obedience to everything Jesus commanded (Mt. 28:18-20), we share in the worldwide mission of Jesus Christ (Lk. 4:18-21). We declare that every Baptist is a missionary called to live in anticipatory hope of the present and coming reality of the Kingdom (Mt. 6:10, Lk. 11:2) and the flourishing freedom found in the triune Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While confessing the atoning sacrifice of Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4) who is reconciling all things to Himself (2 Cor. 5:1820, Col. 1:19-20), we live as servant ambassadors of righteousness and justice (Phil. 2:5, 7) in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and demonstrate a called interdependence in the spiritual giftedness of all believers (1 Cor. 12) as we affirm and strengthen a shared covenant of engagement in mission.
ARTICLE I NAME
This fellowship is a Christian World Communion that shall be known as the Baptist World Alliance (hereinafter “BWA”).
ARTICLE II MISSION
The BWA mission is to network the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.
As a covenantal people pursuing this mission of unity in diversity and shared witness in the world, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the objectives of the BWA will be to:
1. Strengthen worship, fellowship, and unity;
2. Lead in mission and evangelism;
3. Respond through aid, relief, and community development;
4. Defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice;
5. Advance theological reflection and transformational leadership;
6. Nurture Baptist identity and Christian expression;
7. Develop the BWA and the BWA Baptist movement.
ARTICLE III IMPLEMENTATION
The BWA will implement its worldwide mission through a shared ministry model that includes, but is not limited to, the BWA General Secretary, recognized regional fellowships or federations, membership, partners, networks, ministries, and Baptists around the world. This shared ministry model will be further defined through the Bylaws.
The BWA will guide its worldwide mission through a shared governance model that includes, but is not limited to, identity, mission, membership, and fiduciary governance. This governance model and the structures, officers, membership, process for governance policies, and ongoing ministry will be further defined through the Bylaws.
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ARTICLE IV
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution require at least ninety days notice, and a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting as prescribed in the Bylaws.
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Appendix II: BWA General Council Resolution 2023.1 Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Stavanger, Norway, July 2-5, 2023:
ACKNOWLEDGES the Sámi people of the Sápmi region, some of which overlaps with the modern nation in which we gather.
CELEBRATES the rich diversity of humans made in the image of God around the world, as seen in every nation, tribe, people, and language.
CONDEMNS centuries of mistreatment of Indigenous peoples around the world, especially the genocide and settler colonialism that decimated entire communities and cultures. Additionally, we denounce the seizure of land, treaty violations, forced migration, segregation, employment and religious discrimination, mistreatment by law officials, contamination of vital natural resources, and other injustices to which Indigenous peoples have been and are subjected.
REPUDIATES the “Doctrine of Discovery” and any theological interpretation by Christians to justify the abuse, enslavement, and slaughter of Indigenous peoples.1 Such efforts to bless the dehumanizing of people and the theft of their lands are fundamentally in opposition to the gospel of Jesus.
RECOGNIZES that despite the growing community of Christians renouncing such theology, the principles from the Doctrine of Discovery remain embedded in some national laws, societal attitudes toward Indigenous peoples, and even in some Christian resources.
LAMENTS that some Baptists and other Christians participated in the injustices against Indigenous peoples, including killing people, seizing land, kidnapping children, running residential schools or other institutions to eliminate cultures and languages, and restricting civil and religious rights.
LAUDS those Baptists and other Christians who advocated for Indigenous rights and treated Indigenous peoples with dignity and respect, including Roger Williams (Turtle Island/North America), John Saunders (Australia), and Silas Rand (Canada).
HONORS Indigenous Baptist leaders who have faithfully ministered even amid difficult circumstances, inadequate and inequitable support, and discrimination from other Baptists. Among the many in the great cloud of witnesses are Joseph Amos (U.S.), John Chilembwe (Malawi), Graham Paulson (Australia), and Truby Mihaere (Aotearoa/New Zealand).
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SUPPORTS evangelistic and discipleship efforts to all peoples, provided that such methods respect the humanity, culture, language, conscience, and land of each person.
CALLS on Baptist churches, colleges, unions, and other institutions to study their own historical and present complicity with discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and urges more work toward restorative justice efforts to end discrimination against Indigenous peoples and repair the damage from past wrongs.
COMMENDS continuing Baptist efforts to acknowledge past injustices, apologize to Indigenous peoples, advocate for justice, and work toward building more inclusive fellowships. For instance, we applaud the work of Te Hāhi Iriiri o Aotearoa (The Baptist Churches of New Zealand) and Canadian Baptist Ministries.
LOOKS forward to the participation of Indigenous peoples during the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, in 2025, and celebrates that the logo for the gathering is designed by Australian Indigenous artist Mariah Sweetman with an artistic style unique to Australian First Nations people.
1For background about the “Doctrine of Discovery,” see https://humanrights.ca/story/doctrine -discovery
President’s Report
Report to the BWA General Council
July 8-11, 2024
Tomás Mackey, President
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8
Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown and the entire team without whose daily commitment the task would be impossible.
I wish to extend this gratitude to regional and national leaders of conventions and unions who work hard and are a constant source of inspiration, and to the local churches that I have visited and have enriched me with their experiences and wisdom.
I. VISITS TO CONVENTIONS AND UNIONS
1. Visit to Beirut, Lebanon. THIMAR-LSESD (Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development) – 25th Anniversary, September 6 – October 2, 2023
BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown, BWAid Director Marsha Scipio, and I were invited to participate in the “Loving God & Neighbor Together” conference and celebration. I want to thank particularly Drs. Charlie and Nabil Costa for their leadership and work.
I was highly impressed by the excellence and growth of the organization. As they say, they first started their ministry as a small organization in Lebanon and now they see Lebanon as a hub and a gateway to the Middle East where they are “called to be on a mission with God digging deeper routes in this region”. Lebanese Baptists work through partnerships and connections to impact the Middle East for Christ.
It was especially meaningful to be able to meet with pastors from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Egypt and get to know what the Lord is doing in the places where they serve.
Lebanon has faced and continues to face political unrest, economic downfall, increased poverty, widespread social tensions, and refugee crisis. But our brothers and sisters have seen this as a challenge to spread God’s love and hope. Visits to one of their schools and a refugee site were particularly inspiring for me.
We pray that our Lord may lead them through these challenging times, reminding them that even in moments of despair, there is a greater plan at work.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2. Visit to Budapest, Hungary. Baptist 500th Jubilee. Baptist Union of Hungary, November 17-23, 2023
Let me first thank brothers Papp János and Lajos Téglasi, President and Foreign Secretary of the Baptist Union of Hungary, for their invitation, the warm welcome, and the careful agenda prepared for my visit.
The main celebration remembering 500 years since Anabaptist ancestors started their spiritual mission in the territory of the Carpathian-basin was held in the Budapest Sports Arena, November 19-21, with an attendance of nearly 10,000 participants. The preacher at the evangelistic event was Will Graham, Dr. Billy Graham’s grandson and Vice President of Billy Graham’s Association.
As part of the agenda, I met Minister István Nagy representing the Hungarian Government who praised Hungarian Baptists for their work and commitment.
It was very important to see part of the extraordinary work being done by the Union in the social area and to get to know about it firsthand by meeting Hungarian Baptist Aid leaders. I also had the privilege of visiting the Baptist Theological Academy with its important library and meeting its leaders.
Our Hungarian brothers and sisters are very involved in the country's education, to the point that the government has requested that they be the administrators of a large number of public schools, one of which I could visit. This is a great privilege and an enormous responsibility, especially in these times of increasing secularism. May the Lord grant them the vision to do this with wisdom for His Kingdom.
3. Visit to Kigali, Rwanda. AABF 40th Anniversary Celebration and General Gathering, November 26 – December 4, 2023
Under the motto "From Seir to Canaan," AABF celebrated its 40th Anniversary. I thank God for the leadership of Brothers Elias Apetogbo, General Secretary, and Rev. Israel Akanji, President, who along with their teams made this event possible.
On the occasion, BWA was officially represented by General Secretary Elijah Brown accompanied by his wife Amy and myself. Both Dr. Brown and I were invited to preach and lead workshops. The guest speaker and preacher was well-known Rev. Rick Warren.
Beyond the main event, we were able to actively participate in the celebration of baptisms and the ordination of new pastors.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
We also visited the Genocide Memorial, a place to honor the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. We joined congress attendees in a parade towards the Memorial singing and showing posters announcing that Christians are peacemakers.
We met leaders of the four Conventions of Rwanda and had productive conversations with them. A special moment was the meeting with Baptist leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the border between DRC and Rwanda where we could pray and worship together, even amidst the conflict between both countries, demonstrating that Christ “himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”.
Let’s pray for Africa, its population, and its leadership. May God grant them peace.
4. Visit to Los Angeles, Chile. Annual Meeting of UBACH (Unión de Iglesias Evangélicas Bautistas de Chile), January 10-13, 2024
The UBACH (Baptist Union of Baptist Evangelical Churches of Chile) invited me to be the preacher at their annual assembly where they met under the central theme: The Mission that Persists in a Changing World.
Besides the assembly there were also two special services where I had the opportunity to preach, one celebrating 100 years of the host Church, First Baptist Church of Los Angeles, and one other with focus on missions.
It was a pleasure for me to be able to invite the attendees to our next world congress and several of them expressed their interest in attending.
Let me thank Pastor Juan Carlos Barrera, President of the Convention, and his team for the excellent work they are doing.
5. Visit to Penco, Chile. Annual Assembly of the National Baptist Convention of Chile, January 25-28, 2024
I traveled again to Chile to participate in the National Baptist Convention Assembly. The general theme of the meeting under which I preached on three occasions was, "Disciples Facilitators of Grace".
Prior to the Assembly I was invited to preach at the Chilean Baptist Women's meeting on the opening night of their own assembly, and I also had separate encounters with youth leaders and with the Pastors Association of this Convention.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
I want to thank Pastor Héctor Cisternas, President, and Baptists from this Chilean Convention for their warm welcome, their work, and their interest in participating in the next world congress.
6. Visit to Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya State, India. 150th Anniversary of the Garo Baptist Convention and Sesquicentennial Jubilee, February 1-6, 2024
It was a very meaningful experience for me to be able to participate in the 150th Anniversary and Sesquicentennial Jubilee of the Garo Baptist Convention and get to know more about what the Lord is doing through His people in that place.
Close to 40,000 people converged to attend the main service on Sunday from different parts of the State, including delegates from foreign countries. Thousands more attended the rest of the services. The activities were held outdoors on the Convention Campus at Bethel, and I was highly impressed by the way our brothers and sisters, old, young, children, traveled from different parts of the region in trucks and carts and any other means of transportation to reach the place and participate in the celebration with joy. The last night featured the participation of 10 choirs from the region. As a result of the enthusiasm generated by the invitation to attend the next world congress, one of the choirs promised to do everything possible to be in Australia.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma lauded the contribution of the Baptist missionaries in Garo Hills. He expressed his gratitude to the GBC for all its commitment and dedication in the service of God. “Christianity has brought in education, healthcare and development for our people. The missionaries have worked tirelessly for the growth and development of the A’chik community. The jubilee celebration is a testimony of the missionaries’ love and commitment for our people,” he said.
Rev. Dilseng M. Sangma was elected as the new General Secretary of GBC as Rev. Janang Sangma will retire this May to take on other responsibilities in the service of God. Thank God for the life of Rev. Janang Sangma and for his leadership and contribution to the GBC.
After the celebration, I visited the oldest church in the Meghalaya region which is 160 years old where I was invited to plant a tree in commemoration of that day.
In a visit to the Baptist Seminary, it was a great experience to preach to 300 seminary students at Chapel, talk with professors and teach a class.
In short, I returned with joy in my heart thanking God for the way His people are moving in that region of India that I was visiting for the first time.
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7. Visit to Cuba. Annual Assembly of the Fellowship of Baptist Churches of Cuba (FIBAC) and visit to churches and other three Cuban Conventions, February 21-28, 2024
Invited by the FIBAC, I visited Cuba along with Marsha Scipio, BWAid Director, and BWA VP Jennifer Lau in her role as Executive Director of Canadian Baptist Ministries.
We participated in the assembly, had the opportunity to talk with the leaders and learn firsthand the work they do by visiting various towns and cities, their house churches, and social projects. I want to give special thanks to Mrs. Coralia Blanco, President of FIBAC, Santiago Conrado Delgado, Executive Secretary, and Pastor Waldemar Murguido for making our visit possible and preparing a very complete program for our stay.
A key moment was the meeting with the representatives of the four conventions of Cuba: Baptist Convention of Western Cuba, Baptist Convention of Eastern Cuba, Free Will Baptist Convention of Cuba, and FIBAC. As part of this crucial meeting, we had the opportunity to plant a tree as a symbol of fraternity between the conventions.
We also had the opportunity to meet personally with an officer of the Government of Cuba and express our interest in the situation of the country and that of Cuban Baptist churches and the role and service they perform.
On the last day I was invited by Pastor Barbaro Marrero, President of the Baptist Seminary of Western Cuba, to teach a class and talk to professors and students about the role and mission of the BWA.
It was undoubtedly a very meaningful visit.
8. Visit to Brisbane, Australia. March 14-19, 2024
I visited Brisbane as part of promotion activities for the next world congress and to meet firsthand Queensland Baptist leaders and Local Arrangements Committee members and see meeting and accommodation facilities. I was accompanied by BWA COO and Director of Ministries Jenny Stewart, Director of Global Events and Fellowship Carolina Mangieri, and Congress Committee Chair Ronald Bobo. I thank Jenny and Carolina for the preparation of an excellent and complete agenda.
My agenda included preaching at five different ethnic communities: Korean, Slavic, Karen, Zomi and Chin, the last three from Myanmar. Thanks to pastors and leaders of those congregations for their outstanding ministry.
It was an excellent opportunity to encourage and team build with QB and Local Arrangement Committee leaders who are doing extraordinary work in preparing the Congress. Thank you, Queensland and LAC Baptists! God is blessing your hard work.
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9. Visit to Isla Margarita, Venezuela. UBLA Summit of Baptist Leaders, April 30 – May 4, 2024
Hundreds of leaders from different parts of Latin America gathered for their annual event, this time focused on the revitalization of churches in terms of their identity, discipleship processes and the intentional and committed processes for planting and multiplying new churches.
I would like to highlight that during the assembly it was decided to approve the BWA Vision 2033 Initiative, adapting it to the Latin American reality and adopting it as an UBLA program.
They are also working on the incorporation of a new database that will allow them to keep a complete and updated registry of all the member churches of the different conventions.
I pray that the Lord will bring to fruit the work that UBLA is developing in Latin America. My thanks to Pastors Parrish Jacome Hernández, General Secretary, and Alberto Prokopchuk, President, for their tireless work.
10. Visit to Vitoria, Brazil. 103rd Assembly of the Baptist Convention of Espirito Santo, June 27-28, 2024
As I write this report, the visit to Brazil is in the future. However, by the time of our General Council Meeting I will be able to report on it.
II. PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
1. Installation Ceremony of the new Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina, July 2023
2. Meetings with Argentine Pastors’ Associations: Pastors' Association of Zona Norte, Don Torcuato, July 2023; Ituzaingó Pastors' Council, November 2023
3. Virtual meetings with Baptist Youth Leaders from different parts of the world
4. Visit to New York to participate in an agenda prepared by BWA United Nations Representative Scott Stearman. March 7, 2024
Scott Stearman, Baptist World Aid Director Marsha Scipio, and I met with Liberian Ambassador Sarah Fyneah at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations. The upcoming BWA conference on Restorative Racial Justice was discussed. Amb. Fyneah promised to continue to be engaged in its development and, assuming permission, to sponsor the event at the UN. We discussed issues “in country” and had prayer with the ambassador.
We stopped by the Permanent Mission of Nicaragua to the United Nations. The Mission had not yet confirmed the appointment, but due to a previous meeting that Scott had with the assistant to the Ambassador, we were able to sit down with the PR’s secretary. There was a promise of future engagement.
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At noon we hosted a lunch with UN Civil Society Leaders. An hour and a half conversation was had with the following participants:
Levi Bautista, President of the Conference of NGOs (Congo)
Kusumita Petersen, Interfaith leader, longtime Parliament of the World’s Religions Trustee
Bobbi Nassar, Chair, NGO Committee on Human Rights at the UN
Bruce Knotts, President of Citizens for Global Solutions
Lynnaia Main, Director of the Episcopal Church Center at the UN
Roy Medley, Convener of the Burma Advocacy Group and General Secretary Emeritus, ABC
Marsha Scipio, Director, Baptist World Aid
In the afternoon Scott Stearman, Roy Medley and I met with H.E. Mr. Kyaw Moe Tun, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations at the Myanmar Mission. Amb. Tun is committed to democracy. We had a long conversation about how to advocate for the needs of Burma – both at the US state level and the UN Security Council.
We then met with director Carl Murrell at the Baha’i International Center. Carl has been a 30-year leader in civil society engagement at the United Nations and helps lead an impressive office.
I want to thank Scott for preparing this agenda and for the daily work he does and pray that God may grant him wisdom and vision as he carries out the mission.
III. THE CHURCH CREATED FOR GOD´S MISSION
"God has a church for His mission in the world. The church was made for mission."
The BWA is a tool of God in the world. Everything we are and do must serve divine purposes. The BWA has always considered the mission of the church to be a fundamental priority in the development of all its programs.
The launch of the Global Baptist Mission Network under the leadership of Rev. Everton Jackson, Director of Integral Mission, and the Vision 2033 initiative are aimed at centralizing Jesus Christ as the center of all BWA efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, knowing that He will use these tools for His work around the world.
The mission of the Baptist World Alliance, as a servant of God and the global Baptist family, includes:
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1. The mission to work for the peace of God in a world torn by violent conflicts. According to the United Nations, two billion people, or a quarter of the world's population, now live in conflict-affected areas. An estimated 84 million people are "forcibly displaced because of conflict, violence, and human rights violations," and an estimated 274 million people will need humanitarian assistance due to conflict (U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres).
Our Baptist family is present among all these people. Will there be a kairos?
2. The mission to advocate for divine provision amidst the scandalous reality of hunger. Some social situations of deep human suffering have existed for a long time. Faced with them, we risk no longer being alarmed or remaining apathetic. Two of these are hunger and poverty.
Regarding hunger, the Global Hunger Index classifies the condition in some countries as alarming: 242,009,930 inhabitants are living in frightening circumstances in 8 countries. Undernourishment, child stunting, child mortality, political instability, social unrest, environmental degradation all of these add to the distress.
Among those millions of people there are also millions who are part of our global Baptist family.
We thank the Lord for the significant work of BWAid under the leadership of Marsha Scipio.
3. The mission to produce good deeds and overcome consumerism infiltrating churches. Consumerism infiltrated into the church is detrimental to its development. The lack of doing good and the implications related to ignoring God’s commands is equally negative. Wise, just, loving, accountable employment of the riches provided by the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ, under the lordship of Christ, with total obedience of His people in diaconial dedication in the Kingdom, is what does good.
4. The mission to embody the message of Jesus crucified and resurrected, who liberates the victims.
Distinguishing between real victims and individuals who exploit victimization for personal gain can be a complex task. We must be attentive to the countless real victims of various human situations. Our task is to respond as Jesus would and offer programs that may invigorate them with wisdom, love, justice, and necessary reparative and reconstructive actions.
We must also be mindful of the business of victimization. False victimization gives way to dire consequences, such as:
Eroding trust in genuine victims, Misallocating resources based on false claims, Reinforcing harmful stereotypes about certain groups,
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Distorting public discourse,
Undermining the credibility of legitimate claims, Leading to a loss of faith in institutions and their capacity to address issues.
5. The mission to engage and invest in young people, fostering intergenerational collaboration.
In line with a large number of Christian leaders worldwide from various Christian institutions and universities, work with young people is vital for the work in the Kingdom of God and for the progress of the Baptist World Alliance.
In my readings, I have noted others believe that by engaging and investing in young people:
"We are doing something crucial for the vibrancy and growth of our faith community."
"We can help the church stay relevant and impactful."
"We are preparing them to be steadfast in their faith and effective in their witness."
"We empower them to tackle global challenges and make groundbreaking discoveries."
"We are working for the health of the church."
"We are fostering a culture of innovation and progress."
"We are ensuring that the church remains vibrant and relevant."
"We are incorporating fresh perspectives and boundless energy."
"We are unlocking the potential of young people."
"We are investing in one of the most strategic things we can do."
"We are working not for an optional part of the church's mission but for an essential one."
"We are bringing new life to our congregations."
"We are bringing fresh passion and perspective to the church.
"We are incorporating new ideas and energy that can help us adapt and thrive in an everchanging culture."
"We are incorporating our greatest asset."
"We are incorporating fresh perspectives and a hunger for truth that can revitalize our churches."
I thank God for the fruitful work that Horizons has been doing for years among young people in different parts of the world.
I am also excited for the Next Generation Leadership Summit that is being planned to take place right before our next World Congress in Brisbane.
6. The mission to strive for maturity, as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Contemporary Christians run the risk of getting used to living without holiness, believing that it is possible to be a disciple of Christ without it. Holiness has been stereotyped, sometimes confusing its true biblical meaning.
Hence, many times the way of life called holy appears unappealing, disconnected from reality, or outdated. At times, holiness is described only in its limiting aspects, causing rejection rather than enthusiasm.
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When Christians become accustomed to living without holiness, serious consequences affect personal, church, and social life. For example:
Loss of credibility in the Christian faith.
Emergence of moral corruption.
Loss of Christian values and witness.
Extreme secularism.
This can generate a lack of cohesion within society.
This can lead to polarization and paralysis in decision-making.
This can leave some people outside the benefits and resources offered by social unity.
7. The mission to cultivate the ability to test and approve what God's will is (Romans 12:2). By blending in with many prevalent cultural aspects, faith faces several risks. It risks turning into an egocentric faith, shaped by the design of its practitioner. Living a "faith à la carte," selecting only aspects that fit personal tastes or preferences, carries several dangers, such as:
Leading to superficiality and inconsistency in content.
Leading to extreme individualism and satisfaction of personal needs.
Fostering spiritual egocentrism.
Promoting religious relativism.
Losing connection with social issues.
It also risks becoming a politically correct faith conforming to societal norms and values. This faith adapts its contents and forms to be socially acceptable and not to clash with political sensitivities, leading to relativism, opportunism, manipulation, division, and inconsistency.
8. The mission to be a community recognizing one Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6).
Emphasizing pluralism without addressing unity, or emphasizing unity without integrating others, can entail several risks:
Generating a lack of cohesion within society.
Leading to polarization and paralysis in decision-making.
Leaving some people outside the benefits and resources offered by social unity.
Neither exclusion nor uniformity, but rather diversity in unity this is the teaching of Ephesians and it is what BWA represents. Firmness in unity and richness in variety require effort, preparation, and dedication. One key attitude and work to achieve unity in variety is adjusting life to the character of Jesus.
There is individual responsibility for all, a mentality of one and all: not a uniform mass, nor exclusively separate parts. The joints support both differentiation and collaboration simultaneously. One part is not the other, but they do not function separately; they function collaboratively, united, and growing in all things in Him who is the head, Christ.
9. The mission to live fully, embracing the richness of good tension.
Living in good tension is a way of living that embraces and harmonizes the best elements from seemingly opposing perspectives or forces, integrating 100% of each into a cohesive whole.
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This approach values the contributions of both poles, fostering a dynamic equilibrium that enriches and enhances overall well-being.
a. Changes-continuity.
The wise tension between continuing and changing promotes growth in the church. The experience of being holy includes both aspects. Within this great theme, working with new generations is a highly enriching priority.
b. Virtual church—a church that is incarnated in the reality of its community and the world. We have the wonderful possibility of utilizing the best digital resources available wisely. At the same time, we must always remember that the church exists incarnated, including all possible contacts with others and the culture and environment in which it lives. The church does not exist to close in on itself but as a serving tool in the world.
c. Learn the best way to live in tension: Strength-tenderness, global-local, transcendence-immanence, truth-love, already-not yet.
This learning will be fundamental in helping correct the extreme and non-dialoguing polarizations that have dangerously entered the churches.
10. The mission to live in a generative mode without futurephobia, live with hope. Futurephobia is “fear of the inability to think of better futures than the present we have” (García Barnés). “Living in a generative mode is aspiring to bring beauty, meaning, and hope where there is none” (Juan Meseguer).
Christian hope, while aware of circumstances, is not founded on them but challenges and questions them. It is not hope in what we already have. Christian hope comes to us to proclaim the divine intentionality founded on God's love, justice, power, and redemption. Hope lies in the intentionality of the good that God desires for His people. With Psalm 22, we can say:
God is the Holy One.
God delivers those who trust in Him. God is trustworthy. God is close to us.
God is our strength and helps us.
God listens to the afflicted.
God satisfies the poor.
God rules over the nations, and dominion belongs to Him. We will proclaim His righteousness, declaring, "He has done it!"
Tomás Mackey President, Baptist World Alliance
ALL AFRICA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (AABF)
All Africa Baptist Fellowship Report to the BWA General Council July 8-11, 2024
Israel Akanji, President
Elias Ametepeh A. Apetogbo, General Secretary
Respected General Council Members of the BWA,
Glory be to our Lord God Almighty for His steadfast love and His mercies every day. AABF is eternally grateful to God for how far He has brought us and for where He is taking us. Indeed, we are moving from ‘Seir Toward Canaan’ according to Deuteronomy 2:1-3 which was AABF’s theme in 2023. We thank the Baptist World Alliance’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown, for his leadership and his personal commitment to the ministry of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship. Our gratitude goes equally to the President of the Baptist World Alliance, Rev. Dr. Tomas Mackey, for his pastoral care.
As one Baptist Body, leading jointly across the Continent of Africa, we had a very remarkable year 2023 and in the six months gone already in 2024, God has shown us Newness. We pray for fruitful accomplishments as we start the 2024 BWA Annual Gathering and Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE) in Lagos, Nigeria.
To the larger faith family, most of you worked alongside AABF, and with your collective support and especially God’s enablement, we carried out the following activities and more:
I. MEMBERSHIP
AABF has grown with eight new member bodies during the year 2023: National Association of Baptist Churches (CAR), Federation of Baptist Churches in Congo (CONGO), Convention of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Congo (DRC), Union of Baptist Churches in Mali (MALI), Baptist Association of Mauritius (MAURITIUS), Christian Unity Baptist Church of Rwanda (RWANDA), Baptist Fellowship Church (CAR) and Communion of Evangelical Baptist Churches (CAR). Membership applications from seven Baptist bodies from five countries (two of which are non AABF Countries), are to be considered during this ongoing BWA Annual Gathering.
II. EVANGELISM
AABF committed to Global Outreach (GO) month’s program for the years 2023 and 2024. AABF also participated in the 4th edition of the Last Quarter Evangelism (LQE 2023).Online and inperson evangelism by all means were carried out. The All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship
ALL AFRICA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (AABF)
(AABYF) and Children’s Ministry of AABF were at the frontline of spreading the Gospel. NonBaptist denominations and several interdenominational ministries got involved. AABYF reported that about 8 million believers took part in online evangelism and more than 280,000 believers partook in the in-person evangelism during LQE 2023, and tens of thousands of people got saved. Praise the Lord!
III. BEST PRACTICES
1) General Workers Conference
The General Workers Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) is an excellent and commendable concept. It is now the habit of the leadership of the NBC to systematically minister to their leaders at any level of the Convention from the first week of January to the first or second week of February. It links the leadership of NBC to the grassroots leaders. It is a time of vision casting and teachings on the NBC theme of the year. It’s also a time to adjust and respond to some critical issues that are threatening the faith and the ministry and help the Convention to keep up. We have found it very relevant to improve cooperative autonomy within the Convention and we would like to encourage AABF member bodies to get inspiration from this model.
2) Hidden Treasure
A concept from Women’s Ministry of Baptist Union of South Africa, launched in June 2003, ‘Hidden Treasure,’ currently has 14 shops across South Africa. As a ministry to the poor, which was birthed through the example of the Early Church in Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-35, Hidden Treasure collects secondhand goods, polishes them, and sells them back to the needy at a very low rate (almost 10% of normal cost). Not only do they serve the needy, but also, with the funds collected through the selling of goods, they fund mission work while creating jobs for some women in their communities. This is laudable and we praise God for the initiative. We hope to spread this concept throughout AABF member bodies. To God be the Glory!
3) Conservative Agriculture
Africa is blessed by good agricultural lands and the number of Baptist churches located in rural areas is enormous. What if we equip and empower our leaders in rural areas to embrace agriculture intentionally? Through the partnership with BFAD and Foundation for Farming, we were able to train 63 agricultural practitioners and engineers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe in conservative agriculture. The result is amazing as the trained personnel duplicated the training in their own communities and day-by-day testimonies reveal how people have food through the implementation of the principles of conservative agriculture. We plan to train at least one person per AABF member body. We are praying for a food safety campaign through the planting of breadfruit trees in church premises jointly with a creation care campaign that combats erosion by covering bare grounds of our church premises with grass.
ALL AFRICA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (AABF)
4) Ends of the Earth Partnership
At the same time AABF thinks of the mission in Africa, AABF is thinking about the mission to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. This is done through empowerment and equipping leaders to serve efficiently in Africa and beyond. Concretely, AABF is open to missions and ministries outside of Africa for the abovementioned purpose. The first of its kind is the ongoing development process between AABF and the Baptist Center for Global Concerns, International Ministries, and the Union of Francophone Baptist Churches in Canada. The partnerships with Crandall University in Canada and the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the possible partnerships with Dallas Baptist University as well as the International Mission Board and the National Mission Board of Brazil Baptist Convention, should help with the implementation of the Ends of the Earth vision of AABF. In affirmation of this initiative, five leaders of our conventions were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the AABF-JMM Mission DNA Trip. It was a week of real discussion around mission values and we expect remarkable participation from these member bodies that will reach the ends of the earth.
IV. 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
Scheduled to take place in Goma (DRC), the meeting was moved to Kigali (RWANDA) almost six weeks from the opening session held on November 29, 2023. AABF, who was supposed to celebrate her 40th birthday anniversary in July 2022, shifted it to November 2023, under the theme, ‘From Seir Toward Canaan’ (Deuteronomy 2:1-3). The keynote speakers were Pastor Rick Warren and Rev. Elijah Wanje with many other guest speakers. Their input was a great addition to the success of the gathering.
In attendance were the BWA General Secretary and his wife, the BWA President, and partners (No More Violence, Baptist Mission Society, Serve the City and International Mission Board of Brazil Baptist Convention). The 120 regular attendees were from 16 African countries and 7 non-African countries. The opening session was attended by 1,553 participants, mostly Baptist believers from Rwanda. The focus of day two (November 30, 2023) was the teaching of Pastor Rick Warren on Finishing the Task / Healthy Church. That day’s program was opened to other denominations’ leaders and the number of participants was 3,212. Leaders felt fed and equipped by the healthy church seminar.
A special dinner was held on December 1, 2023. It was a time to launch:
1. Africa Baptist Mission Board (ABMB)
2. Africa Baptist Education Network (ABEN)
3. 24/7 Prayer Connect (2023-2033)
4. AABF Investment Platform
For this last area, AABF is planning a Conference for the Treasurers and Financial Directors of AABF Member Bodies on November 11-16, 2024, at Ridgeway Baptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya. Kindly join us as we reflect.
ALL AFRICA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (AABF)
V. BAPTISTS IN LEADERSHIP
In the interest of impacting Africa for Christ, AABF is committed to praying intentionally for its sons and daughters who are in leadership in their various countries. We have started the year 2024 by paying a visit to the President of the Central African Republic, brother Faustin Archange Touadera (a Baptist believer), and we have attended the inaugural service of the newly-elected President of the Republic of Liberia, Deacon Joseph Nyuma Boakai. AABF was supported in this last initiative by the presence of Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown who made it to Liberia in very challenging conditions. Thank you, Elijah!
VI. MEETINGS AND STRUCTURE
Through meetings, we strengthen the ministry. AABF Executive Committee meetings and General Council meetings, virtual, in-person and mixed, are all on good track. Our subcommittees equally meet virtually to work. We thank God. AABF Auxiliaries keep the flame by honoring their continental and sub-regional meetings. Last year 2023, All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship and Men’s Missionary Union of West Africa’s sub-region met in Ghana while Baptist Women’s Union of Central Africa sub-region met in Angola, and Baptist Women’s Union of Southern Africa met in Zambia. AABF is creating a 10-year planner for all international meetings to make it light and affordable within the AABF. We are equally working on the governance structure and the bylaws of AABF. Kindly keep us in your prayers.
VII. LANDMARK CELEBRATIONS
We also appreciate God for the landmark Anniversary celebrations amongst our member bodies. In November 2023, Ghana Baptist Convention wrapped up a year-long 60th anniversary celebration. This year, Nigerian Baptist Convention gathered to celebrate the 110th Anniversary while Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone also assembled to praise God for a golden year of existence. The All Africa Baptist Fellowship and Baptist World Alliance played significant roles in these celebrations. Praise be to God.
VIII. YOUTH MISSION YEAR
This year, we were led to commence the Youth Mission Year (YMY), a platform to recruit, train and send young missionaries to various parts of Africa and beyond. This was carried out through the Africa Baptist Mission Board. Out of almost two hundred applicants, the first cohort of 8 Missionaries are getting their training in a mission hub in Ghana. They will be commissioned during this Gathering. For that, we express our gratitude to Baptist General Association of Virginia and Baptist Mission Society.
We are optimistic that millions of souls shall be saved through this vision, thousands of churches shall be planted, and Heaven shall continue to rejoice, Hallelujah. What if out of the 22 million baptized believers in AABF at least 2 million are released every year on various mission fields?
ALL AFRICA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (AABF)
PRAY WITH US
1) Pray for Goma, the refugees and all the Baptist believers that fled the unrest in their villages to be in Goma. Pray for peace to come back into the area. Pray for Baptist leaders who don’t know how to handle the situation and how to take care of refugees, including their church members who are now refugees.
2) Pray for countries with political unrest.
3) Pray for the following initiatives of AABF:
• YMY (Youth Mission Year’s implementation)
• Breadfuit tree campaign
• Creation care: combating erosion
• AABF Transportation Project
• AABF Investment Platform
We conclude by saying in 2023 the staff of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship included Denise Aklassou (Apetogbo), David Iyiola Agogo and Diana Korkor Zogblah. We are widely open to receive advice and to strategize with you in any domain of your interest where you can come alongside AABF in its efforts. Our gratitude goes to the entire Executive Committee of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship led by Rev. Dr. Israël Adelani Akanji and to all our partners.
Together for best results,
Elias Apetogbo
General Secretary, AABF
UNION OF BAPTISTS OF LATIN AMERICA (UBLA)
Union of Baptists in Latin America Report to the BWA General Council July 8-11, 2024
Alberto Prokopchuk, President Parrish Jácome Hernández, General Director
Dear General Secretary, Mr. President, members of the Executive Committee: Grace and peace of the Lord.
During these months, we have been able to implement an evangelism and discipleship agenda, which has allowed us to work together with the regional conventions.
CONTINENTAL DAY OF PRAYER – AUGUST 6, 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023, was the Continental Day of Prayer. The theme for this year was "Announcing the Coming of the Kingdom of God" based on Mark 1:17.
We had specific prayer requests:
• For an awakening in evangelization in Latin America.
• For a commitment to planting new churches.
• For a discipleship that forms values in the lives of new believers.
• For the social realities we face in our different countries.
And additional prayer requests for the family and marriages, for women, and for the new generations. For the first time we had a song with the motto "ME ACERCARÉ.”
With great joy we received photos from the different congregations gathered that day: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, and of course Ecuador.
UNION OF BAPTISTS OF LATIN AMERICA (UBLA)
WORKING MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS OF BRAZIL - AUGUST 2023
Pst Parrish Jácome, General Director, and Pst Marcio Santos (Brasil), Vice President of UBLA, traveled to the cities of Brasilia, Saõ Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro to visit leaders of the 3 Baptist Conventions, members of UBLA.
They visited:
• Baptist Convention of Brazil - Pst Hilquías Paim
• National Baptist Convention of Brazil - Pst Esdras Dias de Sousa Ferreira
• Convention of Independent Baptist Churches of Brazil - Pst Marcos Elias da Silva
We appreciate the attention and support given by the convention leaders for the projects that UBLA is carrying out in this beautiful country and from here to many Latin countries. We ask for your prayers so that we can move forward with these initiatives.
TOGETHER ON MISSION - SEPTEMBER 2023
Strengthening the work in the region to develop the objectives of the “Jesús, Transformación y Vida” movement, Pst Parrish travelled to Nicaragua.
It was a time of blessing, where our general director met with Pst Tomas Montoya, President of the Baptist Convention of Honduras, and Pst Leonel Lara, President of the Baptist Convention of Guatemala.
We thank the Lord for the support of the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua given to our brother Jocksan Galeano, UBLA Coordinator for Central America, to facilitate logistics and resources.
We count on your prayers for the initiatives that are being developed in Central America.
2ND CONGRESS OF MISSIONS "I WILL GO" - OCTOBER 2023
From October 26 to 28, 2023, Pst Parrish Jácome traveled to Tegucigalpa to support the National Convention of Churches of Honduras’s congress of missions. It was a time of challenge, growth, and fellowship.
MULTIPLIQUE GLOBAL CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 2023
The MULTIPLIQUE 2023 World Conference was a blessing.
From November 14 to 17, 2023, a very special time was experienced in Águas de Lindóia (Sao Paulo). People came from all over Brazil and Latin America, gathering to enjoy moments of learning, growth and communion.
Pst Fernando Brandão was in charge of the opening of the event, sharing "The Power of the Holy Spirit," affirming that if God has placed us somewhere, He has something extraordinary to do in someone else's life through us.
UNION OF BAPTISTS OF LATIN AMERICA (UBLA)
On the second day Pst Irland Pereira de Azevedo shared about Acts 1:8 and they joyfully praised the Lord with the Purple Band. They had plenaries and panels. Some of the topics discussed were:
• The culture of discipleship in the local church.
• The unbelievers.
• Chaplaincy in prisons.
On the third day, Pst Elier Romero from Venezuela shared the plenary in Spanish, finishing that day with master classes and with a plenary led by Pst Gilson Breder and the musical participation of Paulo Cezar, from Logos Group.
The closing was led by Pst Márcio Tunala with the theme, "Witnessing God's Action."
At MULTIPLIQUE the participants learned more about "Dunamis: Power to Witness." It was a time to meet with dear friends, pastors, and missionaries to praise God and grow in faith.
UFBAL FIVE-YEAR CONGRESS “ESSENCE OF IMPACT" - NOVEMBER 2023
From November 9 to 12, 2023, the multitudinous UFBAL Quinquennial Congress was held at the Camino Real Hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
The workshops, plenaries, communion, adoration, prayer and so many experiences shared were imparted from the central theme, "Essence of Impact."
The quinquennium has been prolific in projects and relationships.
56TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CIBI – MARCH 2024
The 56th General Assembly of the Convention of Independent Baptist Churches of Brazil was held March 14-17, 2024, in Foz do Iguaçu.
Pst Parrish attended as a guest to share a word of impact and challenge.
LXII NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF CNBV – MARCH 2024
The LXII Annual National Assembly of the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela was held March 21-23, 2024, with the theme, “Approved Leadership”.
It was attended by 207 messengers representing 168 member churches. There were four outstanding conferences speakers with Pst Parrish giving the closing message.
UNION OF BAPTISTS OF LATIN AMERICA (UBLA)
IMB GLOBAL CONSULTING MISSION - INDONESIA – APRIL 2024
320 people from 76 countries participated in the IMB Global Consulting Mission from April 1321, 2024.
The IMB made a challenge to work together and the theme of the conference was “Together” in order to mobilize churches and Baptists to mission. It was a time of great enrichment and challenge. A delegation of 32 people in total from Latin America participated.
SUMMIT UBLA – APRIL 2024
The Baptist Leaders' Summit “Revitalize” 2024 was held in Isla Margarita, Venezuela, from April 30 to May 3, 2024.
This year's focus was the revitalization of our churches, our discipleship processes and relevant church planting. We had 205 national and international participants.
The opening night was full of joy and traditional Venezuelan dance, the greeting was brought by Pst Carleguis Rios, President of the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela, and the shared word was offered by Pst Alberto Prokopchuk, President of UBLA.
We had special guest speakers such as: Yanina Briseño, Fabricio Freitas, Felipe Burgos, Jorge Elías Sánchez, Juan Carlos Melo, Gilberto Gutiérrez, Arnulfo Durán, Daniel Moore.
In the discipleship panel we had the participation of Anabell Alvarado, Verónica Sarmiento and Gabriela Velasco; in the planting panel we had Mariel Álvarez, Luiz Neto and Xavier Alvarado; in the revitalization panel we had Alberto Prokopchuk and David Silva.
At the end of each day, Pst Richard Serrano, Director of Theological Education of UBLA, made a summarization of the most relevant points.
Each night culminated with a worship service for each emphasis led by Pst Parrish Jácome, General Director of UBLA, Pst Fernando Brandao, Director of Evangelism of UBLA, and Pst Elier Romero, General Director of the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela. We appreciated the presence of Pst Tomás Mackey, President of the Baptist World Alliance.
NEXT EVENTS
August 4, 2024 - Continental Day of Prayer
Thank you for praying for our continent.
Parrish Jácome Hernández
UBLA General Director
BWA WOMEN
BWA Women
Report to the BWA General Council
July 8-11, 2024
Karen Wilson, President J. Merritt Johnston, Executive Director
On behalf of the Baptist World Alliance Women Executive, I give thanks for the opportunity to share how women across the global Baptist family are helping fulfill God’s global mission. It is an honor to see the courage, consistency, and character of our Baptist sisterhood in action and to network across cultures and continents to impact the world for Christ.
Worship, Fellowship, and Unity
2023 Annual Gathering
It was a blessing to partner with Norwegian Baptist Women to host the BWA “Women on Mission” Luncheon during the BWA Annual Gathering in Stavanger, Norway, in July 2023. We enjoyed a wonderful time of worship, food, fellowship, and sharing with 74 women in attendance from 27 countries. After the meal, we highlighted our Stand Against Domestic Violence initiative with a presentation from leading advocates Jenni Entrican from the United Kingdom and Valérie Duval-Poujol from France. They shared about the Red Chair Project, which involves reserving an empty chair in a public place alongside information about domestic abuse and violence against women. The empty chair acts as a powerful symbol of the many women who have been killed through gender-based violence.
We were also able to recognize Norwegian Baptist Women’s support of domestic violence prevention in Sierra Leone in collaboration with local ministry leader Julie Sesay and to encourage similar partnerships between nations. We were also greatly encouraged to receive a generous donation from Norwegian Baptist Women to support continued domestic violence advocacy around the world.
BWA WOMEN
Ministering Online and In Person
Following Annual Gathering, BWA Women leaders continued to provide pastoral support and encouragement both virtually and in person. In July 2023, Executive Director Merritt Johnston traveled to Dominica to celebrate the first in-person gathering for the Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director Johnston and President Karen Wilson attended the Asia Baptist Women’s Union General Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, in September with more than 900 delegates from across Asia as well as the European Baptist Women United 75th Anniversary Celebration and Election Conference in October in Riga, Latvia, with representatives from 30 countries across Europe and the Middle East. Executive Director Johnston continued her travels in November by taking part in the quinquennial conference of Unión Femenil Bautista de Americana Latina in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and traveled to South Africa in May 2024 as part of the speaking team for the Reload Women’s Conference hosted by the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. President Wilson also traveled to Malaysia in May to serve as a keynote speaker for the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Conference.
Mission & Evangelism | Aid, Relief, and Community Development
Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer
The 2023 Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer was an incredible event uniting women in strategic prayer and giving across each of our seven continental unions. We kicked off the event with the Women’s World Day of Prayer Global Worship Service in October, drawing more than 4,000 viewers from across the globe. After this collective time of worship, thousands of women gathered over the following month to observe Day of Prayer in their respective communities. It was a great encouragement to receive photos and testimonies from women around the world, none more so than from our sisters in Ukraine who met to pray for others even while facing the hardship of war.
The Day of Prayer offering helped fund ministry projects and evangelism efforts across each of our seven continental unions and globally. Through the generous support of our praying sisters, we are feeding the
Ukrainian women gathered for Women’s World Day of Prayer
BWA WOMEN
hungry in Trinidad and Tobago, providing mental health support in Lebanon, equipping next generation leaders in Latin America, discipling girls through the arts in the United States, networking children's ministry leaders in Africa, planting seeds of hope through community gardens in Fiji, forging a path to financial freedom for women in Nepal, advocating at the United Nations for victims of domestic abuse, and offering shelter and care for internally displaced persons in Ukraine and beyond. Plans are now underway for the 2024 Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer, which will take place November 4, 2024, and focus on the theme "Purposeful Life."
Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Justice
Ecumenical Women
In December 2023, BWA Women was officially approved as a member of Ecumenical Women at the United Nations. Grounded in faith and a commitment to global justice, Ecumenical Women trains, empowers, and networks men and women to advocate for gender equality at the United Nations (UN) and beyond. This partnership will broaden our opportunities for collaboration and bolster our advocacy efforts at the UN during the annual Commission on the Status of Women and throughout the year.
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
In March 2024, BWA Women led an in-person delegation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City, New York (USA), as well as a virtual delegation for the two-week event that convened from March 10-22. BWA Women hosted several workshops, including a session focused on financial abuse cohosted with the Christian Network to End Domestic Abuse (CNEDA) and a session addressing the importance of nurturing mental health resilience in the face of poverty. Executive Director Johnston was approved as a new member of CNEDA in August 2023, and we are incredibly grateful for strategic partnerships like this that further our impact in critical areas of concern for women. As new members of Ecumenical Women, BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston was honored to serve on the Ecumenical Women worship and communications team, which included the honor of being the speaker for the opening worship service at the United Nations Church Center Chapel on Monday, March 11. For the first time, Baptists were also allotted leadership responsibilities for the facilitation of an entire UN worship service with members of the BWA Women delegation representing the global family with excellence at the hybrid chapel service on March 21. Plans have already begun for the 69th Commission on the Status of Women scheduled for March 2025.
BWA Women is excited to continue our leadership development partnership with Baptist General Association of Virginia. As part of their Uptick training initiative, we will launch our second Uptick global leadership cohort. The cohort will consist of young women from across each of our seven continental unions who are called to minister in a global setting. The ninemonth training addresses a variety of topics, including working across languages, cultures, and nations; collaborating with others on global issues; and developing resources to address global and national issues. After a series of orientation meetings in early 2024, the Continental Union Presidents are now finalizing their candidate selections with the cohort slated to begin meeting in September 2024.
Baptist Women’s Summit
The BWA Women Executive Committee gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from June 1-5 for a time of ministry, fellowship, and strategic planning for the Baptist Women’s Summit that will take place July 7-8, 2025, in conjunction with the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia. We are thankful for the hospitality of Pastor John Kok and Kuala Lumpur Baptist Church and the opportunity for members of the BWA Women Committee to speak at a number of the church’s incredible thirteen services. The day also included a women’s fellowship featuring a panel discussion with the Continental Women’s Union Presidents and a lunch with local leaders and attendees of the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Conference. The following days were devoted to prayer and planning for the future of BWA Women, including dedicated times of discussion to ensure the Baptist Women’s Summit will be a transformational time for women across the globe.
Continental Union Leadership
We continue to be blessed by gifted and visionary leaders across each of our seven continental unions and are thankful for the time they invest as Continental Union Presidents and as Vice Presidents of BWA Women. In September 2023, new officers were elected and installed at the Asia Baptist Women’s Union General Assembly. President Vernette Myint Myint San will continue to fulfill presidential responsibilities for another 18-24 months to ensure a smooth transition to the new team. In October 2023, Fabienne Seguin concluded her term as President of European Baptist Women United (EBWU), having served five years with both grace and graciousness amid war, political unrest, and other challenges across the region. She passed the leadership baton to Siham Daoud from Lebanon, a fellow EBWU executive committee member from the 20182023 quinquennium. President Daoud is the first woman from the Middle East to serve in this role. On the day of her installation, news broke of the Hamas attack on Israel followed quickly by reports of humanitarian need throughout Palestine.
Liliana Fernández de Farina (right) with new UFBAL President Verónica León Caro
BWA WOMEN
We united in prayer then and continue to join with her in prayer as she leads at such a time as this.
In November 2023, Liliana Fernández de Farina completed her five-year term as President of Unión Femenil Bautista de América Latina, having led with great passion and vision. Her commitment to engage the next generation will continue to bear fruit for years to come. Verónica León Caro from Chile was elected and installed as the new President and will serve through 2028. These incredible leaders comprise the BWA Women Executive Committee alongside existing BWA Women Vice Presidents Karlene Edwards-Warrick from Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union, Patty Lane from Baptist Women of North America, Elissa Macpherson from Baptist Women of the Pacific, and Jane Mwangi from Baptist Women’s Union of Africa. We are also thankful for the continued leadership and support provided by BWA Women President Karen Wilson and Secretary/Treasurer Sherrie Cherdak. This ministry is truly a team effort fueled by faith, prayer, and service. May the Lord continue to bless the work of our hands. Soli Deo Gloria!
J. Merritt Johnston
Baptist World Alliance Women Executive Director
BWA MEN’S DEPARTMENT
Baptist World Alliance Men’s Department
Report to the BWA General Council
July 8-11, 2024
Preamble
Dawari George, President Ayoola Badejo, Director
We are pleased to present the 2023 report of the activities of the Men’s Department to the Executive Committee. In the year under review, the Men’s Department carried on with its efforts to continue to mobilise and empower men globally through various means of grace that are offered to support the spiritual development of Baptist men across the BWA Regions, with appreciable results in a few Regions.
The Men’s Department was very much on the ground at the 2023 BWA Annual Gathering in Stavanger, Norway, in July 2023. It was a delight that the Men’s Department anchored the prayer session delegated to it by the BWA leadership. The Men’s Department also held a departmental meeting that had in attendance Baptist men from across the Regions present at the Annual Gathering. It was a warm time of fellowship and camaraderie amongst the men. The Men’s Department has also intensified its efforts towards our refocusing efforts. This report gives an update on how far we have come and a few other regular activities that are running alongside the refocusing efforts. We present below key highlights of the ministry.
Devotional Material & Baptist Men’s World Day of Prayer & Witness
The MD was able to publish the devotional materials used by men in preparation towards the Baptist Men’s World Day of Prayer and Witness. These materials have been prepared consistently for several years. The drive and dedication to preparing the materials has remained the deliberate desire to attract and register more men to participate towards this very important prayer meeting for the global Baptist men family. The 2023 Baptist Men’s World Day of Prayer & Witness was held on Saturday, April 22, 2023. It remains a worldwide men’s prayer event of the Men’s Department. We are currently working hard to expand the coverage and participation by more Men’s Fellowship groups within the BWA family and Regions. We strongly believe that the involvement of Men’s Fellowship groups in the life of the BWA remains vital and key for fulfilling the mandate of heaven to the Church of the Jesus Christ. We received reports from some of the Regions on the observance of this unique prayer day in the lives of Baptist men.
The year 2024 material is ready and posted on the Men’s page on the BWA website. This will assist Baptist men across the globe to deploy the material for effective use on the fourth Saturday of April, i.e. Saturday, April 27, 2024, and beyond. Men are expected to make calls across the Regions and Conventions to engage in prayers for our world and especially for the Regions that are afflicted with by conflict. When men pray, heaven responds. We shall continue to call on the gates of heaven for the Lord’s intervention in our troubled world and for peace to reign and be fully restored across the globe. Amen.
BWA MEN’S DEPARTMENT
Men’s Department Working Report on Refocusing
During the period under report, we continued with the resolve for the Men’s Department refocusing efforts. We have held meetings with men and leaders across the BWA Regions in an effort to achieve this ultimate objective. The MD President along with his Executive team have retained the support and understanding of the General Secretary, Dr. Elijah Brown, and the BWA President, Dr. Tomas Mackey. The desire of the current MD leadership is to stimulate more involvement of Baptist men worldwide to be more engaged in the ordinary lanes of life and the market place. Those efforts are ongoing and we have meetings set up to further engage others across the BWA Regions for wider involvement. We are very hopeful that all these efforts will crystalize before the end of year 2024. The MD leadership is appreciative of the support and cooperation received from the BWA leadership.
Men’s Fellowship Work in BWA Regions
Men’s Fellowships recorded appreciable growth all over the world. In particular, mention would be made of the Caribbean (CBF), Africa (AABF), North America (USA) and South America (UBLA). The potential for further expansion within these Regions remains quite high. Cooperative activities and capacity building is being extended from one Region to the other. During the reporting period under review, there were several virtual conferences including in the Caribbean; the All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship 2nd Continental Congress in Yaoundé,
BWA MEN’S DEPARTMENT
Cameroon; Conventions in Chile and Brazil in UBLA; etc. The Men’s Department keeps motivating men’s groups across the globe to sustain the fire of evangelism and missions in their territories.
We have pictorial records of some of these meetings across the Regions below.
Religious Freedom Advocacy
In furtherance of the Men’s Department’s commitment to promote religious freedom advocacy, the MD continues to mobilize Baptist men across the BWA Regions to this laudable cause. The MD leadership across the BWA Regions have been encouraged and challenged to set up Religious Freedom cells and collaborate with the Commission on Religious Freedom and 21Wiberforce. In some of the efforts in this regard, especially in Africa, a platform for this was inaugurated. We call on and encourage the other BWA Regions to match their commitments with concrete action in this regard.
Conclusion
The Men’s Department is delighted to continue to receive support and cooperation from the BWA GS - Dr. Elijah Brown and members of his team at the BWA. We also appreciate the support received from Dr. Tomas Mackey, BWA President. We want to put on record our appreciation also to all the men’s leaders across the BWA Regions. Finally, we must give thanks to our God who indeed made everything possible.
Thank you and God bless you. Amen.
Dawari George Ayoola Badejo President Director
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (NABF)
North American Baptist Fellowship Report to the BWA General Council
July 8-11, 2024
Emmett
Dunn, President
TaNikka Sheppard, Acting General Secretary
Greetings on behalf of the NABF Executive! We express our continued appreciation for the worldwide body of Christ as exemplified in the Baptist World Alliance. There are so many lessons to be learned from one another. The European Baptists share with us what it is to live with war and threats of conflict and secularization. Our Latin American sisters and brothers have a great deal to teach us about the work and power of the Holy Spirit in the context of where they minister. The growth of the church (Baptist churches and Christ’s church in general) through the ministries of our African and Asian Pacific partners is great good news and a huge encouragement to us all.
The Baptist World Alliance draws these Regional ministries together so that we might learn from each and celebrate God’s work among us, remembering: “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).
Retirement of Jeremy Bell
On May 31, 2024, Rev. Jeremy Bell retired as the esteemed General Secretary of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF). As we traverse this bittersweet transition, we reflect on Jeremy’s remarkable tenure with deep admiration and appreciation. Jeremy's leadership has been marked by profound compassion, unwavering commitment, and remarkable insight, leaving an indelible mark on the entire organization. Under his guidance, the NABF has expanded tremendously, reaching new levels of inclusivity and engagement. Jeremy's stewardship has facilitated the convergence of diverse voices from the NABF's denominational bodies, fostering inclusive dialogues and organizing engaging events that have broadened the NABF’s horizons. His deliberate efforts have not only strengthened the NABF's internal cohesion but also facilitated fruitful collaborations, ecumenical engagements, and initiatives highlighting critical issues like disaster relief and creation care. Jeremy Bell's legacy as a leader of integrity and vision will continue to inspire generations to come within the NABF and beyond. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeremy for his dedicated service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (NABF)
Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard, who has served as NABF’s Assistant General Secretary and Treasurer since January 2023, is now serving as NABF’s Acting General Secretary. Rev. Trevor Hyde, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, is NABF’s new Treasurer.
Annual Gathering: 2023
The theme for our NABF 2023 Annual Meeting was ‘Building Lasting Bridges.’ Our main time together was facilitated by the Rev. Katie Choy-Wong, a well-respected and experienced leader passionate about bringing together groups and individuals from different cultures as a biblical imperative, who shared with us on this important topic and led us to consider ways in which we each might better reflect the invitation of Christ to those different from us. Rev. Choy-Wong is the co-author of “Building Lasting Bridges: An Updated Handbook for Intercultural Ministries.”
We were thrilled to note that approximately 80% of our 19.5 million congregants were represented at the meeting by individuals from NABF Baptist denominations; 35 people joined us in person including Rev. Dr. Alvin Edwards and former NABF President, Rev. Dr. Samuel Tolbert, and an additional 20 persons connected via Zoom. We were also delighted that Angelique Walker-Smith from the World Council of Churches (president of the North American region) was able to join us and that we were visited by Elias Amétepeh Apetogbo from the All Africa Baptist Fellowship.
Together we hosted our annual business meeting and spent significant time getting introduced to new denominational leadership from a number of NABF member bodies, including greetings being sent by Rev. Dr. Julio Guarneri. Other leaders we met include: Rev. Leanne Friesen of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, the Rev. Renée MacVicar of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, Rev. Dr. Wayne Faison of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Rev. Dr. Raphael Anzelberger of L’Union d’Églises Baptistes Francophones du Canada (the Union of French Baptist Churches in Canada), and Rev. Dr. John K. Jenkins Sr. of Converge.
In addition to spending time wrestling with topics of mutual interest, leaders and individuals joining us in person spent good time networking and building relationships that can leverage partnerships on specific NABF focus areas like Disaster Relief, Creation Care, and the Scholars Collaboration, as well as so many other areas. Please visit our NABF YouTube Channel to access the fantastic video content from our time together.
Annual Gathering: 2024
At present, both Canada and the United States are rife with polarization, whether that be social, political or religious; many in North America are quick to ascribe allegiance to cultural, or national symbols, or even sports events. There has never been a time more crucial for Christians to recognize our true identity as being reconciled to God in Christ, and to reaffirm our own commitments to love and serve one another and the world around us.
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (NABF)
The 2024 NABF Annual Gathering is scheduled to convene from October 16th-18th, in Nashville, TN. This event will prominently feature a theme of fostering stronger connections among our 22 denominational bodies within our fellowship. Our primary aim will be to facilitate the nurturing of deeper relationships and the discerning of collaborative opportunities. Through a series of engaging sessions and discussions, we will encourage participants to see beyond our individual ministry focuses and embrace a fresh perspective of God's transformative work in North America, and beyond.
We are grateful to be hosted by the Zomi Baptist Churches of America for the 2024 Annual Gathering. We earnestly seek your prayers for greater connections among our denominational leaders, and for the unity and reconciliation of Christ followers in both Canada and the United States.
Governance & Transitions
Our North American Baptist Fellowship Executive Officers include: President Rev. Emmett Dunn, Past-President Rev. Dr. Samuel Tolbert, Vice President Rev. Dr. Craig Christina, Vice President Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin, Treasurer Rev. Trevor Hyde, Members at Large: Rev. Robert Cochran, Rev. Brian Ford, Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III, Rev. Dr. Patricia Hernandez, Rev. Dr. Pau Khan Lian, Rev. Tim McCoy, and Acting General Secretary, Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard. We are grateful for their time and leadership.
Three members of our Executive Committee have recently taken on new roles in ministry, which we celebrate. Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard was called to lead the Cleveland Baptist Association as a regional executive minister within the American Baptist Churches USA. Rev. Dr. Craig Christina transitioned out of his role as Interim Executive Director of the Texas Baptists with the appointment of Rev. Dr. Julio Guarneri; Craig returns to his role as Associate Executive Director. Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ.
NABF Collective
At our 2023 NABF Annual Gathering we were thrilled to introduce The NABF Collective: a leadership network for Baptists ages 40 and younger. This new endeavor will create spaces of development, collaboration, innovation, and missional service for young leaders from the great diversity of member bodies that make up the North American Baptist Fellowship. Co-led by Rev. Allison Benfield of Providence Church in Charleston, SC, and Joyce Porto of the Baptist Women of North America and the Texas Baptists, we are excited about this opportunity for younger Baptists to find support, connection and resources, and network across denominations and borders.
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (NABF)
NABF Focus Areas
Kathy Smith, leader of the Baptist Creation Care Initiative, has been working to reach out to those working in this area within NABF member bodies towards bolstering an active network. Our Disaster Relief Coordinator for North America, James Barbour, has hosted monthly checkin gatherings with several Disaster Relief representatives from the US and Canada, and keeps us posted about this important ongoing ministry and work of our partners within the NABF. This spring, James Barbour and Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard traveled to the inaugural meeting of a new “On Mission Network,” a multi-denominational network whose founding members include the Texas Baptists and the BGAV. Representatives from many other NABF members attended, and it was a valuable time of building connections within the world of Disaster Relief.
Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard also attended an Ecumenical gathering at the invitation of Nathan Smith and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, standing in for our Ecumenical Officer, Rev. Alvin Edwards. This, too, was a time of encouraging connections, and affirmation of the ways in which God is at work within our communities and beyond our denominational lines.
The NABF Scholars Collaboration continues to meet monthly and has been active in sharing resources and creating panel discussions on relevant topics. Their recent thoughtful conversations around Creation Care and a discussion on Ministers and their Mental Health are available on the NABF’s YouTube channel.
Affiliation & Gratitude
We are in support of the affiliation of membership of organized Baptist groups throughout the world with the BWA and look forward to discussing how this endeavor is processed within the North American Baptist context. We are excited about the future benefits this process will achieve.
Thank you to our President Emmett Dunn, Past-President Samuel Tolbert, and for the consistent support and creativity of Vice Presidents Trisha Miller Manarin and Craig Christina, as well as our entire Executive Committee. We are very grateful for Julie Justus and her support of our work within the BWA, as well as the leadership provided by Elijah Brown. The ongoing administrative support and planning of Zoe Ozirney are deeply appreciated.
We are thankful for this season of service together. May God continue to be active in our midst, and may we be encouraged by all the diverse places where we see The Lord at work.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard, Acting General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Bell, General Secretary (Ret) On behalf of the NABF Administrative Executive
CARIBBEAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (CBF)
Caribbean Baptist Fellowship Report to the BWA General Council
July 8-11, 2024
President - Dominique Dick (Guadeloupe)
Executive Secretary/Treasurer - Anslem Warrick (Trinidad and Tobago)
Introduction
Dr Tomas Mackey, President, Baptist World Alliance, Dr Elijah Brown, General Secretary/CEO, Baptist World Alliance, Esteemed members of the BWA General Council, thank you for granting me the opportunity to present an overview of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship's endeavours and advancements over the past year.
CBF Midterm Assembly
We give God thanks for allowing us the opportunity to gather in one place for planning, fellowship, evangelistic outreach, appreciation and recognition services at the CBF’s Midterm Assembly 2024 under the theme, “Running the Race with Purpose, Patience and Persistence” Hebrews 23:1-3. A former Director of Caribbean Christian Publications (CCP), the former President, Executive Secretary/Treasurer (EST) and the Administrative Manager were all honoured for their over ten years of service to the CBF. The Assembly was held at the Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica, from 25th -29th October 2023. We had the honour of having Dr. Elijah Brown joining and sharing with us during the Assembly.
Strategic Plan Implementation 2023 – 2028
At this Assembly, we unveiled the Action Plan for our Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan and the Action Plan were both unanimously accepted, and since then, our committees and departments have been actively working with their teams on the implementation of the fulfilment of our five strategic objectives.
Action Areas:
1. Financial Stability and Viability:
• The EST and Officers are actively pursuing the monetization of a section of our property in Kingston, Jamaica. This will assist us in realising our goal in achieving financial stability by 2027. In pursuit of the realization of this objective, the mandate was given
CARIBBEAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
(CBF)
to the EST together with other assigned members to monetize the section of our property located at 27 Balmoral Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica. The Midterm Assembly heard a report from the EST and the Chairman of our Publications Agency, CCP, which stated that since most of the work of the Agency was now being done remotely, a lot of unused office space at this prime location in downtown Kingston can be rented or lease out.
A preliminary assessment of the possibilities for rental was conducted immediately after the Assembly by the Executive Secretary/Treasurer along with President Dominique Dick, Caribbean Baptist Women's Union (CBWU) President Karlene Edwards -Warrick and CBWU member Caryl Andrew. They paid a visit to the property. A realtor and an interior designer were invited to give advice on the current rental market and the best ways of utilizing the property to avoid any negative interactions between the occupiers.
The next step will be to select the preferred contractor from three quotations received. The work is expected to begin by May 2024.
2. Communication
• In the area of Communication, the CBF is working at revitalizing our communication network, recruiting new team members, updating our website, and activating social media platforms to ensure real-time information dissemination.
3. Translation Initiatives:
• A team of translators is being assembled to translate communication materials into French, Spanish, and French Creole, thereby expanding our reach and participation.
4. Database Update:
• The EST has disseminated an updated CBF database to facilitate effective communication amongst departments, committees, ministry teams.
Mission and Evangelism:
This team is working on:
• Identifying Evangelism and Missions Coordinators in each member body.
• Collaborating with the Ministerial and Training committee to develop awareness of biblical Evangelism & Mission.
• Assisting member bodies in accessing BWA evangelism grants for empowering local Baptist conventions in evangelistic ministry. Two member bodies have successfully accessed evangelism grants from the BWA for mission activities in their communities.
CARIBBEAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (CBF)
Theological Education Committee:
• This committee is compiling a list of training institutions and theologians to encourage pastors to access training through regional institutions.
• Exploring the possibility of establishing a CBF Training and Development Institute (online) for church leaders and pastors' continuing theological education.
Disaster Relief Committee:
• Planning a seminar on Disaster Preparedness in collaboration with BWAID.
• Developing relief groups in each member body for a timely and effective response to disasters.
CBWU (Caribbean Baptist Women's Union)
• Mandated to work with the EST and Stewardship Committee to move CBF towards financial stability with particular attention paid to the monetisation of the Balmoral property.
• Promoting and realizing the financial goals of CBF. The CBWU will now have the responsibility to promote the CBF Sunday and CBF Month in June. In collaboration with the women’s Day of Prayer.
• CBWU Annual Conference 25th -29th July, Turks and Caicos, under the theme “A Sacrificial Life” Romans 12:1
CBF Youth Department
• Preparing for the Biennial Festival in Grenada, July 17th - 21st, under the theme "Unashamed" from Romans 1:16.
• Actively involving youth in communication, evangelism/mission, and theological/ leadership training.
CBF Men’s Department
• Has been engaged in planning for the BWA Men’s Department Day of Prayer and another prayer event in collaboration with the CBWU and the CBFYD.
• Plans are also being developed by the Men’s Department to examine the best ways to engage Christian and motivate and prepare them for engagement in mission, Disaster Relief projects.
Fellowship and Strengthening Visits
• The EST along with the CBWU President conducted a visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines to explore potential sites for the Annual Executive Meeting and Baptist Gathering in October 2024.
• We also met with the SVG Baptist Convention to share strategic objectives, express gratitude, and seek support. The CBWU president met with the SVG women to rejuvenate interest as they have not been actively involved for almost twenty years.
CARIBBEAN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (CBF)
• The opportunity was taken to visit SVG Convention churches and also to visit former President Rev Sylvester King, who is recovering from a stroke.
In conclusion, we express our gratitude for the continued support and encouragement of the Global Baptist FAMILY, and we look forward to further collaboration in advancing the mission and vision of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship.
Respectfully submitted,
Anslem Warrick
Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Caribbean Baptist Fellowship
EUROPEAN BAPTIST FEDERATION
(EBF)
European Baptist Federation Report to the BWA General Council July 8-11, 2024
Mateusz Wichary, President
Alan Donaldson, General Secretary
Helle Liht, Assistant General Secretary
EBF is an international, intercultural and intergenerational community longing to see every baptist in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East united in Christ.
CELEBRATIONS
In Autumn 2023, the European Baptist Women United celebrated 75 years of uniting women across the region. During the gathering, we said farewell and thanks to President Fabienne Seguin from France, and Siham Daoud from Lebanon was elected as the new President who will now serve on the EBF Executive Committee.
This year the International Baptist Theological Study Centre has been celebrating 75 years of empowering scholars and leaders in the church for the world. During this year, IBTS will also be seeking to appoint a new director to lead us into the next season of ministry.
YOUNGER GENERATION
We started our new ministry year in Stavanger, welcoming the global Baptist family to Norway. The annual gathering was crammed into a few days to make way for the Mission Summit - SENT 2023. 720 disciples gathered from every corner of the world. Miroslav Volf issued the challenge of aligning ourselves with the work of God the creator as a homemaker God:
“The transformational power to make this world God’s home starts from within. Firstly, we must make a home for God in our hearts. Then we can become transformational in the homemaking work of God in this world.”
EUROPEAN BAPTIST FEDERATION (EBF)
This set the tone for the week, exploring the shape of God’s home-making mission today through seminars, discussions, prayer and worship led by a multicultural, multigenerational, multilingual team of contributors.
Big questions of missional living for the next generation, the place of the arts, engaging with other religions and digital culture were explored. Themes of hospitality, creation care, justice and unconditional love featured prominently in the emerging picture of what it means to be a disciple, a learner, one who is sent on the mission of God.
The main stage talks and contributions were captured, edited and uploaded to our YouTube Channel. Each video is accompanied by questions, a useful resource for small group discussions for those seeking a fresh approach to mission in their locality.
With over a hundred young leaders aged under 35 from the EBF region present in Stavanger, our hope is to work on creating a SENT Network of dedicated young missional leaders who we will seek to engage with relationally, offering continued creative missional content for them to explore from across the globe.
With this in view, I attended the EBF Connect YP (Young People) conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, in January 2024. This gathering of 50 predominantly youth and children’s workers were seeking to explore how they support one another, other young leaders in the region, and the young people they serve.
CHURCH PLANTING DEVELOPMENTS
A highlight of the SENT conference was the 21st anniversary celebration of Mission Partnerships, the EBF church planting programme. Already we have planted 300 churches with 5 years of support and a 90% success rate in terms of continuation. Since SENT, we have started 6 new church plants: 1 in Turkey, 1 in Azerbaijan, 1 in Palestine, 1 in Ukraine and 2 Ukrainian-speaking churches in Poland. We will add Lebanon and Latvia to the list later this year. As you can see, conflict in the region has not squashed the church’s commitment to begin new ministries nor the faithful support of our financial partners who enable this ministry. We have appointed Cesar Sotomayor as our new Church Planting Enabler as we prepare for the retirement of our faithful coordinator, Daniel Trusiewicz, in December 2024.
CONFLICT IN THE REGION
There has been conflict in every region of EBF since the summer of 2023. The war in Ukraine has now entered into its third year with little sign of change in the front lines. We pray faithfully each month on zoom for justice and peace to reign. We unite Baptists from across the world every month as we cry out for an end to war and all its consequences. EBF
EUROPEAN BAPTIST FEDERATION (EBF)
continues to collaborate with the global Baptist family through BFAD to support the Baptist Unions in Ukraine and Moldova in responding to the needs of people affected by the war. The funds provided through EBF are utilised to assist internally displaced persons and refugees with food and shelter. In 2023, €880,000 was allocated to aid projects in Ukraine and Moldova. Our support in 2024 is currently pledged at 1.2 million Euros.
In September 2023 there was brief conflict in Nagorno Karabakh (Azerbaijan/Armenia) which resulted in 100,000 Christian Armenians being forcefully removed from their homes and fleeing to Armenia. Currently 5 Baptist churches are being used as places of shelter for refugees and we are grateful to BWAid for taking the lead on this humanitarian response, supporting the ministry of the Union of Evangelical Christian Baptist Churches of Armenia, while we in EBF continued to support those serving victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Just days later, on 7th October 2023, Hamas fighters left the city of Gaza killing 1,139 Israeli citizens and taking 253 people hostage. Since then, over 35,000 people in Gaza have died in the response. The Baptist church building in Gaza has been bombed and several Baptist members have lost their lives in attacks on the other 2 church buildings in the city. EBF is standing together with our 2 member bodies in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, seeking ways to support the war victims in these countries. €13,000 were immediately allocated to support families severely affected by the outbreak of war in the West Bank and Gaza. Since then a further €15,000 has been sent for relief work. We remain prayerfully expectant of peace and await the opportunity to extend our humanitarian support in the region.
We plead with you to join us in prayer for peace in our region. Lebanon is regularly being attacked from outside its borders. British and American armed forces have been active in The Gulf, attacking targets in Yemen, Iran, Jordan and Syria.
In seeking to learn how to respond to war and violence in the region, our Theology and Education commission held a conference in October 2023, “Truth, Love and Unity: Challenges of Russian-Ukrainian War to European Baptists”. The conference convened theologians and leaders from across the EBF region, challenging participants to engage in critical discourse on the themes of war, peace, and reconciliation. Conference presentations are available on the EBF website.
EUROPEAN BAPTIST FEDERATION (EBF)
With such conflict comes great migration. Our migration commission has held a series of facilitated conversations on pressing challenges in ministry: "Navigating Cross-cultural Conflicts", "Sustaining Long-term Refugee Ministry", and "Ministering through Compounding Crises". Furthermore, they have worked toward the implementation of a Cross-Cultural Mission Learning Network Course this past spring with IBTS, specifically formed to aid Ukrainian leaders displaced from Ukraine to better engage with and learn from their new contexts of ministry.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
In 2023 we submitted FORB Universal Periodic Review Reports to the UN relating to Germany and Azerbaijan. We continue to train advocates and trainers in FORB-related topics, with the latest cohort completing their course between September and December 2023. Our FORB Working Group members have attended FORB advocacy meetings this spring, bringing faithbased actors together from across Europe.
ECUMENICAL RELATIONS
EBF continues to connect with its other ecumenical partners, including the Conference of European Churches (CEC), the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE), the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN), and the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME). Collaboration with these organisations enables us to foster theological reflection on different areas of church fellowship, as well as participate in practical cooperation projects in European societies.
ABOUND NETWORK
Within EBF we focus our ministry around three key actions: connecting, collaborating and challenging. In a way, each of these actions builds on the previous action. In January we established The Abound Network which connects General Secretaries or the most senior leaders in our member bodies and partner organisations to enable collaboration around the challenges faced by these leaders, and seeks to be a capacity-building tool across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. It is a new peer to peer development network that we sense will be foundational to future unity and ministry in the region. We are grateful to BMS World Mission for the funding they shared to enable equity of participation across the region.
EUROPEAN BAPTIST FEDERATION (EBF)
TEAM NEWS
2023/2024 will see a complete reset of the EBF staff team. At Christmas we said farewell to Tim, Roald, and Marianne, all part-time staff who have exciting new opportunities of service in 2024. We were delighted to welcome Kadi Tingas as our new full-time Digital Network Developer who will also work in the development of our younger generation ministry. Our 2 American part-time staff, Will and Kieryn, completed their service with us in the spring. Kieryn will be focusing on PhD studies and Will is returning to the USA. Finally, after 18 years of amazing dedication to EBF and BWA, we will be saying goodbye to Helle Liht as Assistant General Secretary when we gather in Lagos, Nigeria. Please pray for each of these amazingly talented leaders as they begin new ministries and walk faithfully in the calling of God on their lives. Pray also for Cesar Sotomayor and Dana Podriabinkina-Kalytiene as they join the team to serve as our Church Planting Enabler and Operations Manager.
Alan Donaldson
EBF General Secretary
ASIA PACIFIC BAPTIST FEDERATION (APBF)
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Report to the BWA General Council July 8-11, 2024
Mark Wilson, President Vesekhoyi ‘Vee’ Tetseo, General Secretary
Esteemed Leaders of the BWA.
Sincere Greetings from the APBF, and gratefulness to the Lord for the ministry of the BWA. Thankful to Dr. Tomas Mackey and Dr. Elijah Brown for their commitment to the Lord and their leadership at the BWA. Thankful to Rev. Mark Wilson, President, APBF, the Executive Members, staff and family for their continued support and commitment to the Lord. It has been a privilege and honour to serve God together.
God be praised for the celebration of the 50th year of APBF in Singapore from November 1718, 2023. The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (ABF then) was founded on November 16, 1972, in Hong Kong. The APBF celebrated the five decades of God’s goodness by revisiting the past, rejoicing in the present, and committing to remain obedient to His mission. Thank you, Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO, BWA, and Ms. Julie Justus, BWA Director of Global Partnerships & Unity, for your attendance. We were blessed by your presence.
Revisit the Past
It was a joy to revisit the past and to see how what was faithfully prayed for during a meeting in Budokan, Japan, in 1970 would grow into shaping the Federation trajectory to what is APBF now. The APBF has grown from 18 founding members on November 16, 1972, to 65 member bodies to date, making significant contributions to the advancement of God's kingdom in the Asia Pacific region. The APBF gives thanks to God for the faithful leaders, pastors, and believers who dedicated themselves to the mission of APBF.
Rejoice and Celebrate the Present
In the celebration of the present, APBF gave glory to God for the many remarkable milestones achieved due to the faithfulness of God. APBF faithfully fostered unity among the diverse Baptist groups and churches in the region withstanding natural disasters, geographical distances, economic disparity, and cultural differences and faithfully promoted cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support as APBF’s values clearly state:
ASIA PACIFIC BAPTIST FEDERATION (APBF)
BRINGING ONENESS to Baptist people because we are stronger when we work together. LIVING LIVES that are fully dependent on God in obedience to The Word and The Spirit. DOING OUR BEST because it honours God and inspires others.
INTEGRITY - committed to being honest, transparent, accountable, and above reproach.
With God's help, APBF has equipped hundreds of thousands of Baptists, fellow leaders for effective ministry and discipleship through ministries of Theological Education, Mission and Evangelism, Aid and Development, Youth and Women. The APBF also faithfully engaged in missions as new doors were opened for God’s work, standing with the stateless people, addressing issues of minorities by promoting justice, reaching out to those in need by sharing the love of Christ in words and deeds.
The APBF has also embarked into the Holistic Transformation Movement by re-envisioning who we are as Asia Pacific Baptists, why we exist and where we are going. We redefined our purpose as “Baptists together Transforming Lives in Christ across the Asia Pacific,” with the vision to see within the Baptist community renewed persons, healthy households, thriving churches, flourishing communities and discipled nations. We recommitted ourselves to network, collaborate and equip Baptists for a holistic transformation movement by joining heads and hands to fulfil the task of the Great Commission. This remains the heart and priority of the APBF. There is no mission without the Great Commission of Jesus Christ!
Remain Obedient to God’s Mission
As echoed, the APBF re-committed to stay on track with the command of Jesus Christ. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
APBF exists to “Inspire and Equip Baptists by Collaborating, Networking, Training and Serving to fulfil the Great Commission.” This means staying committed to the purpose of bringing Baptists together as a family of God, proclaiming, networking and serving for the transformation of lives in Christ across the Asia Pacific.
IMPACTS OF APBF Blessed with 7 million strong Baptists throughout the Asia and Pacific, alongside partners, together we were able to impact (in 2023):
• 6500 women across the Pacific encouraged and mobilized to unite and gather in prayer.
• US$170,000 disbursed to impact 12,000 people in relief, aid and development programs.
• 2768 people in Holistic Transformation Bible Study Groups in 3 conventions.
• 6 conventions coached in Holistic Transformation
• 100 youth leaders from 7 countries gathered and equipped to Making and Multiplying Disciples.
• 200 youths from 12 countries gathered virtually to be encouraged in true fellowship.
• 7 conventions facilitated to collaborate in mission sending.
• 9 units of mission workers sent to the Unreached and Unengaged.
ASIA PACIFIC BAPTIST FEDERATION (APBF)
With the Holistic Transformation Movement in place, the APBF commits to foster strong relationships amongst member bodies and churches, inviting them along into the holistic transformation of individuals, communities, and societies.
The APBF intends to strengthen the ministry of the APBF through the Kingdom Impact Church (KIC) initiative. The KIC allows churches to get involved directly with the APBF’s ministry to impact the world for God’s glory. For example, Elon318 Community Church from Okinawa, member of the KIC, went to Manipur with a team of youth to conduct a 2-day kids’ event for children who have been affected by the ethnic crisis and are experiencing severe PTSD. (Parents testified that during the event their children smiled, laughed, and enjoyed being children after 9 months of trauma).
Another initiative was launched during the 50th anniversary of the APBF in Singapore. This is called the APBizNet: a network of business leaders whose desire is to serve God in the marketplace; Baptists who are well-placed to make a significant impact for the Kingdom of God through their businesses, leadership, and presence in the marketplace. Through APBizNet, we hope to support marketplace leaders to thrive by fostering connections and a purpose-driven Baptist community within the membership of APBF.
APBF Executive Meeting 2024
The APBF Executive met from January 29th-30th, 2024 at Selah Gardens, Manila, Philippines, to pray, seek and strategize how the APBF will journey towards the next 50 years. Robust discussions led the APBF to clearly re-define its vision.
Our Purpose is to bring Baptists together Transforming Lives in Christ across the Asia Pacific.
Our Vision is to see Renewed persons, healthy households, thriving churches and flourishing communities in the Asia Pacific.
Our Mission actively seeks to Network, collaborate and equip Baptists for a holistic transformation movement to fulfil the Great Commission.
BWA-APBF General Secretary Pastoral visit to India
It was a joy for Baptists in India to have the honour to host Dr. Elijah Brown in India visiting several states and meeting with convention leaders, state dignitaries and friends alike from April 1- May 2, 2024. It was a 17-day marathon travel into Ukhrul, Manipur, New Delhi, Agra, Guwahati, Shillong, and Hyderabad with Dr. Elijah Brown before he returned home on April 17. An addition of 12 days travel was logged into my visit to Siliguri, West Bengal, Guwahati, Assam, Kohima, and Phek Nagaland meeting church leaders, missionaries and speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Chakhesang Theological Association in Phek, Nagaland. Thank you to Rev. Samaresh Nayak, Executive Director of Council of Baptist Churches in India, for coordinating the visit. The Baptist family in India was thoroughly blessed by the visit of Dr. Elijah Brown.
ASIA PACIFIC BAPTIST FEDERATION (APBF)
TEAM Consultation 2024, Melaka, Malaysia
The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) TEAM consultation held in Melaka, Malaysia, from 26th to 29th May 2024 brought together 95 leaders in the ministries of Theological Education, Aid, and Mission, (TEAM) along with partners drawn from among the 65 APBF member conventions representing 22 nations of Asia Pacific regions that include over 40,000 local churches. They met to explore the theme of “Holistic Transformation - Living God's Story in the Next Decade” with Dr. Chris Wright as the main keynote speaker.
The consultation concluded with the commitment to the vision of Holistic Transformation, recognising the Bible as the narrative of God's mission from creation to new creation, affirming Christ who is central in all things and that we are invited to participate actively in His redemptive work.
Our Commitment:
To embrace the Bible not merely as content to be shared but as a living invitation to join God's story as actors, engaging in the holistic mission to transform communities. To understand the fullness of the gospel and embody it within our churches, acknowledging that the Lordship of Christ encompasses not only forgiveness from sin but also the restoration of all relationships - between God and us, within ourselves, between ourselves and each other, and between us and all creation.
To integrate Holistic Transformation into our theological education, so that it is taught and practiced with intentionality and motivation, addressing physical, environmental, social and spiritual needs.
To connect with our communities authentically, embodying God’s presence and His love, especially during experiences of marginalisation.
To innovate methods of learning and practices that are context-based, sharing our stories of the HTM to inspire one another while developing tools for our unique contexts.
To awaken the potential within our churches and communities, sharing technical knowledge and skills that support the vision of the HTM, and recognising that true transformation arises when local churches leverage the giftings and resources God has placed within them.
18th APBY Conference 2024
The “BE – Saved, Passionate, Authentic, Connected” conference scheduled from May 29-June 1, 2024, concluded with an attendance of 560 delegates from 28 countries. The historic attendance of 8 youth leaders from the All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship led by their General Secretary Rev. Elias Guinos, and the first appearance of 8 youths from the Mongolia Evangelical Baptist Convention led by Rev. Ganzorig Bor, made the 18th APBY Conference a special one.
ASIA PACIFIC BAPTIST FEDERATION (APBF)
Another significant vision engagement from the 18th APBY Conference was the ‘APBY 2mil’ Macedonian Call by given out by the APBY to mobilize 2 million youths from the APBF region to go for Short Term Mission between 2025-2040 to celebrate the 2000th year of the Great Commission. This call aligns with the BWA’s Vision 2033 to celebrate the 2000-year anniversary of Pentecost by calling every Baptist to be a missionary.
Finally, as the world is constantly changing, and new challenges keep arising, the APBF resolves to stay relevant and responsive, seeking fresh ways to engage with the culture, address emerging issues, and effectively communicate the timeless, everlasting message of the Gospel.
In navigating the future, it is the prayer of the APBF to hold fast to the calling of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded ‘until He comes again’
Give God all the glory, honour and praise!
Vesekhoyi Tetseo (Vee) APBF General Secretary
Upcoming E VEN TS
October 10, 2024 Executive Committee (Virtual) 2025
November 4, 2024 Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer
March 3-5, 2025 Executive Committee, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
May 2025 BWA Global Impact & Evangelism Emphasis Month (Virtual)
July 7-12, 2025 23rd Baptist World Congress, Brisbane, Australia
November 3, 2025 Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer
* All dates are projected. The BWA will transition hybrid events to virtual meetings as needed. Please check BaptistWorld.org for event updates.
500 Years.
Free to Follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
Join the BWA Commission on Baptist Heritage and Identity as we commemorate this momentous date –January 21, 1515 – the rediscovery of Believer’s Baptism.
For more information and resources, visit the Commission Website:
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Join us for a powerful time of worship, prayer, fellowship, teaching, and service in the beautiful city of Brisbane, Australia. Experience the one-of-a-kind opportunity to gather with Baptist sisters and brothers from around the world and learn how God is at work in and through our global Baptist family. “ PRAISE GO D! I HAV E B EE N BLESSED AB UNDANTLY. M Y F AITH H AS BE EN RENE WED, MY HO PE RES T ORE D , A N D MY P ASSION FOR MISSION AND JUSTICE REIN V IGOR ATED.”
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