NSW & ACT Baptist Churches is part of a big, global movement of Baptist Churches. Baptist World Alliance (BWA) unites Baptists across the world, who all share a common confession of faith in Jesus.
Since its beginnings in 1905, the Baptist World Alliance has been committed to impacting the world for Christ. It is now a global network of 51 million Baptists in 130 countries and territories unified by a mission to impact the world for Christ.
If you haven’t heard of BWA before, that’s not uncommon. Because, in a sense, BWA works in the background.
“BWA networks Baptists from around the world and gives shape to our global Baptist presence,” explains Steve Bartlett, Director of Ministries. “It is the key mechanism for international dialogue amongst Baptists in everything from theological education to aid and development to global mission to local mission to Baptist life and theology. It’s also a key way that Baptists who are struggling or facing hardship are encouraged by their brothers and sisters in different parts of the globe.”
The BWA is also part of how we build networks that, for example, Baptist World Aid uses in connecting with partnerships in countries where we support aid and development. The networks built through the enabling of BWA are key to our global fellowship and our mission. So, when you support Baptist World Aid Australia or Baptist Mission Australia, know that these organisations benefit from the international networks forged by BWA.
For the second time in its 100-year history, the BWA will be holding the Baptist World Congress in Australia. The Congress only happens once every 5 years and in 2025 will be held in Brisbane. This is a 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 family.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to spend a few inspiring days with Baptists from all different parts of the world to be equipped and inspired,” says Steve Bartlett, Director of Ministries for NSW & ACT Baptists, “without travelling halfway around the world to be part of it!”
The Baptist World Congress is for anyone who would like to be encouraged and blessed by connection with our global Baptist family and the opportunity to worship and learn together. And specifically for pastors and leaders, as it provides a unique opportunity for engagement and learning and inspiration. The program is for the whole family, so it is scheduled for the school holidays and includes both youth and kids’ programs.
There are also two additional Summits running immediately prior to the main convention. The NextGen Summit is for emerging leaders (under 35) to worship together, learn from and encourage each other, build lifelong friendships and cohorts that could continue long beyond being together in Brisbane. The Baptist Women’s Summit is a one-of-a-kind, quinquennial event that brings Baptist sisters together from around the world for a unified time of worship, prayer, leadership development, and ministry mobilization.
So, will we see you at Congress? There won’t be another opportunity like this on our shores in a generation.
