Christine Stride is Executive Assistant to the Baptist National Leader and works at the Baptist National Support Centre in Auckland. She is part of Titirangi Baptist Church.
Ponder this question while I explain my reason for asking. The Baptist World Alliance (BWA), the global umbrella for Baptist organisations, will hold its annual gathering in Brisbane, Australia, next year. Organisers expect thousands of Baptist people from numerous cultures to attend. This fact prompted me to wonder...what is a group of Baptists called?
This is the first in-person global Congress in ten years (they are held every five and the last one was virtual due to the COVID pandemic). It's unlikely to ever be this close for Kiwis again!
Anyone can attend - you don't need an official ministry role in a Baptist church. It’s worth noting that if you do plan to go, the lower-priced early bird registration closes on 30 November 2024.
When is the Congress?
The main Congress programme is from Wednesday, 9 July – Saturday, 12 July 2025.
There’s also the Baptist Women’s Summit and the Emerging Leaders’ Summit, which are held at the same venue but earlier, on 7 – 8 July.
Why should I attend?
The BWA is a group of 51 million Baptists, and we are part of that group. As Baptists, we’re meant to associate, so this is your opportunity to do that at an international level! Gathering together with people from other nations and cultures inspires a deeper understanding of God’s global issue.
What can I expect?
Learn how God is at work in and through our global family via keynote speakers, worship, Bible studies, focus groups, and seminars. There will be culturally diverse music and art. There will be prayer, worship and fellowship.
Who is going from New Zealand?
The National Leader and the Regional Leaders will attend, as will some National Support Centre staff.
Click here for more information and to register
I wonder if you’ve come up with an appropriate collective noun yet?
Photo: Baptist National Hui 2023, by Morgan Dews
