The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 214
Baptist unions and conventions comprising a membership of 36 million baptized
believers in a community of 105 million around the world. The BWA unites Baptists worldwide, leads
in evangelism, responds to people in need and defends human rights.
Neville Callam is the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance.
The BWA's 214 member organizations elect a President and sixteen vice-presidents who represent its work in six regional fellowships around the world. Professional staff includes a General Secretary, Division and Department directors and a ministry staff at the BWA Center in Falls Church, Virginia, USA.
1. Unite Baptists Worldwide:
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism." This Biblical truth of the oneness of the
Body of Christ comes alive in the global meetings of the BWA, whether at an
annual meeting of leaders in the world or a Congress with thousands of Baptists.
The first Sunday of February every year is Baptist World Alliance Day when Baptists recognize the larger body of Christ and pray for each other. We ask God to help those who are denied religious freedom and who suffer for their faith, and pray for the Gospel to reach the ends of the earth.
World Congress: A Baptist World Congress is held every five years. This celebration of praise to God brings Baptists together to renew their faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to serve the world. The 2010 Baptist World Alliance Congress will be held in Hawaii.
2. Leads in Evangelism:
Evangelism is at the heart of Baptist life and the BWA is a stimulus to Baptists
to do evangelism. Evangelistic meetings, conferences, teams and resources are
all part of this ministry, as we seek to proclaim and demonstrate good news in
Jesus Christ, training indigenous pastors and evangelists for the work.
3. Defend Religious Liberty and Human Rights:
From the start of Baptist life in the 17th Century when Baptists were persecuted
for their understanding of faith, religious freedom has always been central to
Baptist faith and witness. We have a unified voice to speak out against
religious oppression, against discrimination, and against human rights
violations. We represent Baptists all over the world and when we present a
Baptist perspective, world leaders listen.
Racism and ethnic conflict are evils that must be fought with action and prayer. The BWA has named the first ten years of this new millennium a, "Decade of Racial Justice." Baptist churches all over the world have joined this cause.
4. Responds to People in Need:
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, civil war are some natural and man-made
disasters that cause terrible suffering. Through Baptist World Aid, the relief
and development arm of the BWA, Baptists worldwide share resources that go
directly to address the needs. Through its development ministry, BWAid works
with Baptists to strengthen their resources and capabilities to meet emergencies
and promote growth.
5. National leadership:
A most important ministry of the BWA is leadership training and development that
helps Baptist leaders and churches become more effective in their ministries.
Through all kinds of leadership training experiences and visits around the world,
the BWA serves to work with national leaders to deepen their impact for Christ
in their own countries. It is those national leaders to whom God has entrusted
the long term care of the Church in their nations.
Promotes Relevant Theological Reflection: Every year Baptist theologians, ethicists, historians, and leaders come together to thoughtfully discuss issues relating to how the published books and papers resulting from their studies help Baptists to become more mature Christians, understanding our faith, our heritage, and the life Jesus call us to lead.
Donations from member bodies are the main source of
funding. Churches and interested individuals are encouraged to support the BWA.
For more information about the Baptist World Alliance check out their web site
at Baptist World Alliance.
