About Us

OUR MISSION: Networking the Baptist Family to Impact the World for Christ

OUR HISTORY: Founded with a vision to unite Baptists from “every land” in mission and service, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) began in 1905. From its earliest days, the BWA has hosted gatherings and provided opportunities for Baptists from around the world to pray, worship, fellowship, and serve together with a commitment to “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism." 

A hundred years after its inception, more than 14,000 Baptists gathered in Birmingham, England, in 2005 to celebrate a century of God’s faithfulness at the Centennial Congress. Attendees honored the founding vision and prayed for the future impact of this global ministry. With its storied history and strategic future, the BWA today remains dedicated to “Networking the Baptist Family to Impact the World for Christ." 

OUR FIVE MINISTRY AREAS:

Strengthen Worship, Fellowship, & Unity Centered in Jesus Christ and rooted in deep spiritual life, we strengthen our worldwide family through ongoing gatherings; pastoral presence; mutual friendships; and the cultivation of worship, fellowship, and unity.

Lead in Mission & Evangelism Compelled by the Great Commission, we lead with a passionate commitment to Gospel witness in every context and people group, foster multidirectional partnerships that connect individuals and churches, and encourage global mission and evangelism.

Respond through Aid, Relief, & Community Development Challenged to generously love our neighbor, we respond to people in need; collaborate in times of crisis; network agencies; support sustainability and creation care; build capacity; empower local church engagement and resource aid, relief, and community development.

Defend Religious Freedom, Human Rights, & Justice Committed to a biblical understanding of the image of God in every person, we defend an ethic of life; support religious freedom for all; stand in solidarity with the marginalized; advocate at every level; train and network proactively; and mobilize for religious freedom, human rights, and justice.

Advance Theological Reflection & Transformational Leadership Called to discipleship, we advance multicultural and multilingual training, empower next generation leaders, encourage meaningful dialogue and praxis, and engage in relevant theological reflection and transformational leadership.

Catch a glimpse of our global Baptist family with our 2019 Annual Gathering overview video below.

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