Honoring Paul Msiza

Ngwedla Paul Msiza of South Africa assumed office as Baptist World Alliance (BWA) President at the conclusion of the 21st Baptist World Congress in July 2015, becoming only the second African to fill the role. Before becoming president, Msiza had been actively involved in the life of the BWA. His past service included terms as a BWA Vice President, Executive Committee Member, and General Council Member as well as a member of various committees, commissions, and workgroups. He was also chair of the Local Arrangements Committee for the first BWA Congress held on the African continent and was installed as president during the proceedings in Durban, South Africa.

During Msiza's presidency, the Baptist World Alliance added nine new member bodies, bringing the BWA membership to 47 million Baptists within 241 member bodies in 126 countries and territories. He traveled extensively during his five-year term, ministering faithfully to the global Baptist family. This included the preaching of the gospel in 25 countries, ambassadorial meetings with national dignitaries and religious leaders, presiding over BWA General Councils and Executive meetings, and fellowshipping with thousands of Baptists around the world.

Over the last five years, Msiza has led the BWA through significant change, including the transition of General Secretary leadership from Neville Callam to Elijah Brown, as well as the current challenges created by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

"Paul has been an incredible servant of the Lord," said General Secretary Brown. "He has been a friend, a companion, a confidante, a champion for the BWA, and a preacher of excellence and faithfulness in God's Word. He has traveled the world tirelessly and led ably."

In addition to his global leadership, Msiza has also served at a regional and national level. He was President of All Africa Baptist Fellowship, one of six regional fellowships of the BWA, from 2006-2011 and General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of South Africa (BCSA) from 2001-2010.

He was trained at the Hebron Teacher Training College and worked bi-vocationally as a pastor and school teacher from 1988 until he became Founding Principal of the Baptist Convention College in 1995. He holds diplomas and degrees from the University of Witwatersrand, the University of South Africa, the Baptist Theological Seminary of Southern Africa, and the Baptist Bible Institute. Msiza has served as the senior pastor of Peniel-Salem Baptist Church in Pretoria since 2011. He has been married to Sanna Mapula for more than 20 years, and they have three sons and one daughter-in-law.

"Paul has led the BWA in the spirit of the prophet Micah, with his passion for justice, his love of mercy and his humble servant heart," said former BWA President David Coffey (2005-2010). Serving as the BWA President involves sacrificial commitments, and I offer the warmest appreciation to Paul for his numerous global journeys, and the fruitfulness of his ministry. He has freely used his gifts as a courageous preacher, compassionate pastor, and wise and gentle peacemaker. We thank the Lord for raising this gifted son of South Africa, only the second African in our history to serve as President of the BWA."

The global Baptist family is incredibly thankful for the life, leadership, and legacy of President Paul Msiza. Join us in a prayer of thanksgiving for this man of God and express your personal thanks using the Tribute button.