We praise God for the incredible week we experienced in beautiful Stavanger, Norway, as we gathered as a people on mission for this years Annual Gathering! Over 500 registrants from 82 countries united for worship, prayer, fellowship, and teaching.
Check out a recap of our time together below!
Opening Worship Celebration
The Gathering had a great start with a worship service led by our Norwegian sisters and brothers. The service culminated with a commissioning prayer based on the Seoul Covenant written more than 30 years ago.
General Secretary’s Global Leadership Council
2023 Human Rights Award
On Tuesday, we presented Mona Khauli with the 2023 Denton & Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. Recognized for her 60+ years of faithful human rights advocacy, Khauli is a pioneer among us. Learn more about her ministry.
Global Baptist Mission Network Launch
We celebrate the launch of the Global Baptist Mission Network (GBMN) on Tuesday! With representation from all six BWA regions, inaugural membership includes 23 mission organizations from 17 countries. Click to learn more.
Welcoming New Members
The General Council unanimously approved eight new members, bringing total membership of the BWA to 253 Baptist organizations in 130 countries and territories. To find out more about these new members, click here.
Conversation with Miroslav Volf
Helle Liht, European Baptist Federation Assistant General Secretary, led a Q&A with renowned theologian Miroslav Volf on Tuesday evening. He encouraged us to “take what moves people and shed the light of the gospel on it.”
Regional Fellowships
BWA Women on Mission Lunch
We enjoyed a wonderful time of worship, food, fellowship, and sharing on Wednesday. Hosted beautifully by Norwegian Baptist women, the room was full of life and love with 74 women from 27 countries.
Thank You
We are grateful to the Baptist Union of Norway for their support of the BWA Annual Gathering and the SENT Global Mission Summit. We were blessed by their incredible hospitality and the faithful service of their 40+ volunteers.
Resolution
The General Council approved a resolution during the final session of the 2023 Annual Gathering recognizing the dignity of indigenous peoples and calling for justice. Click to read the full resolution.
The Week in Photos
We’ve captured the week in photos! Click to view.
If you have additional photos you would like to share from this week, please connect with BWA Comms.
© BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE | 2023