Program
Schedule
On Sunday, July 5, there will be some additional sessions including the following.
| 9 am-5 pm | NxtGen Experience for leaders age 18-35 |
| 2 pm-4:15 pm | Leadership Council (LC) for LC members only |
| 4:30-5:30 pm | First Timers Orientation (for anyone attending an Annual Gathering for the first time) |
| 4:30-5:30 pm | Commission / Network Chairs Only Planning |
| 6:00-8:30 pm | Trustee Committee (TC) for TC members only |
NxtGen Experience
As the BWA continues our commitment to engage the next generation of leaders who are exercising leadership across our Member Partners and in the light of the success of the NxtGen Summit held in Brisbane last July, we are inviting leaders aged 18-35 to arrive in time for the NxtGen Experience on Sunday, July 5, 2026. It will commence at 2 pm, finish around 9 pm, and will include dinner.
The NxtGen Experience is a dynamic, immersive journey for younger leaders. Participants will engage in a full-day experience designed to strengthen leadership formation, expand futurist imagination, and deepen commitment to global ministry and service. Throughout the week, attendees will be embedded across the larger gathering, not separated by age, participating in Commission meetings and larger sessions while building relationships and learning alongside leaders from around the world. NxtGen attendees will be equipped to serve as integral members of the Baptist World, offering a prophetic, justice-minded witness in every space they enter.
Member Partners are reminded that, if they have not already done so, to appoint one additional representative to the Global Council if that person is under the age of thirty-five (35) at the time of their appointment. We encourage Member Partners to invest in their NxtGen leaders and bring them to the Annual Gathering and the NxtGen Experience.
Please notify us via email by May 1, 2026, if you are appointing one additional representative to the Global Council.
Optional Outing to Niagara Falls
On Friday afternoon, July 10, we will be offering an optional outing to Niagara Falls as soon as the final session closes. Lunch will be a ‘to go’ lunch that day, which you will be able to grab before boarding the coach to the Falls. The coaches will leave at 12:30 pm. It is approximately a 2-hour drive down to the area. A ride on the Niagara City Cruise boat up to the foot of the Falls will be included – be prepared to get wet! We will depart Niagara Falls at approximately 7 pm to return to the Novotel and Tyndale at approximately 9 pm.
Cost: US$90 per person
This includes coach transport in both directions, entry to Niagara Parks, and the Niagara City Cruise boat ride.
You will need to purchase your own dinner at Niagara or upon return to Toronto.
Booking: Reserve your place for the outing when registering for the Annual Gathering.