A Holistic Mission Guide

The Church's Response in Times of Crisis

A Resource in Response to a Changing World

With contributions from every region of the Baptist family, the Baptist World Alliance Holistic Mission Guide shares how churches across the globe are adapting and transforming ministry in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. We believe the content will both encourage and equip you at this critical time.

Each article features a series of questions you can use for personal reflection or group discussion, enabling the guide to be a launching point for meaningful dialogue and transformational growth. Browse the site below to access more than 50 articles, videos, and resources curated by Baptist leaders around the world or request your free digital copy of the guide now.

The Holistic Mission Guide is a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging mission. It is a collective testimony that holistic witness requires verbal proclamation, relational connectivity, justice, and transformational empowerment. It is our prayer that as we listen to one another as a global community shaped by particular experiences, locations and cultures, we will draw closer to one another and hear more clearly the voice of God calling us to a world which he so loves. May the Lord bring his renewal and revival.

Rev. Elijah M. Brown

General Secretary & CEO, Baptist World Alliance

Timely Resources for This Critical Time

Global Baptist leaders from more than 20 countries contributed articles and videos that share insights gained in the crucible of crisis. Use the search bar below to search by author or topic or click the icons to search by article type.

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Theological Reflection

Rooted in God’s Word, each article calls us to contemplate truth and its application to our current context.

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Grassroots Stories

Leaders from around the world share real life examples outlining how they have pivoted to reach their communities.

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Practical Guidelines

Born out of personal experiences, these relevant tips and ideas will help you live out the Great Commission.

APBAid Response Framework and Resource Toolkit

by Roshan Mendis

APBAid Director Roshan Mendis shares a powerful tool to help churches and organizations develop responses to the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Rethinking What It Means “To Gather” the Congregation

by Nathan Nettleton

Nathan Nettleton shares lessons learned in adapting to online worship and identifies key groups who were blessed by the transition.

Creating Meaningful Engagement and Connection in Online Worship

by Angela D. French

Angela French shares ways their church has pivoted to engage in meaningful worship and to inspire connection during the pandemic.

Church Budget Planning in a Pandemic

by Matt Cook

Dr. Matt Cook draws from more than twenty-five years in ministry to outline three ways to plan financially and be good stewards in uncertain times.

Light in the Dark, Tiny Room

by Asha Sanchu

Miqlat Ministry Director Asha Sanchu shares about a miraculous and spontaneous prayer service in the midst of a crowded, smoke-filled bar.

Zoom Ecclesiology: The Church Scattered and Gathered

by Paul Fiddes

As churches pivot to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, theologian Paul Fiddes reminds us of the virtues of virtual covenant, fellowship, and body.

As the world has plunged into suffering of unimaginable proportion and the churched and unchurched has groped in the dark for answers, the Church has had to rise to the occasion in fulfilling its prophetic, priestly, and compassionate functions. Together we have found a new way of being church. Therefore, the BWA Holistic Mission Guide is a compilation of case studies, stories, videos, and theological reflections from Baptists around the world outlining how they have interpreted and responded to the unprecedented challenges created by the coronavirus.

Rev. Everton Jackson

Director of Integral Mission, Baptist World Alliance

Search Content by Region

The Baptist World Alliance is comprised of six regional fellowships and has 241 member bodies in 128 countries and territories. The planning committee for the BWA Holistic Mission Guide initiative sought contributions from each of the regions to ensure the diversity of the global Baptist family was faithfully represented. Click on the map below:

All Africa Baptist Fellowship

Asia Pacific Baptist Federation

Caribbean Baptist Fellowship

European Baptist Federation

North American Baptist Federation

Union of Baptists in Latin America

Video Resources

Global Baptist leaders share ministry insights learned in the last year and how they can be integrated within your context.

Meet Our Contributors

More than 50 global ministry leaders contributed content to the Holistic Mission Guide with representation from all six of the BWA’s regional fellowships. Click on an image below to learn more about and from our authors.