FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – July 7, 2021)
More than 4,000 Baptists from over 140 countries are gathering July 7-10, 2021, for the 22nd Baptist World Congress. Held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this Congress will be the Baptist World Alliance’s (BWA) most globally diverse gathering in its 116-year history.
With content offered in multiple languages, Congress participants will engage in worship, prayer, fellowship, and Bible study around the theme, “TOGETHER.”
“We are so pleased that the 22nd Baptist World Congress is truly a global event! With participants from more than 140 countries and territories, we will be together from every corner of the world,” said Julie Justus, Director of Global Partnerships and Unity. “The BWA was able to offer each member body a Congress scholarship package, with a special focus on including young leaders and female leaders. The 22nd Baptist World Congress is about being Together and we know that this unprecedented Congress will be a taste of heaven on earth.”
More than 30 Bible studies and seminars will be offered by gifted communicators within the global Baptist family on topics such as Together in Justice, Building the Next Generation Today, and Implications of Technology for the Church’s Mission Today.
During four plenary sessions, dynamic speakers from around the world will draw from their unique cultural and ministry experiences to share practical, biblical insights for life and mission.
To help participants connect with their brothers and sisters from around the globe, more than 40 Global Connection Groups focused on areas of mutual interest will meet. These small groups will create space for fellowship with members of the Baptist family and opportunities to hear each other’s testimonies and insights around given topics.
“For me, the highlight of the Congress is to be able to bring people Together, which opens the opportunity for relationship building, ministry commitments, and partnership creation. Worshipping and praying in many languages is a beautiful experience – every nation and tribe, every people and language standing in front of the throne of God,” said Carolina Mangieri, Director of Global Events and Fellowship.
Other features of the event include a concert of prayer uniting the global Baptist family in intercession and a celebration of praise featuring music from around the world. The Congress will conclude with a celebration of communion together as one body united in Christ.
“At the very first Congress in 1905, individuals from 26 countries registered. So as we celebrate this Congress with individuals from more than 140 countries, it is a testimony of the grace of God and the missional commitment of Baptists through the years and across cultures,” said Elijah Brown, BWA General Secretary. “We are excited to gather global Baptists for this historic event, calling together the nations to worship Jesus Christ in unity and to recommit to God’s global mission.”
Two pre-conferences are also available on July 7. The Global Conference of Baptist Women is an opportunity for women to worship with artists from across the globe, hear what is happening with their sisters in the seven Baptist Women Continental Unions, and be challenged and encouraged through three powerful speakers and ten workshops. The Together with the Persecuted Religious Freedom Summit will help attendees learn how the Church can stand together with the persecuted in prayer and support. It will feature two tracks: leadership development and a global religious advocacy.
For more information or to register, visit BWA2021.org.
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