(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – August 27, 2026) The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Ralph Douglas West as Ambassador for Preaching and Multiplying Congregations.
General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown observed,
From Baptist beginnings to a global movement of 180,000 churches in 138 countries today, prophetic preaching has remained a core conviction. Dr. West will carry that conviction forward by strengthening preachers, connecting churches, and inspiring a new generation of Baptists eager themselves to disciple others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
BWA Ambassadors serve as volunteer leaders who provide pastoral presence, specialized expertise, and global representation in advancing strategic ministry priorities. Working under the guidance of the General Secretary, Ambassadors are catalysts to advance the global witness of the Baptist family. Ambassador West brings over 50 years of preaching experience and more than 40 years of pastoral ministry to this new role.
As the founding pastor of The Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas (USA), he has devoted his ministry to proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing disciples, and developing a thriving Christian community committed to extending the love of Christ beyond the walls of the church. Today, The Church Without Walls is a multisite campus welcoming thousands every Sunday.
Ambassador West comes with deep experience in strengthening pastors and congregations through his leadership at the IC3 Church Conference. Hosted annually at The Church Without Walls and in Africa, IC3 equips pastors, ministers, and church leaders with practical tools, spiritual insight, and meaningful relationships to help them navigate a changing ministry landscape and cultivate healthy, growing churches.
“It is a profound honor to serve as the Baptist World Alliance Ambassador for Preaching and Multiplying Congregations,” Ambassador West said.
I receive this opportunity with deep humility, recognizing that it reflects our shared mission to network the Baptist family and impact the world for Christ. By God’s grace and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I look forward to walking alongside pastors and preachers around the world, encouraging faithful proclamation and strengthening the work of multiplying healthy, Christ-centered congregations.
Together, through collaboration, mutual encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to the gospel, we will lift high the name of Jesus and advance His Kingdom for generations to come.
Ambassador West completed degrees at Bishop College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Beeson Divinity School, where he earned a Doctor of Ministry. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is a frequent speaker at universities and seminaries across the United States, as well as internationally at Oxford University.