'We thank God for all the ways that he is graciously at work in and through us' 

General Secretary Lynn Green celebrated the power of collaboration across Baptists Together in sharing three highlights from the past year

 
Lynn gave a brief address as the Baptist Assembly officially began on Saturday afternoon, following the BMS World Mission-led mission conference that had taken place in the previous 24 hours.

In a session called 'Gathering and Sharing', she opened with a message of gratitude and hope while reflecting on the challenges and blessings of 2024.

'2024 was a challenging year in many ways,’ she said.

'This time last year, I ended my review of the year by saying this:

'My prayer is that next year I shall be able to stand here and share that we have continued to hold each other in love and grace and have trusted the Lord to do a deeper work in us as individuals and as a movement.'
 
'By the grace of God and through our prayers and commitment to one another I am profoundly grateful to share that this is true.

'Let’s not underestimate this and let’s be thankful to God that we stand here today “United in Mission” for the sake of His glory.

'Yet alongside our challenges in this past year I have continued to hear wonderful stories of mission; people finding faith and being baptised, of churches, chaplains and pioneers being and sharing Jesus in so many amazing and creative ways.

'God is good!'
 
Lynn went on to share three highlights of the past year. All rely on collaboration, and 'illustrate the beautiful power of being Baptists Together.'
 



Equipping volunteer youth leaders

The first highlight was the Youthscape Essentials training program, which has been equipping volunteer youth leaders across the Baptist family. Coordinated by the Revd Clare Hooper and the CYF Round Table, the initiative has trained more than 200 youth leaders so far, with 26 regional trainers delivering the program in every association.



Lynn praised the collaborative effort, noting that pooling resources through Home Mission funding made the program not only effective but also more cost-efficient. 'If we had all done this independently, it would have cost us twice as much to train these people!' she said. 'A brilliant example of how pooling our Home Mission resources and working together is great for mission and great for the Kingdom economy as well.'

The Youthscape Essentials training has been instrumental in strengthening youth ministry across Baptists Together, and Lynn encouraged more churches to get involved. 'Contact your Regional Association if you would like to take part,' she urged.
 
 
Inspiring 18–35-year-old leaders

Lynn also celebrated the ongoing development of young leaders aged 18-35, a group she described as vital to the future of the Church. In 2023, 31 young leaders attended the EBF/BWA Sent Mission conference in Norway, launching a three-year mission-focused learning community that culminates next summer.



Over the past year, these young leaders have been mentored and supported through virtual and onsite gatherings, worship nights, and networking opportunities. Lynn shared how the program has equipped them for mission in their local contexts while also enabling them to serve nationally.

A small contingent from the group is set to attend the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Brisbane this July, where they will join the Emerging Leaders conference. Lynn believes this will be a “life-changing experience” for the participants.

'It has been brilliant to see how these leaders have flourished locally and begun to bless us nationally,' she said.

She also highlighted how collaboration, pooling local church and Home Mission resources and partnering with the Baptist Insurance Company, had made this initiative possible. Looking ahead, Baptists Together is exploring ways to expand this model to reach even more young leaders next year.

In addition we also currently have around 50 interns across the movement, and at the Satellites youth conference last summer there was a gathering of around 200 young people from nine Associations.

Lynn encouraged churches to connect their young people with the Baptist Young Leaders network via Instagram (@baptistyoungleaders) or the Baptists Together website.
 
 
Everyone Everywhere: igniting gospel conversations

The third major highlight Lynn shared was the Everyone Everywhere initiative, launched at the 2024 Assembly. This collaborative effort seeks to inspire confidence in sharing the gospel and celebrates the diverse ways Baptists are fulfilling the Great Commission in their unique contexts.



In October, the initiative hosted its first national day conference, where 100 leaders gathered for worship, prayer, teaching, and storytelling.

Next week, the initiative will host a second event featuring speakers Alan Hirsch and Dot Tyler, designed to enable practitioners to engage in deeper conversations and prayer.

'Everyone Everywhere is about celebrating the many different contextual approaches to sharing Jesus, wherever we are,' Lynn explained.

She emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in mission, urging attendees to give sacrificially to Home Mission. In doing so she highlighted the support given to churches and ministers by our Regional and Specialist Teams.  
 
Lynn concluded her address by saying 'We thank God for all the ways that he is graciously at work in and through us.'