Dear BWA,

We're only 160 days away from the 23rd Baptist World Congress, and we have exciting news to share about all that God has in store. In addition to the Baptist Women's Summit and NxtGen Leadership Summit on July 7-8, we now have two special events taking place on Wednesday, July 9, highlighting God's global mission and our global aid initiatives. We are also pleased to announce that many more speakers have been confirmed, including Kay and Rick Warren. Check out more information below!

Global Mission Conference

Ahead of the 2025 Congress Opening Celebration, a one-day Global Mission Conference will be held on Wednesday, July 9, centered on the theme "Mission Towards 2033 – A Call to Collaborate."

Guest speakers will include notable missiologist Allen Yeh, Vice President of Academic Affairs at the International Theological Seminary, and Jennifer Lau, Executive Director of Canadian Baptist Ministries. Registration is US$55 and includes lunch. Space is limited, so click to register or find out more.

Aid Symposium

The Congress will feature a special track for pastors, aid and development practitioners, nonprofit directors, convention leaders or those interested in aid, development, and/or social service ministries. It will include a series of dynamic seminars with the opportunity to earn a continuing education unit and a Certificate in Humanitarian Action from BWA and Truett Theological Seminary.

There will be a special kickoff Aid Symposium on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 9, that will be open to anyone who wishes to attend, regardless of whether you choose to pursue the Aid Track. The Symposium will be a great networking opportunity and will feature a guest speaker and interactive sessions. More details will follow soon. However, if you are interested in being a part of the Aid track, please complete a brief form to help with our planning.

Rick Warren was named by Time Magazine as the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Rick has spoken in 165 nations, at the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and TED. He has lectured at Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard, and we are excited to have him share at the 23rd Baptist World Congress!

Kay Warren is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. After the death of their son Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Community to provide a safe and welcoming place for individuals and families to receive accurate psychoeducation, build community, and be fully incorporated into the life of the church.