In the closing celebration, Pastor Agu (pictured), senior pastor of Jesus House for the Nations, one of the fastest growing churches in Europe, said that God had not 'forgotten this nation' and his 'plan was still on course'.

'Things are not as bad as you think' Pastor Agu encouraged Assembly, recognising that some feel that the 'church is in retreat' due to the growth of secularism.  'The news headlines are not telling us what is happening.  Behind the scenes God is building his church.'

Pastor Agu said he wanted to 'be part of a movement...that will usher in a revival that I pray will happen in my lifetime.'

'I see a glorious church. One day we are going to be saying prayers again in parliament. One day the church in the UK will be one church. One day streets will be filled with rivers of his love in this city and nation.'

Pastor Agu encouraged Baptists to adopt the example of the church by submitting to the Holy Spirit, being a praying church, being united, focusing on Jesus and being willing to give sacrificially.  Having a vision for the future he said was vital.  'The early church was driven by vision.  We must see where we are going.'

Closing the Assembly, BUGB general secretary, Jonathan Edwards, summed up what he would take away from this year's event. Referring to the Futures process, he said 'We recognise there is pain at this time but we also recognise that the Holy Spirit is at work.'