Baptist Union Monthly Email - May 2026
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our May 2026 update focusing on one important initiative we hope you can share. This month it’s a final call for Baptist Assembly. With over 800 people already coming, can you help us reach 1000?
"In my time as General Secretary, I have always loved
being part of Baptist Assembly.
It’s a great opportunity to meet, listen, share
and spend time with people like you;
ministers, chaplains, pioneers, treasurers,
secretaries and faithful local Baptists.
This year will be the same, offering inspiration
and lots of practical resourcing alongside worshipping,
praying and celebrating together."
Why should you and your community attend?
On Friday 15 May there are sessions designed to resource you with:
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Evangelism
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Public Issues
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Prophetic Ministry
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Property development
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Global mission
This alongside two specific events; the ‘Discovering Ministry’ event for anyone exploring a call to leadership and a Level 3 Excellence in safeguarding training opportunity.
On Saturday morning we will be exploring Colossians 1.15-23 through a variety of Bible study options. Mission will be the focus of the early afternoon. It will provide inspiration through sharing local and global stories and discerning together around the mission resolution. Later we will welcome, celebrate and pray for ministers and pastors who have become fully accredited.
Sunday 17 will see us gather in worship before being sent out.
Throughout the weekend, in addition to what we have put together, nearly 50 other organisations will be present in our Exhibitor Zone. There will also be an ‘Exploring your calling for 18-35s’ gathering and children and youth programmes.
Please book by clicking here and if possible, take advantage of the 5 tickets for the price of 4 offer.
For the coming month we would also like to share the following with you: NextUp Learning Community is an 18-month programme to connect young adults in Baptist churches, grow their leadership skills, and give them a taste for mission. A Million Acts of Hope is a nationwide UK campaign bringing together charities, faith groups and communities to celebrate everyday acts of kindness, compassion and solidarity. It seeks to counter division by making visible the countless ways people are building connection and hope in their local communities.
Further news, resources and events can be found below.
Wishing you all a blessed May in the communities you serve.
Baptist Resources
The May Prayer Diary is now available to download from our website.
NextUp Learning Community is an 18-month programme to connect young adults in Baptist churches, grow their leadership skills, and give them a taste for mission. In partnership with BMS, Everyone Everywhere and Fresh Streams, the cohort will have the chance to explore the range of Baptist mission, identify next steps for leadership, and build community with other 18-35s across the country. Through online and offline gatherings, mentorship, digital community and shadowing opportunities, this is a fantastic opportunity for someone aged 18-35 in your congregation to go deeper in faith - could you share it with them?
Transform contains all the latest reference material for church ministers and leaders.
An update from the Baptist Pensions Team
Resources
This April, Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges set to rise by around 60%, many organisations are concerned about what this means for their electricity costs. In light of these increases, Utility Aid have created a video explaining how these changes are broken down and how they will affect your bills. If you would like support with your utility bills, please get in touch with Utility Aid.
A Million Acts of Hope is a nationwide UK campaign bringing together charities, faith groups and communities to celebrate everyday acts of kindness, compassion and solidarity. It seeks to counter division by making visible the countless ways people are building connection and hope in their local communities.
This May, in the week leading up to Baptist Assembly, might you be able to choose one Act of Hope your church is involved in, and share it - so together we can show just how much hope is alive in our churches and the communities we serve.
Events
It is Well with My Soul is an evangelistic musical written by Baptist minister Gareth Hides which tells the story of the people behind the classic gospel hymn. It is touring for the fourth time since its launch in 2023, including in three Baptist churches. Gareth says it connects with those on the fringes of church or who may have come from a Christian background. More details at itiswellmusical.com and in this Baptist Times piece.
The Black Light course, a programme exploring issues of race, faith, and justice through a Christian lens. It brings together diverse Christian leaders to reflect on the presence and contribution of Black people in the Bible, church history, and contemporary society. The course invites honest conversation about challenging themes, including racism, history, and identity, while encouraging unity, understanding, and partnership in the mission of God. Rather than seeking to place blame, it offers space to learn, reflect, and grow as followers of Jesus in a multi-ethnic society. The course especially welcomes church and ministry leaders. Find out more here.
The Baptist Historical Society Annual Lecture 2026 will take place on Wednesday 20 May at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London. Professor Brian Stanley will present a lecture titled 'The Eloquence of Silence: What We Have Omitted to Say about Baptist Missions in an Age of Empire.' All are welcome to attend either in person or online. Register your place here to join this thoughtful exploration of Baptist history and mission.
Homelessness is more than losing a home — it often brings trauma, broken relationships, and a loss of identity. Hope into Action believes lasting change happens through community. At their 2026 Annual Conference, the Christian vision behind their work will be explored, tenants will share stories, and seminars will inspire practical responses rooted in hope. The conference is for volunteers, church leaders, professionals, investors, and anyone passionate about the church’s response to homelessness. Find out more and to book your place click here.
Encountering God’s Story, through scripture and one another - A retreat for children, young people, and family workers. Ministry is a joy, but the reality is that the work we carry can take its toll. We invite children, young people, and family workers from across Baptists Together as we gather to celebrate, seek God, and dwell together in His presence. Find out more about the retreat here.
Baptists via Everyone Everywhere have teamed up with the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication and other ecumenical partners to offer a series of events in 2026 to help churches reach new people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Multiply: North takes place at St George's Church, Leeds, on Tuesday 23 June. Gather with local leaders and teams to share wisdom across traditions, contexts and models.
Shine Your Light 2026 - 11 - 13 December
Shine Your Light, the evangelistic initiative which encourages UK churches to take carol and other Christmas services out from church buildings onto streets, marketplaces and shopping centres, will take place this year from 11-13 December. For more information about the initiative click here.
Catch up with the latest Baptist Times stories here.
Whilst we’ve carefully chosen these resources and events because we hope they will be useful to you and your church family, we are not directly responsible for the content from other groups and organisations. The Monthly Update is sent monthly to all ministers in Baptist Union of GB churches, church secretaries, church treasurers, regional teams and other subscribers. If you would like to receive it by email, please subscribe by completing the 'Sign up to our newsletter' form below.