Baptist Union Monthly Update - July 2026
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our monthly update.
Our key message this month is to share two new safeguarding resources.
Our National Safeguarding Team and members of the National Safeguarding Contacts Group for Baptists Together have developed safeguarding training for junior leaders. This training is intended for young people aged 14 to 17 years old who would like to volunteer with children’s work in your church.
Access the training for junior leaders guide here.
In addition, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Church in Wales have worked collaboratively to produce an accessible safeguarding training resource for adult volunteers with learning disabilities in our churches who have a volunteer role with children, young people or adults in church family life.
Access the training for adult volunteers with learning disabilities guide here.
Across Baptists Together, we are committed to excellence in safeguarding - and our resources are here to help you and your church as you work to create a safe environment that is welcoming to all.
Further news, resources and events can be found below.
Wishing you all a blessed July in the communities you serve.
Baptist Resources
The July Prayer Diary is now available to download from our website.
We have a number of new books and some popular book titles restocked available on
our online shop.
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'I Didn't Ask For Any of This' Allan Finnegan
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'Faithful Presence in a Fractured World' Helen Paynter
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'Slow wisdom' Ruth Moriarty - back in stock
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'He Refreshes My Soul' Jeannie Kendall - coming soon
Resources
Faith in Later Life has launched Flourishing Faith in Later Life, a free six-session discipleship resource for older believers. The Bible is realistic about the challenges of ageing, but also gives a wonderfully hopeful vision of later life: older believers continuing to grow in faith, bear fruit, and proclaim God’s goodness. Designed for home groups, church fellowships and care-home settings, this resource guides leaders and participants through Bible-based conversations about identity in Christ, prayer and devotion, disillusionment, the hope of heaven, lifelong purpose, and sharing faith with others. It includes both a leader’s guide and participant guide, and is free to download.
Download the resource here.
Churches play a vital role in the promotion of good relations between different faiths. In our current context we are experiencing increasing pressure on faith relationships as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the rising Antisemitism and Islamophobia, along with other national and local impacts of global conflicts that have a religious dimension. Forming friendships and collaborative partnerships are important and valuable steps. This new course and toolkit emphasises the distinctive contribution that an intentional focus on dialogue can make, deepening those relationships and supporting all to live out their faith at the service of the whole community. It is aimed at Christians seeking to initiate or develop interreligious dialogue in their local communities and/or other contexts in which they work.
Are you interested in environmental theology? The Elisha Project is a one-year ecumenical programme (running Jan 2027 - Jan 2028) to equip and support church leaders, early career theologians, and scientists who are interested in environmental theology. There are 20 spaces on the programme and participation is completely free. To request an application form, please email margot.hodson@jri.org.uk. The application deadline is 30 Sep 2026. Further information can be found on the Regent's Park College website.
Churches across the UK are invited to mark Disability Awareness Sunday using a free resource from Through the Roof. Based on 1 Corinthians 12, the theme One Body, Many Parts celebrates the vital place of disabled people within the life of the Church. While the official date is 27 September 2026, churches can participate on any suitable Sunday. The resource features contributions from Triona Brading, an autistic Christian, Roofbreaker disability champion, and ministry trainee, who offers a fresh perspective on what it means for every member of Christ's Body to belong and contribute. Designed to help churches move beyond awareness towards inclusion, the free resource includes two short videos, a ready-to-use service outline, and ideas for all-age worship and youth activities. Churches can download the materials and find out more at Through the Roof.
Events
The Small Church Connexion invites you to their Summer Retreat at Westbourne Park Baptist Church. Led by Revd. Jo Allen from Rural Ministries. Find out more and how to book here.
The Anabaptist Mennonite Network to bring you Encountering the Anabaptists. This is a short online module that introduces their history, beliefs, practices and contemporary relevance. The course is running on the first four Thursdays in October (1, 8, 15 and 22) from 7pm to 9pm. It will cost only £20 and will include a copy of The Naked Anabaptist by Stuart Murray.
Ever been tempted to visit the beautiful, historic island of Iona? If so, perhaps there's no better time than 17–23 October, when JPIT's own Steve Tinning and Simeon Mitchell will be leading a week exploring Politics, Power and Protest. Those attending will reflect together on faith, justice and public life, all in one of the most inspiring places in the British Isles. They'd love to see you there! To find out more and book your place, click here.
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.