Baptist Union Council Focuses on Worship, Peace Prayers, and Formation Ecosystem Update

Worship and prayer marked the opening of the Baptist Union Council’s October 2025 meeting, with members gathering around the Lord’s table for communion. General Secretary Lynn Green emphasized the importance of this practice, stating, “Christ is the centre and we worship and follow him.” The session began with a focus on spiritual reflection, as members sought to still their hearts and minds in God’s presence. To commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and to align with the broader Christian community, Green also invited members to recite the Nicene Creed.

The council dedicated an evening session to praying for peace in the contemporary world. Special attention was given to regions experiencing conflict, including Israel/Gaza, Russia/Ukraine, Sudan, and the United Kingdom. Worship during the meeting was led by Zac Adeleye, a council member and minister at Serpentine Road Family Church in Wallasey, Merseyside.

Peter King, the moderator of the Baptist Union of Great Britain Trustee Board, led the council for the first time. This followed the resignation of previous moderator Seidel Abel Boanerges, who had relocated to Canada. Boanerges participated via video link at the conclusion of the meeting, receiving an official farewell. Green expressed gratitude for his leadership and the trust placed in him, offering prayers for his family as he began his new role at Acadia University in Canada. Boanerges, in turn, thanked the council members for their partnership in the gospel, calling his service “one of the greatest privileges of my ministry.”

The council also addressed the formation of ministers and leaders, focusing on creating a more cohesive learning environment for Baptist congregations. Tim Fergusson, co-leader of the Ministries Team, presented an update on the “Formation Ecosystem” vision introduced at the last council meeting. This initiative aims to foster a culture of lifelong learning by integrating various training opportunities provided by associations, colleges, networks, and placement churches. Fergusson acknowledged the current landscape as “mixed,” noting that while many resources exist, there is a lack of coherence and connection. He emphasized the need for a unified approach to ensure that learning opportunities are accessible and meaningful for all.

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