Baptist World Alliance annual gathering highlights community and hospitality at the table of Christ

For Jesus, the table was an important and primary place for relationship, mission and discipleship for the early church, Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Elijah Brown told the BWA annual gathering in Toronto, Canada.
This year’s theme, “The Table of Christ: One Gospel, Many People,” set the tone of the day for the annual gathering in Toronto, Canada.
Brown, in his opening address, spoke of the table of Christ as the place of provision and opportunity for connection to Jesus and one another as followers of Christ.
“Jesus knew the power of the table. Though he had no home of his own, Jesus offered hospitality to all. … Jesus ate with sinners. Jesus fed the hungry. He broke bread with the weary,” Brown said.
“We disciple and we grow through the gift of hospitality. Do you have a table? Let it be the place of incarnational ministry.”
Brown emphasized the need for community amid a climate of tension, fear and polarization in the world.
“Communities are facing an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. Individuals are feeling the weight of mental health challenges. And our response is not to throw our hands up in despair, but to extend our hands out in an invitation to the table. … let us offer table hospitality,” Brown said.
During the annual gathering, Brown announced two Texas ministry leaders newly added to leadership roles within the BWA.
Stephen Stookey, director of theological education for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, has been appointed as first inaugural director of the Baptist World Alliance Program at Baylor University and its Truett Theological Seminary.
Todd Still, dean of Truett Seminary, addressed the partnership announcement between the two entities.
“Last year, an educational partnership between Baylor University, a BWA member partner, and the BWA was announced and celebrated. Since then, we have been planning, preparing, and praying for the launch of the BWA Program at Baylor’s Truett Seminary,” Still said.
“Chief among our priorities has been to identify an individual who can thoughtfully, skillfully, collaboratively, and faithfully lead this expansive educational enterprise.”
“We believe that the LORD led us to Stephen M. Stookey and are deeply grateful that Stephen has agreed to accept this mantle of leadership,” Still said.
Ralph West, pastor of The Church Without Walls in Houston, was named ambassador for preaching and multiplying congregations.

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