What happens at the Assembly The Baptist Assembly is a significant event in the year for the Baptist Union of Great Britain and BMS World Mission. There is opportunity during the weekend to unite for praise and be inspired in plenary sessions. In the afternoons there are a variety of seminars and special interest groups one can attend, for training and discussion on a range of local, national and international topics. Assembly is a time for meeting friends, worshipping, sharing news, debate and decision-making; endorsing callings to Baptist ministry and mission and for commemoration of lives spent in ministry. Meeting friends Those attending from the 2,150 churches that belong to the Union have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones at Assembly. There are many reunions, including those for the alumni of Baptist colleges. The Assembly is a great reminder that Baptist churches are not on their own but part of a larger Baptist family. Worship

If you have been to the Assembly before or have seen the DVD, you know that the Baptist family worshipping together is unifying and spiritually uplifting. There are Bible studies and during the weekend there are well known and inspiring speakers reflecting on the Assembly theme. Prism, launched in 2006, looks at the theme in an interactive way, using innovative worship ideas. At every Assembly we celebrate communion.

Sharing news   At Assembly, attendees hear about what is happening both across the Union at the BUGB News Session and throughout the world in the BMS session. The BUGB News Session includes an update on how finances are being used and news from local Baptist churches, the work of the regional Baptist associations and the national resource centre in Didcot. The BMS AGM tells of God changing lives around the world through the work and witness of its personnel. Both organisations have exhibition stands where delegates can talk further with BUGB and BMS representatives and can pick up resources that will be useful in their local church.   Debate and Decision making

At the Assembly, those attending are updated on the activities of the Baptist Union and BMS and have the opportunity to discuss and vote on pertinent issues. The Baptist Assembly also provides church delegates with the opportunity to vote on issues that are important to them. Prior to the Assembly written requests for a public resolution can be submitted. This is then debated and voted upon. In 2008, for instance, the Assembly discussed creation care.

Calling to Baptist ministry and mission

There are special moments in every Baptist Assembly and for many these include the recognition of ministers who have completed their probationary period of service and the commissioning of new and returning mission workers to their places of service. Baptist ministers and mission workers who have died during the previous year and completed their earthly ministry are remembered in the moving 'In Memoriam'.