For the first time ever, we included Assembly as a part of our annual 4D Leadership Conference. SA delegates joined 4D participants at Edwardstown Baptist, and NT delegates joined via zoom from Cornerstone Christian Fellowship. It was wonderful to see so many in the attendance and to have many experience Assembly for the first time.
The morning began in prayer and worship, then opening addresses from our keynote speakers John Robertson (CEO, Global Leadership Network), and Petrea Taylor (Children’s Pastor, Riverlife Baptist Church, Brisbane).
John articulated the difference between expectation and expectancy, encouraging us that living with expectancy allows space for God’s power, transformation, and miracles to flow in our lives. Petrea shared a vision of powerful, precise intercession, reminding us that knowledge without love becomes mere strategy, but love combined with knowledge leads to true intercession.
After a wonderful time of fellowship shared over morning tea, the business began.
We celebrated as we welcomed the Matu Christian Church into membership and endorsed Neil Wright and Mike Harris as accredited pastors. Jasmine Berry, Marianke Thompson and Kerry Davies were elected to the Assembly Board, and we thanked James Whalland and Daniel Gardiner for their time serving on the Board. We also acknowledged Roger Kleinig and Terry Williams for their many years of faithful service as they move into retirement.
We also heard updates around the exciting renovations at King William Road and the newly merged national entity of BaptistCare, shared highlights from Baptist World Congress, and shared the excitement around our first young adults multicultural worship night. Together we prayed for the ongoing difficulties in Myanmar, and were encouraged to get involved in the Stand with Myanmar Campaign.
It was a lot to pack into the time. We once again thank God for his faithful provision with our finances, his blessings to our movement and for his generosity, grace and love to us his people. Thanks also must go to Edwardstown Baptist and Cornerstone Christian for graciously hosting us.
We hope you will join us at our next Assembly in May 2026.
Words by Tam Battersby
Baptist Churches SA & NT
