The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Executive Committee held meetings at the ABC Mission Center in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, March 3-5, 2014. American Baptist Churches USA national staff members joined members of the BWA Executive Committee in worship each morning, prior to the BWA board meetings.

Medley addresses members of the BWA Executive Committee

The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 228 conventions and unions in 121 countries and territories comprising 42 million members in 177,000 churches.

During the general session of the meeting, ABCUSA General Secretary A. Roy Medley welcomed the group to Valley Forge, and described the planning for the original mission center. The building was built in a circle as a way of showing unity between the American Baptist partner organizations, he explained. It also represented the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. The ABC mission center today houses American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist International Ministries, ABCUSA’s general ministries office, and other American Baptist partner organizations. Additionally, Palmer Seminary moved into the building in August 2013, and is leasing space as plans for a new facility are underway.

Eron Henry, director of Communications for the Baptist World Alliance

On its website, it is noted that the BWA is committed to: 1) Promoting worship, fellowship and unity, 2) Nurturing the passion for mission and evangelism, 3) Responding to human need through relief and sustainable community development, 4) Defending human rights and justice, and 5) Promoting relevant theological reflection.