The Higher, Deeper, Wider theme of the event is taken from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and will form the basis of the presidential year of the Revd Dr Chris Ellis.
Dr Ellis, whose induction as President will take place at Assembly, hopes it will enable people to experience God afresh.
‘This theme comes from Ephesians, and from Paul’s prayer for the church,’ he explained.
‘It is an encouragement to understand God as bigger than anything we can possibly conceive.
‘So higher is partly about worship, but it’s especially about God. Deeper is partly about who I am, but it’s especially about God’s grace. Wider is about the world, but it’s especially about God’s world.’
The event takes place over two days at the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich (10-11 May).
One of the sessions will see a major focus on prayer, while there will be opportunities to hear about how the work of both BMS and our Union is impacting the UK and beyond.
As well as Dr Ellis, speakers include Jack Sara, President of the Bethlehem Bible College, and the Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of our Baptist Union of Great Britain.
An event highlight is always the recognition of ministers who have transferred to the fully accredited list and the valediction of BMS World Mission workers, and this will take place on Saturday night.
It will be Mrs Green’s first Assembly as General Secretary. She said, ‘At the Baptist Assembly we gather together to worship, to hear what God is doing in our nation and across the world and to be inspired and empowered for God's mission.
‘We always go as a whole family because our teenagers wouldn't miss Innovation and our younger children love the children's ministry. I am looking forward to meeting you there!’
The Revd David Kerrigan, BMS General Director, added, ‘The Baptist Assembly is always a highlight, and this year, in a new venue and with a theme that will both challenge and enrich, promises to be no different.
‘Don’t miss out on the one occasion in the year when we can gather together as a Baptist family for worship, deliberation, prayer, fellowship, ministry and to seek God’s will for our mission together in the UK and around the world.’