Frequently Asked Questions
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On this page you will find information about key aspects of Assembly, which we hope will answer your questions. Please click on the relevant links to find answers to questions in the following categories: |
Please click on the relevant links to find answers to questions in the following categories:
Baptist Assembly is for everyone! You don’t need to be a minister or an official representative of your church to come. We welcome anyone and everyone who wants to learn and share together. For almost all of Assembly everyone is equally able to participate, speak, listen and worship together.
At one session in Assembly we will take formal decisions in matters relating to the Baptist Union’s CIO and at that point only formal Members of Assembly (ministers and church delegates) can vote, although everyone is welcome in the session.
We also have a
programme for Children and Young People.
Venue
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Where is Assembly 2025 taking place?
This year we’ll be meeting together at Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich
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Where can I get directions to the venue?
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Is there parking at the Centre?
There are 250 onsite parking spaces, and an overflow carpark will be available at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy next door from 17:00 on Friday and all day Saturday.
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Are there disabled parking spaces available?
Yes – there are some designated spaces available on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Please indicate a request for a disabled space on your registration.
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What’s the nearest train station?
Sandwell and Dudley station is about 15 minute walk from the Centre.
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Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
The main Auditorium is on the ground floor with dedicated spaces for people using wheelchairs. There is a lift providing access to the first floor.
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Food and other refreshments
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What are the catering options this year?
Friday dinner and Saturday lunch are included in the cost of your ticket for adults and children aged 5+.
We are unable to provide meals for toddlers, and you will need to bring food for any 0-4 year olds in your family/group.
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What are the food options?
You can find all the options for meals on the
Catering page of the website, including information for those needing allergy or special diet information.
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I’m not sure which meal I will fancy on the day - will I be able to choose my meals when I’m at Assembly?
Sorry, as our caterers will be preparing food in advance, you will not be able to choose your meal at Assembly. However, you may be able to find someone to swap meals with you on the day.
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I’ve got a long journey home after Assembly. Will I be able to get anything to eat at the venue before I leave?
A sandwich ‘grab bag’ will be available to purchase from the canteen and will need to be pre-ordered by 13:30 on the Saturday.
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Are other refreshments available during the weekend?
Coffee, tea and snacks will be available to purchase from the venue throughout the weekend.
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What should I do if I have any questions about the catering options?
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Can I bring my own food with me?
An important part of Assembly this year is eating together, and you are welcome to bring your own food if you wish. [If you intend to bring your own food and do not require one of the meals included in the price of your ticket, please select the 'Toddler option' when asked to make a meal choice as this does not include food, and will prevent wastage of food.]
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Accommodation
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Is my overnight accommodation included in the cost of my ticket?
No – you will need to arrange your own overnight accommodation
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Which hotels are close to the Assembly venue?
There are several hotels within close proximity to Bethel Convention Centre including the following:
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Children and Youth
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I’d like to bring my children to Assembly – what’s available for them?
We’ve got two great teams busy planning to lead our Children’s Programme for children in Reception-Year 6, and a Youth Programme for Year 7-13 on the Saturday. If your children and young people will be joining you on the Friday, they will be able to stay with you in the main session.
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What about younger children?
We currently do not plan to offer a Toddler programme for ages 1-4 this year, but there will be a room available for you to visit with your younger children if they become restless in the main session.
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What meals are available for young people?
The same meal options are available to young people in Reception-Year 13 as the adult options – and there is a hot dog and chips option for young people for Saturday lunch. We are not able to provide meals for children aged 0-4, so please bring food for the younger children in your family/group.
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Last year children’s places were free. Why is there a charge this year?
This year’s Assembly includes the cost of Friday dinner and Saturday lunch (depending on the type of ticket you select) and so we need to make a charge for young people’s meals.
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My children won’t know the people leading their programmes. How can I be confident that they will be well cared for?
The Baptist Union of Great Britain is committed to the highest standards of care for all children and young people attending our events. All those people serving on the children and youth teams are Christians who are experienced in working with children and/or young people and will have completed a DBS check prior to Assembly. Please see the
Safeguarding for Children document giving more details.
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What if my child is upset or unwell?
The leaders of their group will do their best to support your child but if necessary will ask you to come to the relevant programme to support and/or collect your child.
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Will the children and youth programmes be available throughout Assembly?
There will be three sessions on Saturday (09:00-11:00, 14:00-16:15 and 17:00-19:00). The children will also join in an all-together communion session in the main Auditorium.
No children’s or youth programmes are provided on Friday. If your children and young people will be joining you on the Friday, they will be able to stay with you in the main session.
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Exhibition / Network Zone
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I’ve enjoyed meeting representatives of other organisations and groups at Assembly in previous years. Will there be an exhibition or network zone this year?
There is limited space at this year’s venue, but we will have a small ‘Sponsor Zone’ where you’ll be able to meet some of organisations who are sponsoring this year’s Assembly, including the Baptist Union of Great Britain and BMS World Mission stands.
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I represented my group in the Network Zone at Assembly last year. Can I have a stand in the Sponsor Zone this year?
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Ticketing
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What are the ticket options this year?
We have three ticket options this year:
- Weekend ticket
- Friday ticket
- Saturday ticket
Please see the registration page for full details of ticket prices.
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What’s the closing date for booking?
Booking will close on Sunday 11 May, unless all places are booked before then.
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I'm not sure of my plans - can I book on the day?
We may be able to offer tickets to purchase on the day, but please be aware that children and young people will need to pre-register by 11 May to be included in their programmes. We will also be unable to provide meals for anyone who has not registered by the closing date. Anyone booking on the day will need to bring their own food with them.
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Programme
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What is the programme for Assembly 2025?
We are offering a 24-hour mission conference in partnership with BMS World Mission from Friday afternoon – Saturday lunch. Saturday afternoon will focus on the Meeting of the Assembly. You can find the outline programme on our website.
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My minister is receiving their handshake this year. When will that be taking place?
We’re delighted that you’ll be supporting your minister by coming to Assembly. The ministerial recognition section will be taking place during the session starting at 17:00 on Saturday.
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Who will be the keynote speaker this year?
We are very pleased that our General Secretary will be giving a keynote address during the final session of Assembly on Saturday afternoon.
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Will voting cards be issued to our church delegate(s)?
We will not be providing voting cards to your church delegate(s) this year. Please make it clear to your delegate(s) that they will be able to vote by a show of hands at relevant times in the programme.
Those who are not eligible to vote are welcome to attend this part of our Assembly, but are not able to participate in the vote.
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