Baptist Union Monthly Update - August 2026
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our August monthly update.
Our one thing to share this month is the AI Guidelines for Christian Ministry. Created by the AI Christian Partnership the non-academic, hands-on resource to help churches of all denominations use AI thoughtfully, faithfully and well.
'AI can be a great asset for ministry, or it can leave us with a fast-food version of ministry,' said Chris Goswami, Baptist minister and founder of AICP.
The AICP’s Guidelines were trialled by churches from four denominations and leading experts in the UK in the spring of 2026, and updated based on feedback. They summarise the benefits and costs of using AI, the ethics of AI, and list practical guidelines for good day-to-day use.
Read more about the guidelines in our recent Baptist Times article.
Further news, resources and events can be found below.
Wishing you all a blessed August in the communities you serve.
Baptist Resources
The August Prayer Diary is now available to download from our website. Over this month we are praying for:
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South West Baptist Association
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Small Church Connexion
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Baptist Colleges
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Ecumenical work: Churches Together in England, Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales) and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
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East Midlands Baptist Association
Mission Forum met earlier in July where they were led in conversation by Israel Olofinjana drawing on his paper 'Why Did Jesus Speak Aramaic? A Biblical Theology for a Decolonised Mission'.Following this they continued reflecting and developing the proposed Mission Resolution. The report from Sandra Crawford, chair of Mission Forum can be
found here.
To help churches unpack the Baptist Mission Resolution with young people so that the voice of young people can be heard and their contribution to the discernment valued, this resource has been created and was used at Baptist Assembly 2026 within our young people’s programme to ensure that the Baptist Mission Resolution truly reflects the whole of our Baptist family, by including the insights and perspectives of young people. The resource can be
accessed here.
Don’t forget we’ve had some recent restocking and new titles on our website.
Resources
With energy markets continuing to change, having a better understanding of what influences your costs can help you make more informed decisions for your organisation. In their webinar, recorded on 11 June, Utility Aid discussed:
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The global events affecting UK energy prices.
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The difference between commodity and non-commodity charges.
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Why choosing the right energy contract is about managing risk, not just securing the lowest price.
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How collective purchasing can help charities achieve better value.
This session provides valuable insight into how the energy market works and the key factors that continue to influence costs. If you'd like to learn more, you can
watch the webinar here.
How can we live well together? - The National Conversation
You and your church are invited to join The National Conversation to have ‘your say’ on the future of our country. The National Conversation is a chance for everyone to contribute ideas about how to shape a more united future for England. It has been launched by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion. This is a non-partisan, time-limited commission tasked with uncovering a vision for the future. The Commission wants to hear from churches because it knows that we are on the frontline of community life. We see the pressures on families and young people, the impact of economic insecurity and cultural change, the tensions and misunderstandings between different groups — and the deep desire many people still have for belonging, meaning and hope. As trusted places where people of all backgrounds come together, churches have a view of connection and division like no other. Click
here to find out more and get involved.
Education Sunday 2026 invites churches to reflect on the theme “Living Well Together”. At a time when society is often marked by division, hostility and mistrust, education has a unique role in bringing people together. Schools, colleges and universities are places where children, young people and adults learn not only alongside one another, but also from one another. Education shapes habits of thought, patterns of judgement and ways of relating to others. The question is not only what we learn, but what kind of people we are becoming. Education Sunday will be marked on 13 September, and resources are
available here.
Churches across the UK are invited to mark Disability Awareness Sunday using a free resource from Through the Roof. Based on 1 Corinthians 12, the theme
One Body, Many Parts celebrates the vital place of disabled people within the life of the Church. While the official date is 27 September 2026, churches can participate on any suitable Sunday. The resource features contributions from Triona Brading, an autistic Christian, Roofbreaker disability champion, and ministry trainee, who offers a fresh perspective on what it means for every member of Christ's Body to belong and contribute. Designed to help churches move beyond awareness towards inclusion, the free resource includes two short videos, a ready-to-use service outline, and ideas for all-age worship and youth activities. Churches can download the materials and find out more at
Through the Roof.
Flourishing Faith in Later Life
Faith in Later Life has launched Flourishing Faith in Later Life, a free six-session discipleship resource for older believers. The Bible is realistic about the challenges of ageing, but also gives a wonderfully hopeful vision of later life: older believers continuing to grow in faith, bear fruit, and proclaim God’s goodness. Designed for home groups, church fellowships and care-home settings, this resource guides leaders and participants through Bible-based conversations about identity in Christ, prayer and devotion, disillusionment, the hope of heaven, lifelong purpose, and sharing faith with others. It includes both a leader’s guide and participant guide, and is free to download.
Download the resource here.
Churches play a vital role in the promotion of good relations between different faiths. In our current context we are experiencing increasing pressure on faith relationships as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the rising Antisemitism and Islamophobia, along with other national and local impacts of global conflicts that have a religious dimension. Forming friendships and collaborative partnerships are important and valuable steps. This new course and toolkit emphasises the distinctive contribution that an intentional focus on dialogue can make, deepening those relationships and supporting all to live out their faith at the service of the whole community. It is aimed at Christians seeking to initiate or develop interreligious dialogue in their local communities and/or other contexts in which they work.
Are you interested in environmental theology? The Elisha Project is a one-year ecumenical programme (running Jan 2027 - Jan 2028) to equip and support church leaders, early career theologians, and scientists who are interested in environmental theology. There are 20 spaces on the programme and participation is completely free. To request an application form, please email
margot.hodson@jri.org.uk. The application deadline is 30 Sep 2026. Further information can be found on the
Regent's Park College website.
Events
A group of Quakers are organising a silent walking vigil as a positive, public witness for peace. The aim is to show solidarity and care for those impacted by violence, conflict and war. The date has been chosen for its proximity to the United Nations International Day of Peace. While this is a Quaker-led event, everyone who shares their hope for peace will be welcome to join in.
The website includes information about the vigil and an opportunity to express interest and sign-up for updates.
In the wake of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict, Christians continue to wrestle with complex questions of faith, justice, and Scripture. How can we engage constructively with this deeply polarising issue while seeking to live out Micah 6:8? Dr. Chawkat Moucarry, a Syrian Christian, and Dr. Richard Harvey, a Jewish follower of Yeshua (Jesus) from London, will offer their distinct perspectives, followed by an extended Q&A. The event will be introduced and chaired by Rev. Kumar Rajagopalan.
Click here to find out more
The Anabaptist Mennonite Network to bring you Encountering the Anabaptists. This is a short online module that introduces their history, beliefs, practices and contemporary relevance. The course is running on the first four Thursdays in October (1, 8, 15 and 22) from 7pm to 9pm. It will cost only £20 and will include a copy of The Naked Anabaptist by Stuart Murray.
Discover how the beautifully designed Scripture resources from Lifewords (formerly Scripture Gift Mission) can help you share your faith naturally and confidently. Join this online conversation hosted by Everyone Everywhere to explore practical, giftable resources that open the door to meaningful conversations about Jesus. 19:30 19 October. Find out
more here.
There are spaces for the Pioneer Round Table Residential at the House of Bread in Shipston on Stour 20 - 21 October. If you're a Baptist Pioneer and would like to connect with other pioneers from around the country, they'd love to see you there! Cost - £95.00 for 1 night including meals. For more information and to register please contact Simon Goddard at simon@rivertree.org.uk
Ever been tempted to visit the beautiful, historic island of Iona? If so, perhaps there's no better time than 17–23 October, when JPIT's own Steve Tinning and Simeon Mitchell will be leading a week exploring Politics, Power and Protest. Those attending will reflect together on faith, justice and public life, all in one of the most inspiring places in the British Isles. They'd love to see you there! To find out more and book your place,
click here.
The Sam Sharpe Partners are delighted to invite you to the Annual 2026 Lecture. This year, they welcome Reverend Merlyn Hyde Riley, General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union speaking on 'Subverting Empire: Lessons from Sam Sharpe on Institutional Injustice and Church Responsibility.' Click here to
find out more.
Join Everyone Everywhere on Saturday 7 November at Sundon Park Baptist Church, Luton for an inspiring day of worship, encouragement and connection. Featuring a keynote message from Ness Wilson (Leader of Pioneer UK), worship, creative activities, prayer, and discussion, this event brings women together in a shared experience designed to equip and encourage. With a theme of courage running throughout, we'll explore what it means to respond to God's call with confidence and help create new opportunities for people to encounter Jesus—enabling more women, in more places, to say yes to God’s mission.
Shine Your Light 2026 - 11 - 13 December
Shine Your Light, the evangelistic initiative which encourages UK churches to take carol and other Christmas services out from church buildings onto streets, marketplaces and shopping centres, will take place this year from 11-13 December. For more information about the initiative
click here.
Additional
Will you help with research being conducted within BUGB? As Baptists, we’re discipleship people, raising up everyone to participate in God’s kingdom. We’re also membership people, covenanting in local churches to watch over one another and engage in mission together. But how do the two connect? Dave Criddle, a Baptist Minister, is conducting research into that question. He aims to discover how membership structures are—or could be—developed and used in ways that grow healthy disciples. All leaders of Baptist churches are invited to complete a short online survey (20–30 minutes) to help his research. The survey can be
accessed here.
Catch up with the latest Baptist Times stories here.
Whilst we’ve carefully chosen these resources and events because we hope they will be useful to you and your church family, we are not directly responsible for the content from other groups and organisations. The Monthly Update is sent monthly to all ministers in Baptist Union of GB churches, church secretaries, church treasurers, regional teams and other subscribers. If you would like to receive it by email, please subscribe by completing the 'Sign up to our newsletter' form below.