Baptists Today is a movement of Australian Baptists committed to lifestyles marked by the pursuit of peace and justice. We come together annually for three days to share our lives, explore Christian discipleship and be renewed in our quest to live as 21st century followers of Jesus.

The Baptists Today Conferences reflect on Christian discipleship out of the conviction that faith is concerned with the spiritual welfare of the whole person and the whole world.

The Conference seeks to achieve two things in particular. First, we raise a prophetic voice in our society, reflecting thoughtfully, critically and Christianly upon matters of national and social life and taking action to make a difference.

Second, we provide a place where people's voices can be safely and supportively heard. The Conference provides space for creative worship, experiential group reflection, engaging dialogue, and the formation of friendships.

We invite anyone who shares our concern for a holistic faith, a prophetic spirituality and a willingness to walk with those who are on the margins to join us at Baptists Today.

Changes to Baptists Today 2008

In 2008 Baptists Today gatherings will consist of half day events in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, centred around the theme "Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling". In 2009 Baptists Today will return to its three day conference format. More details below.

Day Conference 2008 - "Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling"

A vast number of Australian Baptists believe God has gifted men and women for leadership in the church and that the church benefits when men and women are both involved in leadership.
But does the rhetoric match the reality? In the last ten years what progress has been made? Are more women serving alongside men in the leadership of our churches? Which churches have made healthy progress and what can we learn from them to take us forward into the next ten years? 

At this Baptists Today event you’ll:

  • Hear about the highs and lows of ministry from women who are serving in church leadership;
  • Learn the results of a study into the progress of our churches  on women in leadership in the last ten years;
  • Be introduced to a practical tool you can use to audit your church’s progress on women in ministry;
  • Share stories on practical steps your church may have taken to develop gender balanced leadership.
  • Enjoy a light dinner ($5 donation gladly received!)

Melbourne
Friday August 22, 6.30pm for 7.00 start
Auburn Baptist Church, 597 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
RSVP: email melbourne at baptiststoday.com

Sydney
Saturday August 23, 5.00-8.30pm
Parramatta Baptist Church, 84-94 Kleins Rd, Northmead
RSVP: email sydney at baptiststoday.com

Canberra
Saturday August 23, 5.00-9..0pm
Canberra Baptist Church, 11 Currie Cres, Kingston
RSVP: canberra at baptiststoday.com

Baptists Today Conference 2009 - "My Place, My Neighbour. My Community. Human Rights in Our Backyard".

In recent years there has been much discussion about the shape Australian society should take. Should we limit freedoms to guard against terror? What place should there be for 'sharia' law? Should Christians seek to enshrine their values and morals in law? Should some indigenous rights be negated to protect the rights of vulnerable children in remote communities? What does it mean to be truly 'Australian' or 'unAustralian'? Baptists Today 200 will seek to provide some clarity on these issues by exploring human rights as a foundation for building community.

Baptists Today 2009 will be held in August 2009. More details will appear soon.