SEBA launches Partners in Mission initiative with 'inspirational' conference 

More than 180 delegates from around 40 churches attended the first SEBA (South Eastern Baptist Association) Partners in Mission Day in Tonbridge

Partners in Mission is a new initiative focused around supporting local churches in their mission. The event at Tonbridge Baptist Church on 22 March saw the official launch of the initiative. 

The day featured worship and a keynote address from Anne Calver, a Baptist minister living in Stanmore, Middlesex (pictured). 'The next 40 years will look nothing like the last 40,' she said. Highlighting the UK context, Anne told delegates we are in a time of 'gradual awakening'. Access a recording of her talk here.

There followed a presentation about Partners in Mission, and eight seminars for delegates to choose from.

The aim was to 'inspire and equip people in mission so that they can go back to their local contexts and be more effective in sharing the good news of Jesus,' said SEBA regional minister Andy Twilley. 

The Association was delighted at how the day unfolded and the response of delegates.

'From the outset of the Partners in Mission launch event there was a tangible air of excitement and expectancy,' Andy explained.

'This continued right through the day and when delegates left, you could tell that they had been enthused and inspired by all they had experienced. 

'We hope and pray that this was taken back to their churches and we will see a renewed passion for sharing the good news of Jesus in the coming months.'

Delegates at a new housing seminar led by Penny Marsh at the SEBA Partners in Mission conference 
 

The Association captured people's thoughts as they left the event. 

Comments included:

"Inspiring"    
"Challenging"    
"Great day with lots of new ideas"    
"Time to go home and put this into practice"
"Loved the prophetic element"
"God is going to do great thing through our churches"
 

Another Partners in Mission day is taking place at the Millmead Centre in Guildford on Saturday 10 May, when the keynote speaker will be Alex Harris. 


Partners in Mission 

'I thank my God every time I remember you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel'
Phil 1:3-5

Partners in Mission is about partnering in the mission of God together as we serve and support each other, says SEBA.:

At SEBA our desire is to offer greater support to our churches and pioneering/church planting initiatives wherever possible. Partners in Mission is particularly for churches who would value the support from the wider association in a variety of ways.

Each partnership is unique and prayerfully discerned by the local church while hopefully supporting the needs of each initiative or church. SEBA’s role in the partnership is to walk alongside the church, offer support and advice to each church to help it find the best mission tool to become more effective in mission.

We recognise that many local churches and pioneering initiative are often limited with the resources available to them but by partnering with the association our hope is that a wider resource becomes available and even greater possibilities realised.


Who is Partners in Mission for?

• Receiving churches - Local churches wanting to be more effective in mission. 
• New mission initiatives - Pioneer and church planting initiatives 
• Churches at risk - Churches who are in danger of closure 
• Resourcing Churches - Churches who want to support other churches

 
Core Values

Three core values underpin this initiative:

• A vision and passion for mission 
• The empowering of local mission  
• Discerning and being led by the Holy Spirit  

Find out more about Partners in Mission here

Next Partners in Mission day:

Millmead, Guildford Baptist Church
10:00 to 15:30 on Saturday 10 May 2025
More information
Tickets £10 (5 for the price of 4)
To book your place at Guildford click here