Walking Worthy – new President Alex Afriyie’s address
New President Alex Afriyie outlined a three-fold vision for his 2026-27 presidency, calling on Baptists to embrace a life ‘worthy of God’s calling’ through a focus on Christ-centredness, community diversity, and missional courage. The theme is rooted in Ephesians 4:1
Speaking at his commission and induction as President for 2026-27, Alex spoke from the perspective of over 30 years of ministry at London Network Church (East Acton Baptist). He told delegates we stand at a ‘critical moment’ in our world, our nation and our Union – and shared how he believes we are called to respond.
‘We have had an awesome history of being those that witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ the power of God for salvation to all who believe,’ Alex said. ‘That’s something I experienced as a teenager when I visited a Baptist church, and received forgiveness in Christ and it transformed my life.
‘In this presidential year, I intend to emphasise the importance of us walking worthy of God’s calling.’
The first pillar of Alex’s Walking Worthy theme is the necessity of being a Jesus-centred people. Drawing on both Ephesians 4:1 and the Declaration of Principle, he reminded the Assembly that Christ is the ‘sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice’.
‘In everything, we receive our strength from Christ as we remain faithful to Scripture and live in relationship with him through the Holy Spirit,’ he explained. He emphasised that a high Christology is not just a theological stance but a practical necessity for a transformative church.
Secondly, Alex urged churches to be ‘community orientated under the anointing of Jesus’. He highlighted the unique Baptist way of discerning the mind of Christ together, which he believes must include the ‘polyphonic voices’ of a diverse body.
Alex envisions a church that is intentionally intercultural, reflecting the ‘all nations’ reality of the UK today. He called for the celebration of this diversity as a ‘shalom community,’ particularly as a counter-narrative to modern political polarisation. ‘We should celebrate our diversity... reflecting the Pentecost church, Antioch church, and John’s vision,’ he said.
This community focus also involves a courageous reception of all the ‘giftings of the risen Christ,’ from apostolic pioneer ministries to the "helps" and administration that sustain the church.
The final strand of his address focused on being a family that is ‘mission focused’. Alex challenged Baptists to fulfill both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Sharing a personal reflection, he admitted that while he finds it ‘uncomfortable,’ he regularly goes onto the streets of London to share the gospel. ‘I’ve never known such a hunger as there is today for the truth,’ he said, urging churches to prepare themselves to disciple the many coming to Christ.
He bridged this call to the Assembly theme, noting that being ‘United in Mission’ is where the Union can find its greatest strength. Referring to the ‘Missional Incarnational Impulse,’ he cautioned against watering down the word of God, advocating instead for ‘mission faithfulness’ that balances clarity with compassion.
Alex both began and concluded his address with a note of gratitude. He was keen to acknowledge the hard work ofhis fellow presidential candidates – Charmaine Mhlanga, Jo Williams and Carl Smethurst. He also expressed his eagerness to visit the churches of the Union over the coming year.
‘Thank you for the privilege of being your President,’ Alex said. ‘I look forward to seeing many of you through this year. I’m ready to learn something from you as well as also hopefully impart something to you.’
17/05/2026