Aid Focus

Congress Humanitarian Aid and Development Focus

A new Congress initiative that provides a unique opportunity for those attending the Congress and working in or interested in the area of Aid and Development and/or Social Service to engage together on current issues.

There will be several activities that you will be able to sign up for individually, or you can sign up for the Aid & Development Track. Completion of the Aid & Development track can earn you a certificate in Contemporary Issues in Humanitarian Action from BWA and Truett Seminary, Baylor University, Texas, and one Continuing Education Unit. Click on a bullet below to learn more about the specific events.

AID SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, July 9, 1:30-3:30 pm (Open to All)
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hosted by the Baptist Forum for Aid and Development

Focus: “Is There Good News for the Poor?

Amid significant global disruptions in the aid and development and nonprofit sector, how can the Church’s presence in the community be that of a transforming agent, exemplifying the work of the Incarnational Christ? In what ways can the Baptist movement respond to its missional call to serve the poor – not with charity but through transformation? Can the church find its sweet spot in standing with the poor, engaging multiple stakeholders, serving the community and doing justice?

Join us for an afternoon ahead of the Congress official opening featuring Rev. Tim Costello – a Baptist Minister, Global Humanitarian Aid Practitioner, Thought Leader, and former CEO of World Vision Australia. In addition, a number of global leaders working in the field will respond from their experience of leading in the humanitarian aid sector followed by an opportunity for you to ask questions and network.

Cost: Free to attend but spaces are limited. Registration is necessary to gain entrance.
Registration: Open until May 31 unless capacity is reached before that date.

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BWAid LUNCHEON
Friday, July 11, 12:15 pm (Open to All)

“Beyond Charity: Pursuing Freedom and Justice for the Poor”

De-Colonization, Dis-Ruption, Dis-Placement call for a faithful response from the Church. How do the most vulnerable, the Church, and donors work together to reimagine aid and development and reshape social service ministries in ways that liberate the poor and the oppressed?

We are privileged to welcome Amanda Khozi -Mukwashi as one of the guest speakers for this luncheon. Amanda is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lesotho and the former Chief Executive Officer of Christian Aid. She has led development and humanitarian interventions in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and the Caribbean.

Cost: $50USD (includes lunch). Spaces are limited.
Registration: Open until May 31 unless sold out before that date.

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HUMANITARIAN AID TRACK
Wednesday, July 9, through Saturday, July 12

Congress attendees can enroll to participate in the full Aid Track. Successful completion of the track can lead to the receipt of a certificate in Contemporary Issues in Humanitarian Action from BWA and Truett Seminary at Baylor University, Texas, and earning a Continuing Education Unit. To fulfill the requirements to earn the certificate or continuing education unit, you will need to attend specific sessions to achieve a minimum number of hours that should include:

  • Aid Symposium (Wednesday, July 9)
  • BWAid Luncheon (Friday, July 11)
  • Three Afternoon Breakout Sessions on related subjects
  • Morning and Evening Plenary Celebrations on Friday, July 11

Note: Certificates will be presented to those who have fulfilled the necessary requirements on Saturday, July 12, at 4 pm. More details regarding the required sessions you must attend and how to record your attendance will be sent to you in June.

Cost: $60USD (includes Friday lunch, continuing education unit, and guaranteed seating in Breakout Sessions)
Spaces are limited.
Registration: Open until May 31 unless sold out before that date.

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS

For those wanting to dip in and out and get a taste of specific Aid and Development issues, the related breakout sessions Thursday to Saturday are open to everyone. You are free to take all Aid / Development sessions or take a selection amongst the many other options that will be offered. Aid & Development related breakouts will include topics such as…

  • Localization and the Church in Humanitarian Aid: Can the Church Redefine Its Role in a Disrupted World?
  • When the Money is Running Out: Non-traditional Approaches to Funding Ministry
  • Faith, Justice, and Creation Care
  • Aid on Mission: Building Aid Ministries and Strengthening Disaster Response within the Church
  • New Ways of Doing the Same Old Thing: Learn about Innovative Ministries in the Baptist Family
  • A Holistic Response: The Power of Aid, Development, and Advocacy Working Together

AFFINITY GROUPS

Join fellow professionals from around the world for a meaningful time of prayer, networking, support, and visioning.

Strengthen ministry partnerships, share your unique insights, and connect through informal fellowship with diverse leaders serving in similar positions.
 

  • Compassion in Action: Orphan and Widow Care Affinity Group
  • Aid and Development Professionals Affinity Group