Connecting Well With Our Communities: 2025 Assembly & AGM
“The whole day was great; you could really feel the presence of God. It was great to come together as one family and connect with the YBA and other churches.”
Something powerful happens when the people of God gather, not just to talk, but to worship, to learn, and to be sent out again with fresh purpose. That’s exactly what unfolded on Saturday 28 June, as around 100 leaders, ministers, and members from across Yorkshire came together at Bingley Baptist Church for the Yorkshire Baptist Association’s 2025 Assembly and Annual General Meeting.
With the theme “Connecting Well with Our Communities,” this wasn’t just another event. It was a vibrant, Spirit-filled day woven together with worship, vision, and practical wisdom - all geared toward helping churches build deeper, more meaningful relationships with the communities around them.
More Than Just a Gathering
From the moment people stepped through the doors, there was a buzz of energy. The Bingley worship team opened the day with music that stirred hearts and lifted eyes. But it was more than just singing, it was an atmosphere filled with the presence of God and the anticipation of what He might do.
The keynote session brought a unique and moving moment: a spoken word performance delivered by Matt from Proximity. His voice rang out with clarity and conviction as he reminded us that God is on the move and there is a quiet revival stirring across our nation. His poetic words were not just heard; they were felt. His invitation was clear: Don’t just watch this revival - be part of it.
Tom Grant, Head of Proximity and our keynote speaker, followed with a powerful message from Scripture. He reminded us that to truly connect with our communities, we must first rediscover who we are - a family. “Our churches don’t need to be flashy,” he said, “they need to be family.” The real question people are asking is, “Can I belong here?” And when we become the family of God in practice ,welcoming, honest, and loving , we reflect the glory of God to the world around us.
A Vision Unfolding
Later that day, as the energy of worship and the power of the keynote lingered, we gathered for the YBA’s Annual General Meeting. But this wasn’t just a formal segment in the programme, it became a space to celebrate, reflect, and look ahead together.
We welcomed The Ark, a new church plant born from partnership between The Well, the YBA, and The Message Trust. Their official recognition marked more than an administrative step. It was a sign of fresh life and God’s continued movement across our region. We also heard encouraging updates from across our family of churches, including the story of Grace Gospel Church and Hunslet Baptist Church, who have stepped into a new season of shared ministry and mission. Their collaboration is breathing new life into a church building and creating fresh opportunities to serve the local community. The trustees shared the YBA’s financial report, offering transparency, accountability, and thanks. It was encouraging to see how resources are being stewarded to support churches, leaders, and mission across Yorkshire.
One of the most moving moments came as we commissioned Revd Leoné Martin into her new role as a Regional Minister. It was a powerful reflection of our commitment to raising up leaders from all backgrounds and cultures, and a visible step toward the inclusive, Spirit-led future we long to see. Through every story, update, and act of commissioning, the heartbeat of the YBA’s vision was unmistakable: to make disciples by multiplying healthy churches, rooted in community and led by people who reflect the full richness of God’s kingdom.
The AGM reminded us that we are part of something bigger, a growing and hopeful movement, trusting God to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Seminars that Inspired and Equipped
In the afternoon, the focus shifted again as we moved into a series of breakout seminars. Each one invited us to listen deeply, learn practically, and lean further into what it means to connect well with our communities.
Proximity, led by Tom Grant, invited participants into a session on Mission Mapping. Churches were encouraged to reflect on what makes their communities unique, to notice where God is already at work, and to consider how they might join in. It was a creative and insightful session that gave space for practical thinking and prayerful discernment.
“Good balance of information and discussion, valuable tools for connecting with your mission field.”
Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), with Tom Kirkby leading, shared inspiring stories and practical steps for supporting children facing trauma and disadvantage. The session explored how churches can be safe, steady places for young lives to grow and flourish.
“Great organisation and presentation. Told great stories and gave time for discussion and questions.”
Christians Against Poverty (CAP), led by Steve Haines, delivered an energising and practical seminar focused on tackling poverty and making disciples. The session encouraged churches to integrate social action with evangelism, offering a holistic expression of the gospel.
“It was very engaging, and Steve was great.”
Prayer for Revival, the fourth seminar, created a space of expectancy and intercession. Participants gathered to seek God together, crying out for a move of the Spirit across Yorkshire. With hearts united, the group prayed for lives to be changed, churches to be awakened, and communities to be transformed by the presence and power of God.
Each seminar offered something unique, but all carried the same heartbeat - equipping churches to serve well, love deeply, and stay rooted in the hope of Christ.
And there’s more to come. We’ll be offering online taster sessions with each of these ministries in September for anyone who missed out or wants to go deeper. Dates coming soon.
Creativity, Fellowship, and Commissioning
Throughout the day, moments of beauty and reflection were woven into the programme. The spoken word was a standout moment, still being talked about long after the final word was spoken. Later, some ventured out to the iconic Bingley Three and Five Rise Locks, not just for the fresh air, but to connect, walk, and wonder together.
And let’s not forget the food! Bingley Baptist Church outdid themselves, serving breakfast and lunch with warmth and generosity. Huge thanks to the incredible team of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make it all run so smoothly.
As the day came to a close, we gathered once more in prayer, not just to conclude, but to commission. Each person was sent out with more than new ideas. We left with renewed courage, fresh vision, and a deep reminder: our mission is not just to serve our communities, but to connect with them in ways that point clearly to Jesus.
As we look ahead, we do so encouraged, equipped, and united. Let’s continue to connect well with our communities and invite them into the greatest connection of all: Life with Jesus.