Baptist Union of Victoria

11/06/2026

E X C I T I N G ▪ B A P T I S M ▪ S E R V I C E
A great time of celebration took place recently at Shepparton Baptist Church as four people confirmed their faith in Jesus through baptism.
The candidates were aged from teens to one person in her 80s, and they were baptised outdoors at the church followed by a fellowship meal. Senior Pastor David Van der Putten said the witness of those being baptised had prompted some others to consider taking this step. “It was a very encouraging time for family and friends, and it has stirred on other members of the congregation to have conversations about baptism and faith journeys. The church has been invigorated – it’s like they’ve got a new spring in their step! It was a beautiful day for everyone involved.”
Read more about this story at buv.com.au/ourstories

11/06/2026

Our friends at Baptist Mission Australia are holding UNITE, a prayer event on Wed 24 June. This is an opportunity for our wider Baptist family and the Baptist Mission Australia team members to join together in thankfulness and prayer. We will hear stories and updates from team members, look back at the first half of 2026, and seek God's continued guidance as we partner with Him in mission.

Our next UNITE Prayer Event is on Wed 24 June...

Coming out of a wonderful May Mission Month, we are looking forward to joining together in thankfulness and prayer. At UNITE, we will hear stories and updates from our teams, look back at the first half of 2026, and seek God’s continued guidance as we partner with Him in His mission.

DATE: Wed 24 June
TIME: 7-8:15 AEST
REGISTER for the Zoom link: www.baptistmissionaustralia.org/UNITE

10/06/2026

PRAYER LEADS TO STEPS OF FAITH
'People often ask me, “How did you find the courage and conviction to plant a church?”
Each time I hear that question, I pause - because those words don’t quite capture my story....'
Read Junho's story of how he planted The Living Church Melbourne at buv.com.au/ourstories

09/06/2026

L O V I N G ▪ S E R V I N G ▪ AND ▪ T E A C H I N G
In April, a team of 43 people from Sydenham Baptist Church flew to the Philippines with a big heart for sharing the gospel and caring for people in need, as they served at Kids International Ministries (KIM) in Cainta Rizal, Manila.
“One of the best aspects of the trip was how beautifully our team of diverse ages served in such unity together,” shared Karen Bonello, one of four team leaders. “With such a widespread mix of ages and personalities, our team was able to generate so much enthusiasm and energy, complemented by rich wisdom and insight. I saw people serving in lots of ways they would not have been prepared for before. Many people have come back greatly changed and challenged to serve in new ways at church upon their return.”
Many local people gave their lives to Christ during the trip and four people got baptised. The team served by distributing food and sharing the gospel in impoverished communities, helping at a birthing clinic, a children’s home, and dance performances, as well as bringing the church’s donations of medical items, clothing, schoolbooks and babies’ clothing.
To read more about this amazing trip go to buv.com.au/ourstories

07/06/2026

Join us this week as we pray for the following churches, pastors, leaders, members and local communities. May the light of Jesus shine bright though in the days and weeks ahead.
West Melbourne Baptist Church West Preston Baptist Church Westgate Baptist Community Church Wodonga and District Baptist Church

05/06/2026

Most of us shy away from thinking about the end of life, yet it’s a reality we all face. The BUV, in partnership BaptistCare VIC & TAS, Bethel Funerals , Francis Lim Barristers & Solicitors, and Templestowe Baptist Church, is offering a free seminar to cover key aspects to ease the burden and provide peace of mind as we enter this time of life: Care Continuum - Residential Care, In-home Care, Retirement Living, Palliative Care, Estate Planning and Funeral planning. 🔖Register at https://www.buv.com.au/event/finishing-well/

04/06/2026

R E F L E C T I O N S ▪ O F ▪ A ▪ C H U R C H ▪ P L A N T E R
“People are hungry for meaning, hungry to belong, and hungry to be invited into a better story,” says Jared Williams, Senior Pastor of The Way Church in Pakenham. Between its official launch, to recently celebrating its first anniversary, the congregation has seen a lot of encouraging growth, both numerically and spiritually.
“We’ve seen people from atheist, agnostic, Islamic, orthodox and other backgrounds, young and old, turn to Christ. We’ve seen God primarily working through families, where one person comes to faith and then they share this with others from their family. Having the opportunity to lead people to place their faith in Christ and baptise them, I don’t think there’s anything better in this world! I’m thankful for the way God has worked through the BUV’s Church Plant Learning Community to encourage and support us. The things we’ve learned through it, the connections made as a team and the brainstorming have all been a great blessing.”
Read more about what is happening at The Way - buv.com.au/ourstories

03/06/2026

We love to introduce you to people from around our Baptist Union of Victoria.
This week we are thrilled to introduce our new Chair of Union Council, Rev Dr Allan Demond, voted in at our recent May 2026 Members' Dinner. Allan served as the Senior Pastor of NewHope Baptist Church from 1995-2025, has lectured at Whitley College for over 3 decades and currently oversees the Doctor of Ministry programme at Melbourne School of Theology. As a former President of the BUV, past BUV Council member, and past Vice-Chair of Baptist World Aid Australia, Allan brings a deep love for the Baptist family and strategic governance expertise to his Council role.

02/06/2026

N I N E ▪ B A P T I S M S ▪ A S ▪ D I S C I P L E S ▪ G R O W
Nine people, aged 13-60 years, were baptised at Waverley Baptist Church in April, bringing much joy and celebration as people publicly followed Christ in their discipleship journey.

Some had grown up in the church but had reached a point where their faith became a personal commitment. Another grew up in a Buddhist family and came to faith in Christ after questioning beliefs during a difficult season of life. Others were inspired to be baptised after seeing a friend or relative take this step and hearing their testimony, while others were convicted through hearing the Word explained in sermons on discipleship.

To read more go to buv.com.au/ourstories

📸©LyndelJHolt

31/05/2026

Good morning BUV family!
Please join us in 🙏🏻for one of our churches each day this week.
Pray that they will shine the light of Jesus into their community.
If you have a prayer request for your church please DM us so we can support you in prayer.

Wangaratta Baptist Church Cheshunt Baptist Church Warrnambool & District Baptist Church Waverley Baptist Church Werribee Karen Baptist Church