2025 was a milestone year for the BUV with the launch of our bold new vision to be a union of 500 flourishing churches, making disciples and transforming Victoria. This vision informed many of the activities and strategic focus areas for the year.
Beginning the year with a prayer focus, as has become recent practice, was a wonderful way to yield our plans to God, ensuring that although we are making the plans, God is directing our steps. Our theme for the year centered around ‘transforming’ – transforming churches, lives, and communities.
Early in the year, our Out-of-Cycle Members’ Meeting approved the proposal for Baptcare to merge with other Baptist agencies around Australia. As the BUV was the last Baptist association involved to vote, this decision made way for the merger to proceed.
Our consultation forum topics were in line with our bold new vision:
- Church planting for our growing Victorian population, and
- Prioritising engaging the younger generation in faith
In April, I led a group of 5 Baptist Pastors on a UK Study tour to expose them to different expressions of mission and ministry. It was a wonderful investment into some of the next generation of senior Baptist leaders who were all deeply engaged and impacted by the variety of expressions we visited.
Our 2025 focus on church planting not only resulted in a higher number of churches and pastors showing interest in growth, revitalisation and planting, but also over $200,000 being donated through bequests, high value donors and regular donors for church planting projects during 2025.
As our union grows and its cultural shape shifts, we have needed to adapt as a Support Hub. In 2025, we transitioned from one multicultural team at the Support Hub to an Intercultural model. Culturally diverse team members are engaged in each team and are empowering others across the Support Hub, informing the intercultural shape across our union. We have also initiated a Support Hub Intercultural Collaboration group and a Multicultural Church Advisory group to help ensure we are hearing and responding to intercultural needs of our churches.
The Baptist World Congress, held in July in Brisbane, was a powerful opportunity for Victorian Baptists to gather together on a global scale for fellowship, encouragement and equipping. A number of Victorian Pastors and BUV staff contributed to the programme through speaking, hosting devotions or through cultural performances.
Collaboration with our agencies and national affiliates continues with alignment meetings held biannually and cooperative work with Support Hub teams.
It has been my pleasure to lead the Baptist Union of Victoria through another year working towards advancing God’s kingdom here in Victoria. I look forward to 2026 as we continue together on mission.
God bless
Daniel
REV DANIEL BULLOCK
Director of Mission and Ministries