Through a Partner Congregation relationship, the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA) is able to provide multiple resources to people in churches and communities as they engage in peacemaking activities. Respecting the soul liberty of individual Baptists and member churches, we do not seek to speak for our Partner Congregations, but we do assist them in helping their members hear and respond to the Risen Christ’s call to reconciliation and peacemaking rooted in justice.
Since 1984, BPFNA has engaged in the prophetic work of peace and justice. Currently, we enjoy the support of over 80
Partner Congregations from across the US and Canada. BPFNA Partner Congregations receive:
- Subscriptions for two (one clergy, one lay contact) to Baptist Peacemaker, our award-winning quarterly journal. On request, we send extra copies to share with congregations.
- A subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, Model Ministries for Peace Rooted in Justice, which shares stories of peacemaking programs, projects, and ministries in our Partner Congregations
- A discount on each new educational resource produced by the BPFNA
- Useful materials such as bulletin insert artwork and other liturgical aids; ideas for mission involvement; calls to action; BPFNA news releases
- Early notification of special opportunities such as Friendship Tours and our annual summer Peace Camp, a conference for peacemakers
- Early notification of specialized training opportunities, including our expanding training program in Conflict Transformation
- A BPFNA representative to speak at a church service or other event (at the expense of travel costs only)
- The congregation’s name listed in Baptist Peacemaker and on a special section of our website, with a link to the church home page
Perhaps most importantly, being a Partner Congregation establishes a direct connection to BPFNA staff and fellow Partner churches, allowing opportunities for dialogue, shared ideas, and mutual support. In return, it is our expectation that our Partner Congregations will agree to provide visibility for the BPFNA in the church, and support the work of the BPFNA with a substantial gift on an annual basis. Additionally, we find it helpful if our Partner Congregations agree to sponsor a local “peace group” in their church, and we have resources that will help get one started. We have found that these peace groups are a helpful way to
keep the gospel message of peace and reconciliation alive and vital in our churches. These peace groups often can be
useful in recruiting members to attend our summer Peace Camp, Friendship Tours, and other peacemaking opportunities.
If you are ready to make this connection, you can continue to our
Partner Congregation enrollment page to sign up, and we will be in touch with you soon. Also, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the possibility of what we can do together. Contact BPFNA’s Program Coordinator, LeDayne McLeese Polaski, at 704/521-6051 or send her a message through our
contact page.
