Between Green Men and Growing Movements: Baptist Transitions in Germany and Austria

When visiting Berlin and Vienna in the same week, you become aware of two capital cities that share a common language, have many shared customs, have creative approaches to green men and are full of history, although one presents a significantly older story than the other. In both cities, I visited the current offices of their respective Baptist Unions and received a warm welcome and some significant challenging conversations.

The Baptist Union of Germany and the Baptists in Austria are both going through a period of significant change. In Austria, the transition of General Secretary from Walter Klimt to David Bunce was completed on the 18th of October with a thanksgiving and commissioning service. Partners gathered from America, Romania, and the UK to join the German-speaking Unions of Switzerland and Germany in a day of celebrations, worship, food, and imagination hosted by the Austrian Baptists. Recognition was made of the collaborative style of leadership shown by Walter and Andrea over the years, for their commitment to developing young leaders, and for the achievement of gaining state recognition.

David Bunce’s first task, following the commissioning service, was to host a 24-hour gathering of mission partners to explore the future direction of Austrian Baptist mission. It was exciting to hear the creative stories of what God’s people are doing and to encourage the Austrian Baptists to have self-confidence for the future. This small Union has had an incredible impact on the lives of so many people in the nation, and its reputation for hospitality and creativity continues. This is a time to pray for bravery and courage as they seek to express their faith in new and creative ways to the people of Austria.

In Germany, the process of transition is underway. Christoph Stiba is now in his last six months of service as General Secretary, and Max Zimmerman is preparing himself and his family for the task that lies ahead. The German Union has agreed on a plan for the future, and Max will have the responsibility of bringing this corporately discerned vision to reality. Mission-wise, they are exploring a partnership with “Big Life,” the disciple-making ministry they encountered at Sent 2023 in Norway, as well as seeking to explore a new regional dynamic within the Union.

It was a great pleasure for me to spend time with the students who are studying at Elstal, especially those participating in the upgrade programme, which allows existing church ministers to grow in their theological and ministry development while serving churches. It was encouraging to see both Elstal staff and Union staff attend the seminar with the students, to explore together the importance of international collaboration as we reflected on the collaborative nature of the mission of God as described in John 13.

The German Union has always been extremely generous in its support of missions around the EBF region and the rest of the world. Meeting with German Baptist Aid and EBM International, I discovered the extent of that generosity and the significant lengths they go to, like the Austrians, in order to hear the voices of their international partners and to bring them to the decision-making table. Let us pray that this spirit of generosity, collaboration and inquisitiveness in mission continues as they progress their new strategy.