Baptists need passion for revival, says new Vice President

The soon-to-be Vice President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has told Baptists to be consumed with a passion for God's revival.

Rev Kingsley Appiagyei, who is founder of the two largest Baptist churches in the UK, will become BUGB's new Vice President in May and later take up the role of President in May 2009.

Responding to the news of his vice-presidency, Kingsley, 55, said he would focus on encouraging his Baptist brothers and sisters "to have a burden for revival, that God will burden us with a ministry which will seek God's direct intervention in the affairs of our society".

Rev Appiagyei, originally from Ghana but now a British citizen, was the sole nomination for the honorary position.

He is urging Baptists to rekindle their vision for God's mission on earth and expect revival.

"When our personality is aflame with commitment to Christ and with a burning vision of what he purposes to do for us, our whole life and leadership comes alive with life and becomes vibrant with power," he said.

"We need another visitation from heaven - when the Holy Spirit will set our hearts aflame, and when self-centredness will be consumed by a passion for the master and the end-time harvest.

"Even though revivals are determined solely by God, the Church must be consumed with a fresh passion to see it happen."

Rev Appiagyei trained at Spurgeon's College and holds a Masters in Theology with Luther Rice Seminary in Georgia.

After his studies at Spurgeon's, he felt called by the Lord to begin Trinity Baptist Church, which started with just eight people in a home in South Norwood. Under God's guidance, the church is flourishing with more than 2,000 members - the second largest church in the BUGB.

More churches have since been planted by the Trinity congregation, including the largest in BUGB, the Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church in Plaistow, East London.

Pat Took, Regional Team Leader of the LBA, welcomed Rev Appiagyei to his new role.

"I am delighted that at last the time has come for Kingsley to serve the Union as its President. I have the greatest respect for his ministry and have been grateful for his help and friendship over the years," said Took.

"He is deeply committed to the Baptist family, both here in London and beyond, and will bring passionate leadership to the Union. I know we will all be blessed by this appointment."

Rev Appiagyei has succeeded, through Trinity Baptist Church, in providing sound and effective leadership for its members with his messages and teaching centred on the building of godly characters as Christians. Trinity also broadcasts a weekly television programme, which seeks to promote family values and address issues facing ethnic minority families.

Rev Appiagyei is also leading Trinity Baptist Church in its support for the construction of an orphanage complex in Ghana, which will provide a place for orphans to live and attend school, as well as providing a well-equipped clinic and vocational school.

Jonathan Edwards, BUGB General Secretary, said. "Kingsley exercises a remarkable ministry and all who know him will agree that he is truly a man of God. His love for the Word of God and his deep commitment to prayer and revival thrill my heart and I am delighted that he will be available to serve our churches in this significant way.

"As we continue to journey as a multi-racial Union we thank God for the ways in which we have been blessed by the fervour and commitment of our Ghanaian brothers and sisters."

Rev Appiagyei has been a member of the Baptist Union Council for eleven years and is married to Cynthia. They have four daughters: Genevieve, Ruth, Esther and Davina.