About Myanmar Baptist Convention
Learn about our rich history, mission, and commitment to serving the Baptist communities across Myanmar
Historical Background
The Union of Myanmar is a country in South East Asia with a population of 51.4 million. It is a multi-racial country of 135 national races with Bamar being the majority. Buddhism is the main religion with 89.9% adherents. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and traditional faiths make up the rest.
Although English Baptists under Felix Carey and Chater began mission work as early as 1807, it was not successful. Protestant mission work is therefore dated with the arrival of the American Baptist missionary couple, Dr. Adoniram and Mrs. Ann Judson on July 13, 1813.
The Judsons preached the gospel for many years before the first convert Maung Naw who was baptized in 1819. The gospel spread very slowly among the Bamar Buddhists but was joyously accepted by the Kayin, Kachin, Chin and other ethnic minorities who adhered to traditional faiths. The rapidly growing number of Christians finally led to the formation of the Burma Baptist Missionary Convention on 15th December, 1865, later known as Burma Baptist Convention and today as Myanmar Baptist Convention (MBC).
Vision Statement
To organize and engage all the Baptist in Myanmar in proclaiming and witnessing the message of Salvation of Lord Jesus and Holistic mission in Myanmar and throughout the world.
Mission Statement
The Myanmar Baptist Convention is formed basically by all the Baptist Churches in Myanmar through the Language and Regional Groups. The MBC commits for spiritual maturity of the Baptist Christians, having the life in all its fullness by everyone. Preservation and promotion of Baptist Faith and Order, and heritages and becoming good citizens through workshop, effective trainings and seminars, publishing of literature, producing supporting materials in different formats, sharing of resources, partnership and cooperation with other churches and organizations inside and outside the country.
Motto and Symbols
Our Motto
"Service and Sacrifice"
"Service and Sacrifice" is the motto of the Myanmar Baptist Convention, and the "Cross" is the symbol. It represents giving, sacrifice, and God's blessings.
Funding and Support
The Myanmar Baptist Convention's mission activities are funded and supported by contributions from conventions and churches, as well as partner organizations. The Judson Day offerings and World Mission Day offerings are used for evangelism and social service emergency relief activities, and through endowment funds and special donations, the Baptist mission activities are managed and implemented.
Organization, Affiliation and Partnership
Structure
The MBC comprises 14 language based Conventions (Ahka, Asho Chin, Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Lahu, Lisu, Mon, Myanmar, Naga, Pwo Kayin, Shan, Tedim, Wa), 4 Regional Conventions (Northern Shan, Southern Shan, Shweli Shan, Rakhine State) and two direct affiliate churches, Immanuel Baptist Church and Judson Church.
The MBC has a Triennial Assembly, an Annual Board of Management meeting and Biannual Executive Meeting to conduct the ministry of the Convention.
Committees
Committees of Public Relations, Study and Research, Partnership Beyond 200 Mission Project are functioning with the coordination of the MBC General Secretary.
Memberships & Partnerships
MBC is a member of: Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC), Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and World Council of Churches (WCC).
Partnership organizations: American Baptist Churches-USA, Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), EED-Germany, Tear Fund-UK, Diakonia-Sweden, Heifer Project International (HPI) – USA, Samaritan Purse – Canada, Australia, Mekong Minority Foundation (MMF), Baptist Union of Denmark (BUD), Japan Baptist Union (JBU), Resource Global Alliance and many others.
MBC Officers and Directors
Executive Leadership
President
Rev. Dr. Saw Samson
Vice President
Rev. Dr. Wo Le
Vice President
Rev. Dr. Aye Nwe
General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Thang Cin Lian
Associate General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Robert Pun
Administrative Officers
Treasurer
Sayama Nang Thuzar Mon
Associate Treasurer
Saya Saw Silas Mahuya Wah
Finance and Property Department
Sayama Nang Thuzar Mon
Department Directors
Ministers Department
Rev. Dr. Saw Eh Thaw
Youth Department
Sayama April Nway
Literature and Publication Department
Saya Saw Eddie Moo
Christian Education Department
Rev. Saw Harrison
Women Department
Sayama Nang Khin Mar Htwe
Men Department
Rev. Brang Seng
Evangelism and Mission Department
Rev. Ro Sang
Theological Education Department
Rev. Dr. Saw Cyrus Sein
Christian Communication Department
Sayama May Hninsi
Christian Social Service and Development Department
Rev. Dr. Mang Khan Sum
Leadership Development Department
Rev. Ai Nap Tao