TBS Reaffirms Global Mission at 194th AGM

Trinitarian Bible Society Holds 194th Annual General Meeting at Metropolitan Tabernacle

Business Meeting

Worship Service

On 20 September 2025, the Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS) held its 194th Annual General Meeting at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, once again reaffirming its calling to uphold and spread God’s preserved Word throughout the nations.

Chairman Dr M. R. Keogh-Brown opened the meeting with a reading from 1 Thessalonians 2, reminding attendees of the Apostle Paul’s boldness in preaching the Gospel amid opposition and of the eternal nature of God’s Word. He warned against receiving Scripture with only cold intellectual assent, urging instead a living faith that treasures and trusts the Bible in every circumstance.

General Secretary Jonathan Arnold reported on the Society’s continued worldwide labours, giving thanks for the Lord’s sustaining grace and the faithful distribution of Scriptures across many countries. He reflected on the legacy of William Tyndale, whose courageous translation of the Bible continues to inspire, and warned against modern critical editions that undermine confidence in the text of Scripture. He reaffirmed the Society’s unwavering commitment to the Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Received Text as the basis for faithful translation.

Resources Director David Broome gave thanks for God’s provision in the face of financial challenges, noting reduced income from legacies but increased support through donations and investment income. He highlighted the enduring impact of Tyndale’s pioneering work and stressed the Society’s continued reliance upon God’s grace in translating and distributing the Word worldwide.

Editorial Director Matthew Vogan emphasised the spiritual nature of translation, describing it as removing barriers so the light of Scripture can shine into darkness. He reported significant progress, with work ongoing in more than 90 languages across six continents. New publications in languages such as Tagalog, Tamil, Kikamba, Kom, and Dan were celebrated, while translators in difficult regions continued their work despite opposition and persecution.

In the absence of Operations Director Philip Blows, the General Secretary presented his report, announcing that in 2024 the Society distributed 3.6 million Scripture items across 98 countries in 41 languages. He gave thanks for opportunities in restricted regions such as China and for the growing outreach of initiatives like the UK Scripture poster campaign. Grants included 10,000 Ndebele Bibles to Zimbabwe, 5,000 Amharic New Testaments to Ethiopia, and a first edition of the Kalenjin New Testament in Kenya.

A highlight of the meeting was the report on the Kalenjin translation work, presented on behalf of Rev. Dr Jonathan Langat. After many years of effort, the Kalenjin New Testament was joyfully received this summer, marking a historic moment for the community. Services of thanksgiving were held in Eldoret and Bomet, and copies were distributed with great gratitude. Work on the Old Testament continues, with prayer requested for the translation team.

Warm greetings were also received from the Gereformeerde Bijbelstichting (GBS) in the Netherlands, expressing thankfulness for their ongoing partnership in promoting faithful Bible translation.

Following the AGM, a worship service was held in which Rev. Dr Gerald Bilkes of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a member of the USA Board, preached a challenging yet encouraging sermon from Amos 8.11 and Amos 9.11 on God’s judgment and promised restoration.

The overarching message of the day clear: God’s Word is eternal, authoritative, and must be spread with accuracy and faithfulness.