The Local Church as a Partner
As I think of churches, associations, and state conventions working together, words such as cooperation, partnership, and mutual aid come to mind. That partnership reminds me of the story of how Nehemiah and the Jewish people rebuilt the wall around the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3 gives us the names of many who helped construct the wall, as well as the cities and regions where they were from—a great example of what can happen when many people come together for a common good.
Benefits of Partnering
Serving Jesus Christ in a local church is an awesome experience that only gets better when serving Him alongside the local association and state convention. Churches who partner with other churches experience so many benefits; for example, churches of all sizes have access to resources at little or no cost through the association and state convention. I recently attended a training conference provided by our state convention. Our director of missions purchased the resources offered at the conference and made them available to all the churches in the association. I call churches coming together to share expensive tools being good stewards of God’s money.
Serving on the On-Mission Conference Committee for the Elmore Baptist Association enabled me to see firsthand how churches in a local geographical area work hand-in-hand to accomplish something no one church could accomplish alone. Through the collaboration of many people, 95 percent of the churches in the association heard missionaries from the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Alabama Baptist State Convention, and Elmore Baptist Association. The task of spreading the gospel around the world is overwhelming; but with help from other cities and regions, what is impossible becomes possible. As a part of our weekend conference, churches joined together in a time of worship, missions emphasis, and fellowship. It was truly a blessing!
Opportunities Available Through Partnering
Have you ever wanted to go on a mission trip, share the gospel with a person of a different nationality, or perhaps be involved in improving someone’s living conditions? Numerous ministry and missions opportunities are available for believers through the local association and state convention. Many churches are not equipped to do missions on a large scale; however, when churches work together, more people can be reached for Christ. Churches are like people: they have different personalities, and each one is needed to minister effectively.
I take every opportunity possible to enhance the ministry God has given me by attending conferences and training opportunities offered by my association and state convention. My church could not afford to invite the very best conference leaders to hold seminars for only a few attendees. But through a joint venture—church, association, and state convention—we have been exposed to some top quality speakers and trainers and gained valuable, practical helps for ministry.
Many associations have ministry assistant/church secretary organizations that offer a variety of skill-improvement seminars, self-improvement classes, spiritual modules, and much more. Most states also offer training opportunities for ministry assistants/church secretaries, and LifeWay Church Resources sponsors the National Association of Southern Baptist Secretaries. These conferences are done well and provide helpful information to boost ministries, yet I remain astounded at the number of people who do not take advantage of these opportunities. I believe we can always learn something if we have a willing spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. If you have not attended one of these conferences or if it has been a long time since you’ve attended, I encourage you to take advantage of the tools and opportuntities God places in your path to help you in the ministry to which you have been called.
Gene Mims tells us how vital fellowship is to the church and the believer in Kingdom Principles for Church Growth.1 Fellowship among churches in an association and a state convention is just as important and just as sweet. Many participating in the ministry and workings of the associations and state conventions have formed precious friendships. Time and again staff members find unfailing support from state and associational missionaries—support in good times as well as hard times.
Many benefits come when churches, associations, and state conventions team up. However, the local church has a responsibility to support our local association and state convention financially and with our time, talents, and prayers. Staying kingdom-focused and winning the world for Christ truly takes all believers working together. “For we are God’s co-laborers” (1 Cor. 3:9).
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