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The Baptist Association: Assisting Churches, Advancing the GospelAs Southern Baptists, we believe we can accomplish more together than we can separately for the Lord. Even before there was a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), associations were the cornerstone of cooperation among Baptist churches in America.
The Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL), the oldest and largest associational network recognized by the SBC, is pleased to sponsor this work. After extensive research, the SBCAL gathered successful associational leaders and other respected leaders from across the United States to contribute chapters to The Baptist Association. This book marks the renaissance of the importance of associations, of the distinctive role of the associational leader, and of the proficiencies of an effective Associational Mission Strategist (AMS) in the 21st century. This book is for: • Seminary students to explore the history, role, and importance of local associations so they understand the blessings and benefits of associating with sister churches when they graduate and serve in a church. • Prospective and new associational leaders seeking to understand the expectations and needs of associations and to learn the 17 Proficiencies of an Effective Associational Mission Strategist. • Seasoned associational leaders who are assisting their churches in advancing the Gospel amidst a changing culture by equipping them to lead even more effectively. • Anyone serving in or alongside associations desiring to make associational ministry more effective – AMS search committees, associational moderators, associational committee members, pastors, SBC and state convention leaders, and others. |
EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
"The key to mobilizing healthy churches, revitalizing declining churches, and planting new gospel churches in every community is the local association of Baptist churches. For the first time in thirty-five years, a manual has been written and produced that motivates and gives helpful counsel to associational mission strategists. This is critical for us to reach every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state, and every nation."
Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee
"As biblically faithful Baptist churches become more isolated in American culture, I believe the need for those churches to have strong local partnerships will grow rather than diminish. Thus, the greatest days of association work can be in front of us. But that will prove to be true only to the extent that the work of the association is mission work. This book is the best tool I know of to help a local Baptist association remain true to the vision of its founding and be a part of fulfilling the vision of heaven, where, as John shows us in Revelation 7:9, a great multitude from every nation and all tribes, peoples, and languages will stand before the throne and before the Lamb. Might that vision drive the strategy of every local Baptist association and invigorate the calling of every Associational Mission Strategist!"
Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB President, Richmond, VA
"Southern Baptists have always had a heart for reaching people in far-away lands and a priority for reaching them right here at home. Both are essential to Great Commission obedience. Effective Baptist associations keep mission needs and opportunities clearly in the line of sight for local churches. It's easy to become immersed in one and overlook the other. This book holds up the high calling of associational leaders and the pivotal role they can play in helping our churches stay active and productive on every mission field. The practices and proficiencies detailed here will make leaders more effective and our mission more attainable."
Dr. Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, Georgia
"As general editor, Ray Gentry has filled a great need in SBC life. It has been over a generation since Associational Mission Strategists had a book that extols the value of associational missions. This book fills that gap and more. It defines the skillset required for effective, transformational association leadership. It's a must read for anyone involved in local associational ministry."
Rick Curtis, PhD, North American Mission Board, Assistant to the President for Convention and Associational Relations
"The role of the Associational Mission Strategist (AMS) is complex, varied and unique. Unlike nearly every other ministry role there is no degree program, internship, mentorship, or even "how to" manual to prepare and equip a new Strategist for the task ahead. Until now. The Baptist Association provides an in-depth examination of the importance of the local association and associational leader, and more importantly, the proficiencies which will enable an Associational Mission Strategist to serve well, grow in their role, and succeed in fulfilling their mission - assisting churches to advance the Gospel. The contributors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing excellent guidance through each important proficiency. It is a pivotal work and should be a must read for both every AMS and those who serve alongside them, as well as anyone considering this ministry role."
Sean McMahon, Executive Director (Associational Mission Strategist), Florida Baptist Association, Tallahassee, Florida, Chairman, SBCAL Executive Team
"The key to mobilizing healthy churches, revitalizing declining churches, and planting new gospel churches in every community is the local association of Baptist churches. For the first time in thirty-five years, a manual has been written and produced that motivates and gives helpful counsel to associational mission strategists. This is critical for us to reach every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state, and every nation."
Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee
"As biblically faithful Baptist churches become more isolated in American culture, I believe the need for those churches to have strong local partnerships will grow rather than diminish. Thus, the greatest days of association work can be in front of us. But that will prove to be true only to the extent that the work of the association is mission work. This book is the best tool I know of to help a local Baptist association remain true to the vision of its founding and be a part of fulfilling the vision of heaven, where, as John shows us in Revelation 7:9, a great multitude from every nation and all tribes, peoples, and languages will stand before the throne and before the Lamb. Might that vision drive the strategy of every local Baptist association and invigorate the calling of every Associational Mission Strategist!"
Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB President, Richmond, VA
"Southern Baptists have always had a heart for reaching people in far-away lands and a priority for reaching them right here at home. Both are essential to Great Commission obedience. Effective Baptist associations keep mission needs and opportunities clearly in the line of sight for local churches. It's easy to become immersed in one and overlook the other. This book holds up the high calling of associational leaders and the pivotal role they can play in helping our churches stay active and productive on every mission field. The practices and proficiencies detailed here will make leaders more effective and our mission more attainable."
Dr. Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, Georgia
"As general editor, Ray Gentry has filled a great need in SBC life. It has been over a generation since Associational Mission Strategists had a book that extols the value of associational missions. This book fills that gap and more. It defines the skillset required for effective, transformational association leadership. It's a must read for anyone involved in local associational ministry."
Rick Curtis, PhD, North American Mission Board, Assistant to the President for Convention and Associational Relations
"The role of the Associational Mission Strategist (AMS) is complex, varied and unique. Unlike nearly every other ministry role there is no degree program, internship, mentorship, or even "how to" manual to prepare and equip a new Strategist for the task ahead. Until now. The Baptist Association provides an in-depth examination of the importance of the local association and associational leader, and more importantly, the proficiencies which will enable an Associational Mission Strategist to serve well, grow in their role, and succeed in fulfilling their mission - assisting churches to advance the Gospel. The contributors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing excellent guidance through each important proficiency. It is a pivotal work and should be a must read for both every AMS and those who serve alongside them, as well as anyone considering this ministry role."
Sean McMahon, Executive Director (Associational Mission Strategist), Florida Baptist Association, Tallahassee, Florida, Chairman, SBCAL Executive Team
CONTRIBUTORS
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Stan Albright
Tom Billings Jim Breeden David Bowman Paul Chitwood Glenn Davis Bob Dean Josh Ellis Kevin Ezell Nathan A. Finn R. Dale Fisher C. Ray Gentry Matthew W. Gullion |
Will Heath
Steven T. Laughman Bob Lowman, Jr. Brian E. Nall Stephen Parks Mike Pennington Todd Robertson Jason Rumbough Johnny Rumbough Terry Sharp Mark Snowden Rick Wheeler |
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