SBCAL Associational Membership Toolbox
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In the last several years, associational leaders have experienced an increased need to refine how they manage membership in their associations. This is in part due to the changing standards at the national level, but also due to the focused value-add that local associations offer. The formation of non-geographic networks has motivated associations to champion even more the value of belonging to a family of churches that is locally contextual in its missional collaboration and able to care for each other more personally. Trusting relationships shaped by gospel-realities bond associational families of churches together. This toolbox has been created to help associations navigate those relationships clearly and consistently.
We also understand some associations do not have established membership policies, and others have not been updated in years. When I called these needs to our leadership’s attention, they agreed to meet these needs by asking Brian Nall, AMS, Pensacola Bay Association, Pensacola, FL, to chair an SBCAL Associational Membership Task Force. Brian and I were then allowed to choose the Task Force, and we are thankful to have a diverse group representing all five SBCAL regions of the country. Brian and the Task Force have worked hard to provide you with an excellent toolbox of resources for Associational Mission Strategists and associations to utilize. I hope associational leaders around the country will take advantage of them. - Dr. Ray Gentry, President/CEO, SBCAL |
