1. What is a Baptist Association?
Judson, Stewart and Truett Baptist Association Linked together for Ministry
Prepared by William Lee Gray
Director of Missions
“The Associations”

2. Associational Staff William Gray, DOM (Linda) Pat Merrell Donna Pearl
Administrative Assistant
(Virgie)
Donna Pearl
Administrative Assistant
(Scott)

3. Definition A Baptist association is a
>family of Southern Baptist churches
>sharing a common faith and
>partnering with one another to
>fulfill the Great Commission
>in their setting.

4. A family of Southern Baptist churches
The churches that comprise the our Association are autonomous, independent, self-governing churches that choose to partner together to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
As an extended family, the churches form a relationship of interdependence to assist each other so that individually and corporately the churches might be more effective in their mission and to promote a sense of oneness and fellowship among the churches.

5. Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)
Sharing a common faith
The fellowship of an association is based upon a general harmony in faith and practices.
Although there may be some diversity among individual church practices and customs, an association is a doctrinally-based fellowship.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)

6. Partnering with one another
The association was the first form of cooperation among Baptist churches.
The first mission activities of Baptists were through associations.
The association provides a means for churches to do a greater work together in their setting than they can do alone.

7. Fulfill the Great Commission
The mission of the local church is to make disciples of all people (Matthew 28:19-20)
The local church has the responsibility to fulfill this mission according to Acts 1:8:
Jerusalem – church field
Judea – association area
Samaria – state/regional area
Ends of the Earth – national/international ministry

8. In their setting
The Judson Baptist Association was organized in We have 11 churches and missions with five churches located in Dickson Co. (TN), two churches located in Hickman Co. (TN), two churches in Williamson Co. and one church in Humphrey Co. (TN). We are in process of starting a mission in Lyles TN.
The Stewart Co. Baptist Association was organized in We have 21 churches and missions with sixteen churches located in Stewart Co. (TN), three churches located in Houston Co. (TN), one in Benton Co. and one church in Trigg Co. Kentucky.
The Truett Baptist Association was organized in We have 14 churches and missions with six churches located in Dickson Co. (TN), and eight churches located in Humphrey Co. (TN).

9. Mission of the Association
The MISSION of “The Associations” is to assist the cooperating churches in their divinely appointed task of fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

10. “The Associations” has developed ministry priorities to implement our mission
Strengthen Churches: assist churches so they can be more effective in their ministry
Promote Missions: create awareness to mission opportunities & facilitate starting new churches and ministries
Develop Leadership: train church leaders in administration/supervision skills, pastoral ministry, deacon ministry, crises ministry, conflict resolution, and planning skills
Nurture fellowship: encouraging church leaders and members to develop personal relationships

11. The Purpose of our Associations are:
1. To foster fellowship among the churches. 2. To assist the churches in strengthening their programs of enlistment, evangelism, teaching, and training. 3. To encourage churches in the establishment of missions and new churches. (Also, to encourage support of local, home and foreign missions through the Cooperative Program.) 4. To promote and work with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention to carry the gospel to all the world.

12. The association is self-governing
The association is created by the churches and is accountable to those churches through messengers to the annual meetings and representatives on the executive board who are selected and approved by the churches.

13. The association is one of several Baptist entities with which the church may partner
“The Associations”
Linked Together
Judson Baptist Association
Stewart Baptist Association
Truett Baptist Association
Tennessee
Baptist
Convention
Southern
Baptist
Convention
In Baptist life there is no
higher power over the
local church than God.

14. What are some ways our association can assist your church?
Partner with your church in church planting/missions ventures
Partner with your church in ministry opportunities
Provide training opportunities for your church leaders/committees/teams
Assist to help strengthen your church ministries
Encourage and assist your pastor/pastoral staff
Pray for your church
Assist your church with ministry to students at local colleges and universities
Facilitate disaster relief work for your church
Coordinate building efforts for your church

15. What is a Baptist Association?
It is exactly what the churches make it!

16. How do churches shape our association?
By their prayers
By their expectations
By their commitment to Kingdom principles of church missions/ministry (Acts 1:8)
By the significance they give to the role of their messengers and executive board members
By their involvement in associational planning
By their financial support
By their attitudes and actions in providing leadership to the association

17. Churches make our association a vital force for advancing God’s Kingdom, or they hinder it by their lack of support and participation.

18. What Can You Do?
Faithfully serve the Lord Jesus and support your local church
Discover your ministry and commit to “The Great Commision” ministry in partnership with other churches through the association (Acts 1:8)
Learn how the association can assist and/or support your church
Communicate your own needs to associational leadership
Participate in associational planning and training
Design your church budget to support Acts 1:8 missions responsibilities through the association, the state convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention

19. WHAT IS A DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS ?
PREACHER
(OVER 150 SERMONS A YEAR)
MISSIONARY
CHURCH PLANTER
EVANGELIST
MINISTER
COUNSELOR
(46 CHURCHES & MISSIONS)
ADMINISTRATOR
SECRETARY
DISCIPLER / TEACHER
PROFESSOR
CONFLICT MANAGER
CHAPLAIN (resort ministries)
MENTOR
MEDIATOR
ADVISOR
FRIEND
VOLUNTEER
FATHER, HUSBAND

20. The Baptist Association assisting churches. . .