THE MONTGOMERY BAPTIST

Serving Christ Through Montgomery Area Churches KEN MAY, DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Learning About the Montgomery Baptist Association

What is an association? How is it different from the state Baptist convention? Why do so few people know about the work of the local association? Are associations still needed in todays world? These are questions a Director of Missions hears from time to time. Similar questions circulate in some circles across the U.S. as individuals discuss the direction Southern Baptists take in their organizations and re-organizations. Historically, Baptist associations of churches were the first organizations congregations formed. When Baptists were in extreme minorities in their early days, associations provided opportunities to fellowship with like-minded congregations and also served as guardians for theological consensus. Associations are precursors of conventions. In the mid to late 19th Century, with population growth and more churches being birthed, associations formed around common geographical areas, such as the county or region. Some churches left one association to join another closer to their own location, or as in the case of the missions/anti-missions controversies, one closer to their own theological ori ent ati on. Annual meetings of associations consisted of singing, sermons, reports, and funding pleas from missionary societies. The Montgomery Baptist Association was formed out of the Alabama Baptist Association, later known as the Alabama Crenshaw Association.
Montgomery Baptist Association Ken May

BiBi-Vocational Pastors Breakfast

May 18 | 7:30 AM | MBA Call 271-6227 to make reservations.

Community of Hope Fundraiser

Community of Hope is collecting old phone books to recycle as a fundraising project from May 6 through June 25. Books can be dropped off at First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street, or at Community of Hope, 2403 East South Blvd. Call Lou Ann Raughton (2352634) or Jan Rowe (399-9993) to arrange for pick up. Please invite your friends, family, church members and co-workers to participate.

With the advent of the Cooperative Program (CP), Southern Baptist associations were spared the constant appeals for funds from separate entities and ministries. At the time the CP was organized and launched, few associations employed associational missionaries or staff. Most functioned with a moderator, likely a local pastor or key lay person. That is the primary reason associations are not part of the distribution formula of the CP. During the 1920s their financial needs were limited. During the 1940s and through the 1960s, associations grew in scope. Many employed associational missionaries to oversee the work of the churches and facilitate new church plants. Our own associational missionary, Dr. Blount Davidson, labored hard to start and re-start churches. He also sought support for the building of a Baptist Hospital. Baptist South celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. We are grateful for the hard work of Dr. Davidson and enjoy the fruit of his labors. Associational Missions Emphasis Week is May 19-26 this year. We provide resources for your church to encourage prayer for associational missions. Look for the prayer guide insert with your Sunday bulletin and/or the placemat for Wednesday night supper. Read the brief materials and pray intelligently for our work together as a family of churches. If you have a group that would like a program on associational missions and learn about all we do, contact our office to arrange for one of our ministers to visit. Get involved. Its YOUR association!

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God.
Psalm 62:562:5-8
Ministers Conference | Pintlala Baptist Church
May 20, 2013 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM All ministers, wives, staff, ministry assistants, and retired ministers are invited. Contact Joan at 271-6227 or jhedden@mgmbaptist.org to make your reservation by Thursday, May 16.

The Montgomery Baptist Association 20 Interstate Park Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-271-6227 www.mgmbaptist.org This publication is made possible by your churches contributions to Associational Missions.