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Partners in the Mission:
Associational Gatherings
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| Release Date: 09/09/2008 |
| a message from Dr. Bill Mackey, executive director |
This is the time of year when many Baptist associations in Kentucky are having annual meetings. These meetings are wonderful times to fellowship with other believers, learn about Baptist missions and ministries, be inspired by testimonies of those who are involved in life changing ministries, worship together and renew the vision for reaching people for Christ.
I believe associations are essential in Baptist life and worthy of our involvement. They are the denominational entity that is closest to the local church and most strategies are conducted in close partnership with local associations.
Associations are important because they can work with churches in meeting local needs that one church might not be able to meet on its own. Churches working together can accomplish all that God blesses.
The local association director of missions is often the one person who is most aware of the needs of local pastors and churches. He is generally in the best position to recommend local, Kentucky Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, or other resources that will meet those needs.
Associations provide great support for world missions by encouraging churches to support the missions offerings and the Cooperative Program. Associations regularly conduct “On Mission Celebrations,” which brings missions and missionaries to local churches. KBC institutions and agencies also look to the associations to assist in promoting their ministries among the churches.
Another important function of the association is the collection of data for the Annual Church Profile. The association forwards information provided by the churches to the state convention and LifeWay Christian Resources. This vital data helps the association, state convention and SBC determine the best ways to meet needs in the churches.
Associations also provide training for church leaders. One of the most popular events is the associational vacation Bible school clinic led by local leaders who have received training through the state convention. More than 350 workers are needed to conduct these VBS clinics each year.
Church planting is a key to reaching unreached people groups, especially Hispanics, other ethnic groups, and generational groups. Associations play a key role in identifying these groups and determining the best locations for new churches.
The focus on evangelism is essential in the local association. The Glenmary Research Center has revealed that 41 counties in Kentucky are 70 percent unreached for Christ. Only 33.5 percent of the people in Kentucky are church members and only 12.1 percent attend on average.
The North American Mission Board has a plan for “saturation evangelism” to get the Gospel into every home in America. This emphasis would not be possible without local associations.
I am grateful for all of our Kentucky associations and pray for their work daily. Please join me in that and plan to be involved in your local association!
Dr. Mackey's column appears weekly in the Western Recorder. To subscribe to the Western Recorder, call (502) 489-3535. |
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