Philadelphia Baptist Association was the first association to form (1707). Their desire: to select the most capable in every congregation, and to meet yearly to consult about such things as were lacking in the congregations to set those things in order. They set the course for associations of the future. They determined they should be church-centered, advisory, and cooperative in its nature. For the first 100 years associations were very effective: they fostered fellowship, maintained uniformity in faith and practice among the churches, gave support and counsel, and provided a vehicle for churches to cooperate. (The History and Future of Baptist Associations)

I wanted to begin this year by reminding our churches of why we are an Association. The above exert reminds us that associations were formed in 1707 because churches knew they could not be effective alone in reaching people with the Gospel. This is still the reason why the local Association exists today. Associations were in place even before the State and National Convention. All three entities work together to reach people with the Gospel, but I believe that the only way we are going to have an impact on the Kingdom is to begin at the local level through the local association where churches are working together to fulfill the mission Christ gave us. My desire and goal for this year is to encourage and lead our churches to effectively cooperate together so we can reach the thousands of people in the areas in which our churches are located. There are over 30,000 residents alone in Crisp and Dooly County and the statistics reveal that 80 percent of the population do not attend church. We have a major task of reaching those in our communities with the Gospel and it is going to take all of us working together to reach them.

I have been meeting with the Administrative Committee for several months to discuss how we can be a stronger and healthier association. We are in much prayer right now about some proposals we will be bringing to the Executive Committee. There will be some major changes that have to be discussed to make us healthier financially as well as in strategically finding ways we can cooperate together. There are 37 churches in our network and our goal is for every church to be involved. I am constantly praying and seeking the Lord how I can be a better encourager and leader as I come alongside our Pastors and churches. I appreciate your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for me as well as for your Pastor and congregation that God will work through us this year to reach more people with the good news of the Gospel than we have ever done before. I have said it many times before, but we have to keep the main thing the main thing and unify together so we can be effective in building the Kingdom of God. I love all of our Pastors and churches, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do in 2025.

Bro. Gary

Ebenezer Baptist Church has two console pianos for any church needing a piano. If you are interested, contact the Association office at 229-273-4127.

Click above for more information.

The association office operates a small emergency food pantry that ministers to those in need. Many of those who we assist only have limited cooking facilities, so the above listed items are primarily needed.



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YOUR DONATIONS, AND ESPECIALLY YOUR PRAYERS, ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!