A denominational, interdenominational or community-based network is profoundly different from a Baptist association. Associations can have numerous networks within them in which congregations are on mission for various causes.
Congregations, pastors, staff and lay leaders also can relate to numerous networks outside their association. These should always be secondary relationships. Congregations should remain with their Baptist association as their primary denominational membership.
However, some associations now use the word “network” in the title of their association, which further complicates the situation. Using the word “network” in the title confuses form and function. It also decreases the value of an association as the primary relationship for congregations.
Examples
The first formal network I heard of was 55 years ago. It involved four congregations that were members of the association, four congregations disfellowshipped by the association and four African American congregations affiliated with a national convention.
This new network became a competitive network to the local association. It divided loyalties within the congregations. It lowered church leaders’ participation in the association. It divided funding from the congregations between what they contributed to the association and to the new network.
A second formal network emerged over the past two decades that seeks to bring together pastors and leaders from multiple denominations who are deeply committed to fulfilling the Great Commission in a specific urban area.
They desire a unified strategy among congregations and the raising up of leaders to guide the network.
I know the founders of this network. I support their cause. I wish it were structured differently, however.
It should channel the actions back through the denominations and create from multiple denominations an even deeper synergy of action and base of support that affirms the diversity of the urban area.
A third type of network is among healthy and growing congregations that are leading the way in their area. This is also a network approach I support. I believe that 80% of Kingdom progress comes from the direct and indirect efforts of these influential, or what I call leading-edge, congregations.
An important characteristic of the best of this third type of network is that they are not only for other leading-edge congregations. They are empowerment networks that seek to look at the full presence of Baptist and other congregations.
As they continue developing their own ministry, they simultaneously empower the unique situations within the other congregations within their family of congregations — their association.
A fourth type of network focuses on a specialized cause.
While broad-based networks among Christian congregations that address compassionate ministries are needed, engaging deeply and solely on that could cause individuals, churches or communities to miss other opportunities and challenges in front of them.
‘All-in’
Being fully consumed in one area could take away from a comprehensive approach to the Great Commission and great commandment ministry potential of a family of congregations — a Baptist association.
The approach of an “all-in” family of congregations is ideally represented by a Baptist association and helps keep the Kingdom synergy intact.
Associations help maintain a depth of relationship among Baptist congregations of all sizes, locations and styles.
Associations also help congregations maintain the distinctiveness of being Baptist and what has been historically beneficial — such as the local church being seen as the top of the hierarchy rather than a national office or structure.
Associations provide an environment for the grassroots sensitivity to the movement of God’s Holy Spirit through and among a family of congregations.
After all, associations are spiritual organisms, not programmatic organizations.
EDITOR’S NOTE — George Bullard spent 45 years in denominational ministry. He served on the staff of three associations, was a key staff person working with associations in two state conventions and served on the association missions division staff of the former Home Mission Board of the SBC. He retired in June 2022 as director of Columbia Metro Baptist Association in South Carolina. He has led strategic planning processes in more than 100 associations and has written extensively in this area. Bullard now serves as a strategic thinking mentor for Christian leaders through his ForthTelling Innovation ministry and a correspondent for The Baptist Paper.
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