Should we bring back the annual associational letter?
Probably not, even though Baptists are not hearing many of the great stories of congregations in association with one another.
Check out the previous column on “Whatever happened to associational letters?”.
Telling the stories of congregations has decreased among Baptists, especially stories of congregations in association with one another.
I believe more congregational storytelling benefits our Christian witness, particularly within the fellowship of associations but also beyond.
RELATED: Check out more articles on the impact of Baptist associations.
People want their stories told
When I was the state missions director for Baptists in South Carolina, my staff team gathered monthly for an all-day meeting. An opening agenda item was to talk about the stories of missions and ministries within congregations and associations.
A writer from the communications team was present for the first hour or so. The purpose was for the writer to hear the stories of what God was doing through congregations. Then we chose stories to write during the coming month for publication in various communications media.
Because we conducted missions work through associations, the purpose was to highlight the congregations in association with one another as the grassroots movement of missions and ministries.
Many stories were submitted to our statewide news journal for possible publication. The editor almost always published the stories we submitted. He did so for two reasons.
First, he believed in telling the stories of what Baptists were doing throughout the state, particularly in the area of missions. Second, he knew that the more names of congregations, pastors, staff people and laypeople he placed in his news journal, the better the readership.
People want their stories told. However, that does not answer the question of reviving the tradition of annual associational letters.
Why bringing back the associational letter is not the answer
I wish we could bring back narrative annual associational letters, but it is not going to happen. Baptist practice has shifted.
A new reality exists.
First, people will not attend a day-long — much less a multiple-day — associational gathering to fellowship with and hear the stories of various congregations. This type of associational gathering is not coming back.
Second, the sense of being a Baptist family on mission together from the base of an associational context is not nearly as strong as it once was. Commitment to denominations in general is fading.
Third, too many congregational leaders now relate more to affinity groups across city, county, state and national lines, as well as across denominational lines and with various parachurch groups.
Fourth, telling stories is more of a right-brained function than a left-brained function. Declaring and debating doctrine, ideology and ministry practice is a left-brained function. Baptists increasingly spend more time engaging in these debates and squeezing out high-touch stories about the ongoing ministry of congregations.
Fifth, congregations do not spend enough time — if any — praying for the missional significance of their sister congregations or proactively caring for the vitality and vibrancy of other congregations. Congregations are more competitive now.
With more than 80% of Baptist congregations plateaued and declining, congregations often focus more attention on their own situation.
Why we must do more congregational storytelling
Congregations fail to realize the many ways storytelling will enhance their ministry and that of the broader Baptist family.
First, in hearing and understanding the stories of others, congregations will discover things about themselves that could help them take a deeper look at opportunities for Kingdom progress.
Second, in responding with encouragement and even challenge to the stories of others, congregations will deepen their appreciation for opportunities they face to fulfill God’s spiritual call on their own churches.
Third, the stories of various congregations will point out opportunities for collaboration in ministry. It will affirm the benefits realized by multiple congregations engaging in missions and ministries together.
Fourth, shared stories are a wonderful way congregations can enhance associational fellowship. Seeking, hearing and pondering the stories of other congregations will motivate greater prayer and fellowship.
Fifth, through stories, deeper relationships will develop among congregations. Significant value in being in association with one another is celebrated. God’s common mission served by all congregations is highlighted.
How to do more storytelling
Doing more storytelling takes initiative, a plan, resources and a commitment to engage in storytelling as a high priority. Let’s discuss intentional storytelling in associations next.
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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