The Philadelphia Baptist Association was established in 1707 by five churches. They were committed to the principle that autonomous local churches should partner together for the cause of Christ. Out of those humble beginnings and following the pattern already set in England, other Baptist associations were formed throughout what would become the United States of America. In 1784 five churches in Georgia formed the first Baptist association in our state, appropriately naming it The Georgia Baptist Association. One hundred years later, ten churches from Flint River, Central, and Rehoboth Associations met in Barnesville to establish a new association with the blessings of their “mother” associations. This new association was named Centennial Baptist Association in honor of centennial celebration of the Georgia Baptist Association. This annual fall meeting will be our 138th, and we are not slowing down any time soon.
At a time when the future of the world, including the state of historic Baptist institutions, seems uncertain I can boldly state that the Centennial Baptist Association is strong and moving forward. We still have much work to do, and we understand that we are more effective when we work together. The spirit of cooperation among our churches serves as an example of how God’s Church impacts the lost world. We are making disciples together, and we intend to continue to do so until the Lord returns.
This year has not been without its challenges. One area of need that we recognize is that of Pastors and other ministry leaders to fill various ministry roles in our churches. For several years I have been talking with pastors about the need to raise up and equip called individuals from within our churches to serve. I see the fruit of that as God has called some from within our churches to serve in many leadership positions. We are blessed to have the Baptist Collegiate Ministries equipping students to serve and then encouraging them to serve the local church. The Preaching Teaching Lab provided tools this year for those wanting to become better proclaimers of God’s Word. Early 2022 we plan to provide a workshop for anyone interested in leading worship in the local church. There are still churches in need of key leaders, so the work is far from finished. But I am hopeful that God is still calling, and we are being more intentional about equipping the called.
Missions is another area of need. We can celebrate the record giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Every dollar of these offerings goes to the mission field. Your Cooperative Program dollars support ongoing work of the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board, as well as our state entity, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. You also support our six seminaries, making a sound, affordable theological education possible for those called to ministry and missions. But while all of this is worthwhile, I know many of you want a more hands-on missions experience. We pray that 2022 will be a time when restrictions are lessened, and we can get back to going on mission. In the meantime, some of you have been very creative in your mission endeavors. The team of youth leaders who organized UNITY in the Community this summer thought outside the box to provide students with local mission projects. Several of our churches have provided countless meals and other resources to those in need locally. As we move forward, we will once again begin organizing an association-wide missions event. We are now calling it REFOCUS, and you will hear more in the coming months.
I know that you will agree with me that we are called to do the best with what resources we have. This year you have once again demonstrated through your faithful giving to Centennial that you believe in the work we do. In an effort to be a good steward of your resources, I have been examining how we are organized as an association, specifically how our ministries function. Our job is not to replace the church but to encourage local churches to work together when it is advantageous to do so. My hope over the next several months is to collaborate with our Steering Committee to restructure how we do ministry. Our core purpose of “networking churches to make disciples” will not change. But the way we make decisions, how we operate, and the approach we take toward reaching our goals may change to serve the churches more effectively. Pray with me as we seek to become more effective for the Gospel. If you have input or would like to be involved in this restructuring process, please let me know.
In December I will begin my tenth year as your associational leader. Marni and I are grateful for each of you. The very word “association” means we work together, we are in relationship with one another, and we share things in common. What a privilege it is to serve the churches of Centennial Baptist Association at this time in our history! Even after 137 years of ministry our best years are still ahead of us.
