One of the key distinctives of Baptist life is the doctrine of the autonomy of the local church. In a nutshell, this means that there is no hierarchy over local Baptist churches that is outside of that church’s governance model. There are no Baptist bishops, presbyteries, archbishops, or popes. Local churches operate independently under the headship of Christ and the governance of the local congregation and church officers (elders and deacons). This is a model that I believe to be biblical and, because it is God’s design for His Church, both resilient and practical. It provides protection against the abuse of a professional hierarchy, as well as from the danger of that hierarchy sliding into unbiblical beliefs (compare to Episcopalism, Presbyterianism [PCUSA], and Methodism, although the latter has a firewall in the form of its global communion).
Yet, while God’s design is for the local church to be autonomous, His design is not for them to be isolated. It is here that Baptist churches, by and large (and Southern Baptist Churches in particular), have done a better job than most independent or non-denominational churches. We have recognized, from an early point in our history, that we are able to do more together than we can by ourselves, so we have formed voluntary associations at different geographical levels. At the heart of each of these associations is the desire to see the Gospel proclaimed.
I’m thankful for Faith Baptist Church’s commitment to active participation in the associations to which we belong. That participation has been more than simply a financial contribution, as well. Our church has hosted numerous meetings and events for our local association (some of which, such as a pastor’s luncheon, have been ongoing for years) and our state convention (conferences, annual meetings, and so forth). What’s more, members of Faith Baptist Church have been frequent and regular attenders of these events. Some have taken the time and effort to participate in denominational life at the national level, attending the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. I know that for some, the prospect of attending a multi-day business meeting sounds like as much fun as chewing glass, but those who have participated understand there is so much more to these meetings. There is excellent preaching, teaching, fellowship, networking, the forming of new partnerships, and the creation of new friendships, to name but a few. Sometimes, you discover that God intended to use you to minister to someone else at a Convention meeting, and in a quiet corner, you counsel, encourage, and pray with a brother or sister who is experiencing something that you have already endured and can speak to with the type of wisdom that comes from experience (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Perhaps the best part of this kind of denominational activity is that it is not limited to only those who are “gifted” for it. In other words, you don’t have to be a member of some elite group within the church, some special clique, in order to participate. Personally, I believe that every member of the church should, at some point in their lives, attend a national Convention as a messenger, a state Convention as a messenger, and a local association meeting as a messenger. Each one is unique and offers different opportunities. If you are interested in serving as a messenger to the SBC annual meeting next year in Orlando, Florida on June 9-10 (June 7-8 is the Pastor’s Conference, which is open to everyone), please let me know. Our church has the ability to bring a full contingent of messengers (10), so there is room for you! This year is a presidential election year for the SBC, as well, which is always exciting. You never know how God will use you in this capacity and how He might fan the flame of service in you. Just something to think about…
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