I was just thinking about a statement made to me a few years ago when I was president of the BMA of Arkansas. I had asked a pastor why his church was no longer represented at the annual meeting. His reply took me by surprise. He replied, “Oh, we don’t need the association. We do so much on our own!” My response was, “Maybe not, but in fact the association needs your church and all the others as well.”
Facing Facts
The BMA of Arkansas is diminishing! The number continues to decrease from a group of nearly 450 churches to just over 300. Churches once ensured their congregations were represented at every annual meeting with three messengers and sometimes more visitors.
Yes, attendance in churches across the state has also diminished. Additionally, many churches now have bi-vocational pastors rather than full-time pastors. The bi-vocational pastor may be restricted from attending due to the responsibilities at his other work.
The Reason for the Association
As a state entity that cooperates with our national work, the Baptist Missionary Association of America, we must remain committed to the purpose outlined in our organization in 1951. That was to unite to support our state works. The BMA of Arkansas Missions, Central Baptist College, the Baptist Trumpet and Student Ministry Matters (our State Youth Department). Each of these not only needs support from the churches that compose the association, but they also deserve it.
Some of our larger churches may no longer need the association (some were, in fact, church plants from State Missions), but the association needs their prayers, financial support and, yes, their voices, as provided by their messengers at the annual sessions of the BMA of Arkansas.
A Personal Plea
Last month marked my 61st year in the ministry. I have attended the BMA of Arkansas sessions each of those years, apart from my time in military service. It breaks my heart to see an association that I love so much continue to diminish.
I understand that churches face financial strains from time to time, but I fear that more often than not, apathy is the culprit that causes the decline in churches sending messengers to the meeting each year.
Please, on Thursday, November 6, see to it that your church is represented. The meeting is only one day this year. Not every church will have to pay for lodging and extra meals. Remember, the association is not just about business. It is also about worship and fellowship. I personally love seeing friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, fellowshipping with those whom I first met 61 years ago.
The vast majority of the BMA of Arkansas churches cannot plant churches on their own, keep the Baptist Trumpet published, provide students with scholarships to CBC or support the conferences provided by Student Ministry Matters. But together, we can uniteand get things done for the cause of Christ.
BMA church and pastor, the BMA of Arkansas needs you! Right now, will you begin to pray for the meeting on Nov. 6? Will you pray for State Missions Executive Director Paul White and our state missionaries — Ruben Isturiz, Bryan Clay, Jake McCandless, Johnny Shew, Robert Marcelletti and Michael Hight? Will you pray for the Baptist Trumpet and Executive Editor Jeff Herring? Will you pray for Central Baptist College, President Dr. Jeremy Langley, and the administration and faculty? Will you pray for Student Ministry Matters Director Dan Carson? These are those who serve the churches of the BMA of Arkansas.
I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, Nov. 6, on the campus of Central Baptist College in Conway. The Association needs all of us!
