As we step into a new year of ministry, one truth stands out clearly across the pages of Scripture and throughout the history of our association: God advances His mission through ordinary believers and cooperating churches who choose to walk together in obedience to Him. That conviction is at the heart of the Baptist Missionary Association, and it continues to shape the work we do today.
This year, our Coordinating Council has introduced a renewed expression of that shared calling: “Together, Planting Disciple-Making Churches Around the World.” It’s more than a tagline — it’s a reminder of why we exist as an association and why each of our departments labors so faithfully. Whether through theological training, global missions, Christian higher education, media outreach, financial stewardship or camp ministry, every part of our shared work aims at the same Great Commission goal: making disciples who make disciples, in Arkansas and to the ends of the earth.
As we enter 2026, there is a renewed sense of expectancy across our association. God is opening doors of opportunity, strengthening churches, and calling us to deeper faithfulness. The goals and prayer requests you’ll read in this issue and in the weeks ahead offer a hopeful glimpse into what lies before us — new initiatives, ongoing challenges, and God-sized opportunities entrusted to faithful leaders who love the local church and long to see the gospel advance.
In the coming weeks, you’ll hear from ministry leaders serving on the front lines of evangelism, theological education, Christian higher education, media outreach, and church support. Some will share about growth and expanding opportunities. Others will speak candidly about challenges that require prayer, wisdom, and perseverance. All of them share a common desire — to see the gospel proclaimed faithfully and disciple-making churches strengthened and multiplied through the work God has entrusted to them.
Because our churches are autonomous, every BMA ministry depends directly on the faithful support of congregations and individuals who believe in the mission God has given them. There is no centralized funding pool; each department carries out its work through the generosity and partnership of our churches. Some ministries naturally receive more visibility because of the scope or public-facing nature of their work, while others serve more quietly behind the scenes — training pastors, strengthening churches, stewarding resources, and extending gospel reach in ways that are equally essential. As you read the articles ahead, I hope you’ll be encouraged by the breadth of ministry God is using across our association and prayerfully consider how you or your church might come alongside each of them in the year ahead.
More than anything, these leaders are asking our churches to pray — not out of habit, but out of dependence on the Lord who alone gives growth, direction, and lasting fruit. Prayer has always been the foundation of faithful ministry, and it remains central to everything we do as an association.
Our hope in sharing this series is simple:
• To inform our readers about how each ministry is pursuing the mission God has set before them,
• To inspire deeper participation, understanding, and gratitude for the work being done, and
• To involve our churches more intentionally in praying for and supporting these vital efforts.
As you read each contribution, I encourage you to listen not only for goals and needs, but for the heart behind the ministry and the shared mission that binds us together. These articles are an invitation to pray more intentionally, to partner more thoughtfully, and to walk more closely together in the work God has called us to do.
These articles remind us that none of our ministries serve in isolation. Each one plays a unique role, but every role serves the same mission. May the Lord use our combined efforts in 2026 to strengthen churches, expand gospel reach, and make disciples who make disciples… together.
