Why an Association of Churches?

Why Do We Associate?

Has Associational Vision Leaked?

Has the associational vision of early BMA leaders leaked? Is the declining attendance at associational gatherings evidence of an associational vision leak? . . . . Read More


Why An Association Of Baptist Churches?

The churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of America are also described as
“associational” Baptists — a group of like-minded Baptist churches who share the same
fundamental doctrinal beliefs and have voluntarily chosen to associate (work) together for the common objective of carrying out the commands of our Savior. . . . Read More

The Early Days of Forming An Association

There was a mutually shared conviction among those early visionaries of the BMA that was unalterable — churches alone (independent, autonomous assemblies) are commissioned by Jesus himself to be His earthly spiritual body and were sent by Him to do His work, just as His Father had sent him in an earthly body (I Cor. 15:48) to earth to do His work: . . . Read More


Selfish Reasons to Associate

If associational work is to return to the vibrancy, zealousness and virtue that was established in the days of William Carey and others at the cusp of the modern missionary era, my generation will need to catch the vision that led to establishing our work. Moreover, the generation that has come before us must break free of the chains of tradition and routine to be reminded of the simple origins of associational work. . . . Read More


Born In The BMA

In 1981, my father accepted the call to Vardaman Street Baptist Church in Wiggins, Miss. There we were part of another strong local association — the Ten Mile. In addition to the local association and youth meetings, I recall my parents participating monthly in an associational pastor and wives’ fellowship. These perpetual fellowships produced a strong bond between the pastors, resulting in a solid local mission effort, as well as colleagues with which to share burdens, ideas and life in general. . . . Read More


Revitalizing Our Association

The practice of associating together is biblical, practical and necessary. Why? First, a strong association will multiply the impact of the local church by member churches cooperating together. Second, a strong association will strengthen its member churches. Third, strong associations can support the ministries of the association.

For the local church, the local association is the first layer of cooperation . . . Read More

How Do We Associate?

Moving The Conversation Forward

The average BMA church cannot impact the entire world alone, but by working together with other churches, it can be an instrument of change in a dark world through the power of God. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – Overview

Our association of churches is stronger and more effective when every church actively participates in the associational work on every level. Your church should join and participate in local, state, and national associations. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of Arkansas (Baptist Trumpet)

The Baptist Trumpet (newspaper), one of the departments of the BMA of Arkansas, is designed to inspire and inform our readers. Each issue includes up-to-date news articles about matters that pertain to the religious community as a whole and inspirational articles and stories related to our churches. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of Arkansas (State Missions)

Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of Arkansas Missions is an extension of the ministry of the churches of the BMA of Arkansas. We partner with individuals, churches and associations, primarily of the BMA of Arkansas, to send out spirit-filled men to plant local churches wherever needed and fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of Arkansas (Central Baptist College)

   In November of 1951, what is now the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas, met in Warren to discuss starting a college for the youth of the association. They authorized the Christian Education Committee of the association to enter negotiations to buy 10 acres (formerly occupied by Central College for Women from 1892–1947) located in the heart of Conway, now one of the fastest growing cities in Arkansas. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of Arkansas (Student Ministry)

      The Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas Youth Department is the “little engine that could.” Since its inception in the 1980s, the department has invested in a variety of ministry efforts. The Liquid Lock-In and the Encounter Teen Bible Conference were among those youth-focused activities of the early days.. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (BMA Global)

With humble beginnings and a great focus on God’s mission, BMA Global began in 1950 through the efforts of the churches of the newly formed Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of America (North American Baptist Association at the time). Six North American church planters and two international missionaries were elected that first year.. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (Lifeword)

Lifeword is essentially a media missions ministry. We use all sorts of media — radio, television, the Internet, digital print — to share the message of Jesus with the world. We desire to help our BMA churches fulfill the Great Commission by using every media platform at our disposal to tell His story.. . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (Baptist Publishing House)

Baptist Publishing House (BPH) is the publications ministry of the BMA of America. BPH is responsible for writing and publishing Bible studies (i.e., Sunday School curriculum) and other literature for the churches of the BMA . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (BMA Seminary)

The purpose of the seminary is multi-faceted. It seeks to provide accredited theological education, equip individuals for Christ-centered service and leadership, meet the educational needs of BMA churches and ministries . . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (Daniel Springs Camp)

The purpose of the seminary is multi-faceted. It seeks to provide accredited theological education, equip individuals for Christ-centered service and leadership, meet the educational needs of BMA churches and ministries . . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (BMA Financial)     

      The agency’s mission is to assist BMA employees and churches in managing God’s money, God’s way, for God’s glory. BMA Financial, through its strategic partners, offers resources to aid both the pastor/staff and services to help the church at large. . . . . Read More

How Do We Associate – BMA of America (Moral Action)     

Moral Action Agency represents the Baptist Missionary Association of churches in outreach to Washington, D.C. and state capitol . . . . Read More