"CHURCHES WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE CAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST"
An association is a group of Southern Baptist Churches who voluntarily cooperate together to do, by combined action, what no church could do by itself. The association has been described as "Churches On Mission Together." It is a group of churches working together to serve the Lord, knit together geographically and doctrinally. There are currently 49 associations in Florida and approximately 1200 associations in the United States.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION?
The purpose of the association is missionary, educational and benevolent. The association gives a framework for members of the various churches to have fellowship, to train, to work together in sharing the Kingdom of God in Holmes County, in Florida, in North America and throughout the world! The plan of an association is based upon God's command in Acts 1:8, "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, to the end of the earth.
WHERE IS THE ASSOCIATION?
The association is widespread, wherever the church members are each day, because the association is people. The association is also churches. Currently the Holmes Baptist Association (HBA) has 29 churches comprising its membership.
WHO RUNS THE ASSOCIATION?
The association is governed by the Executive Committee, made up of all the pastors and one elected representative of each congregation. The Holmes Baptist Association meets twice a year for Executive Meetings. The HBA also hosts a Semi-Annual and Annual meeting. Each church elects a designated number of messengers to serve as their representatives at these two meetings. The Associational Missions Strategist works with the Association's Administrative Assistant to carry on the day to day work of the association.
WHO PAYS FOR THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION?
Funding is provided by volunteer contributions from the participating churches. Most give a percentage of the total offerings received by their church each month.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE ASSOCIATION?
-- By prayer and concern for the ministry of the association. -- By giving regularly to your church budget. -- By encouraging your church to give liberally to the work of the association. -- By volunteering to work in one or more of the ministries of the association.
WHAT CAN THE ASSOCIATION DO FOR ME AND MY CHURCH?
* It assists individuals and churches through services and programs seeking to increase an awareness of and participation in local, state and worldwide missions. * It provides, through partnership with our convention offices, training opportunities in all areas of church life.
WHAT CAN THE DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS DO FOR ME?
HE LEADS...in the work of the association much like the pastor leads the local church. HE MINISTERS...to and with the pastors of the association. HE TEACHES...whenever asked by a church or organization within the church. HE PREACHES...in the churches whenever asked, in a variety of ways, missions, revivals, pulpit supply, etc. HE SERVES...the Lord as he serves the churches of the Holmes Baptist Association. He seeks to serve you and your church.