A Cooperative People (Denominational)
Southern Baptists fiercely hold to the autonomy of every one of their churches. Historically, the denomination was created by the churches and not the churches by the denomination. Ecclesiastically, therefore, the churches, collectively, are superior to the boards and institutions they created. It might be thought that a denominational program created by the vote and support of independent churches would be weak, but that has not been true of Southern Baptists. The churches have wanted their denomination to (Read more) give strong leadership in fields of ministry that go beyond the capacity of individual churches. Churches are free to give whatever financial support they choose to the denomination and that fact has encouraged the denominational agencies and personnel to serve in ways that the supporting churches would most favor. That factor has unquestionably worked to keep both the convention agencies and the churches on parallel tracts following shared values. The funds given and spent are called “Cooperative Program funds” and this term is a good reflection of the spirit in which the funds are both given and received.
The Southern Baptist Convention unites Southern Baptists on a national scale. Likewise, states or neighboring states form their own convention programs, bringing together Baptist resources for united efforts on that level. Most of the ministries of state conventions are done within the boundaries of the same state although it is common for state conventions to form temporary partnerships with others, including Baptist conventions or associations in other nations. The ministry of state conventions has a greater involvement of member churches than does the national convention, due to the closer proximity and acquaintance of the churches and the conventions. Normally, Cooperative fund giving of the churches goes to the state conventions and those conventions, by vote of their members, determine what percentage of the gifts are to be passed on to the national convention.
The most basic unit of Baptist denominational life is the Baptist association. Most frequently, the associations develop their activities within just one county. This permits a high degree of fellowship and direct participation by the member churches. Like Baptists anywhere, they are free to determine the scope and size of the organization. Many associations support only one person for ministry, called the “associational missionary” or the “director of missions.” The work of that leader is realized in large part by volunteers provided by the member churches. Increasingly, Baptist associations call themselves “networks,” indicating the spontaneity with which the local participants labor together for their common causes. Associations in large metropolitan areas often function in ways similar to small state conventions.
