Are Networks the Same Thing as Associations?
A perspective for local denominational organizations/judicatories on how they best empower their churches to serve from the base of their local context.
Rundown: Articles on Baptist associations are often applicable to the local denominational organizations/judicatories of various denominations. They may be called associations, districts, classis, synods, and by other names. They are typically organisms more than organizations. Relational more than functional. Regional and national expressions of denominations are more organizational and functional.
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Are Networks the Same Thing as Associations?
"The approach of an “all-in” family of congregations is ideally represented by a Baptist association and helps keep the Kingdom synergy intact." —George Bullard
A denominational, interdenominational or community-based network is profoundly different from a Baptist association. Associations can have numerous networks within them in which congregations are on mission for various causes.
Congregations, pastors, staff and lay leaders also can relate to numerous networks outside their association. These should always be secondary relationships. Congregations should remain with their Baptist association as their primary denominational membership.
However, some associations now use the word “network” in the title of their association, which further complicates the situation. Using the word “network” in the title confuses form and function. It also decreases the value of an association as the primary relationship for congregations.
Examples
The first formal network I heard of was 55 years ago. It involved four congregations that were members of the association, four congregations disfellowshipped by the association and four African American congregations affiliated with a national convention.
This new network became a competitive network to the local association. It divided loyalties within the congregations. It lowered church leaders’ participation in the association. It divided funding from the congregations between what they contributed to the association and to the new network.
(Continue reading HERE.)
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