OK, I don’t have long to post right now; I am getting ready to head out the door and attend the weekly meeting/ luncheon of the Elkhorn Baptist Association. EBA is the oldest association in the state of Kentucky and I believe (but could be wrong) the oldest west of the Alleghenies. Anyway, I enjoy the fellowship and work of our association here in Lexington. I believe it is done right by our DOM Don Reed and his staff. We have various ministries to the people of greater-Lexington and our association sees itself as a resource for the churches, not vice-versa.
My question, which is specifically directed at “younger” guys but open for all, is this: What do you think about local associations in Southern Baptist life? Why aren’t more “younger” guys interested in being a part of the fraternal fellowship provided at the associational level? Why are the meetings increasingly attended by the older generation but skipped over by younger guys? Are we really arrogant enough to believe that we don’t need any fellowship, encouragement, or accountability outside of our local places of service? What is the usefulness of the association for you? How would you like to see them improve?
I am not necessarily offering answers to these questions, but merely asking them because I really believe that in my lifetime, we are going to see either a radical restructuring of associational life or the death of them as institutions. I say that not as a critic, but as one who participates and supports associational life when it is done well.
What are your thoughts?
