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The 21st century has brought many new challenges
and opportunities to local churches. There are a wide variety of
resource and relationship options available to congregations. Some
have suggested that we are moving into a "post-denominational era" when
denominations will no longer be relevant. The Baptist General
Convention of Missouri believes denominational relationships will continue
to be important for churches, but only when the convention or organization
understands that churches are God's primary agency for Kingdom work. Denominational organizations only exist to serve and facilitate the ministry
of local churches. Churches do not serve the denomination, rather the
convention is to serve and assist churches.
Our First Priority strategic plan has focused our attention on the need to serve churches. First Priority is all about churches. It is about acknowledging that the convention exists to serve churches and church leaders. It is about focusing on the needs of local congregations and seeking to minimize the convention’s bureaucracies and overhead. It is an effort to remember that conventions are merely the way churches cooperate to strengthen their ministries and do together what they would not be able to do alone.
If you are tired of denominational conflict or convention organizations that are focused on their own needs, we invite you to explore First Priority with us. Come learn about a new way to cooperate that is based upon historic Baptist principles. Explore with us how God might use our churches to reach our state for Christ.
The BGCM also believes each church should determine how and with whom they will cooperate for Kingdom work. Each congregation has the freedom to determine what national and international relationships they will form to enhance their ministry. The BGCM will never try to make these decisions for local churches. The BGCM is open to serving you and your church whether you are financially supporting our ministry or not. We believe God will provide the resources for our ministry if we are faithful in serving churches.
The BGCM recently became a member of the North American Baptist Fellowship and is currently in the application process for membership in the Baptist World Alliance. We have also approved partnership relationships with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and WorldConneX as well as a variety of other ministry organizations.
We are available to assist pastors and congregations as they examine the issues related to their denominational relationships. We want to offer support and assistance for disenfranchised churches and pastors. The BGCM will be seeking to facilitate peer groups and affinity networks for pastors and staff members across our state. Please call on us if you need assistance or have questions.
