Associational

Associationalism begins with the Scriptural duty of all Christians and all churches to pray for the good and prosperity of all other true churches. Then as Providence gives opportunity, we must be willing to offer the gifts and graces in our churches to promote the welfare of other churches. This Scriptural duty is faithfully summarized in the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith: “As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces…” [2LBC 26.14]. From this general and universal duty flows an obligation upon local churches to associate formally together as Providence gives them opportunity, “…so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification” [2LBC 26.14, emphasis added]. 

The churches of CBA believe that our Confession is precisely correct to assert two key things: First, we believe there is an “ought-ness”, a Scriptural duty, of churches to “hold communion together”, or to associate with one another, and secondly we believe that this association and communion between churches is to be formal and include the entire church. We do not believe that pastor’s fraternals or conferences alone satisfy this Scriptural and confessional duty. 

Accepting our Lord’s formal duty upon us to associate together, the member churches of CBA have purposed to formalize our Communion (or Association) together, to advance the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ by promoting and defending classic theism and historic Baptist doctrine, as articulated in the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith; to train men for the pastoral ministry; to plant churches in both the United States and other countries; to assist churches of the same doctrine to form associations; to assist member churches in their variety of needs; to fellowship with member churches and encourage one another; to promote peace and unity both among and within member churches; and, when appropriate, to cooperate and coordinate with other associations holding to the same doctrine.