8 Warning Signs for the Baptist Association

I was involved again last week in a meeting with church leaders to discuss their struggling association.  It’s always a difficult conversation because they’re hurting and want something more.  But they’ve typically gone a long time without assessing their current reality and making changes that would add value to the association’s purpose and mission. Associations don’t have to become irrelevant; they choose to do so.  I have seen, as many of you have, the benefit of associations that are effective and of value to member churches. And I long for more of them.

I don’t want this post to be discouraging, but I feel it is an important issue to address. If we don’t recognize warning signs and make course corrections, associations will grow increasingly ineffective and irrelevant to member churches. Be aware of these signs that your association might be in trouble:

1. No clear vision – people believe the association lacks a defined purpose and direction, leading to a sense of aimlessness and stagnation.
2. Declining participation – a church’s level of involvement in the association is directly connected to the church’s perceived value of the association. Perception is real, whether it’s true or not. 
3. Decreased giving – churches, like people, speak with their pocketbook. If churches don’t see value and strategic ministry happening through the association, they will invest dollars elsewhere.  
4. Difficulty enlisting leaders– if the association has trouble enlisting leaders, or current leaders are stepping away or aging out, you’re probably not going in the right direction. Something is keeping people from serving.
5. Focus on Self-Preservation – the association prioritizes its own needs and agenda, rather than strengthening and assisting local churches. The association exists for the church, not vice versa.
6. Nostalgic “talk” about the association – that’s what happens when an association talks more about what they used to do, rather than what they’re going to do.
7. Resistance to Feedback – association’s leaders are unwilling to hear constructive criticism or suggestions for improvement. Ignoring feedback leads to missed opportunities and failure.
8. Slow to change – association’s leaders have trouble doing things differently and taking action requires forever. Resistance to change will stifle creativity and effectiveness, making the association less relevant to member churches. 

Do you see any of these warning signs in your association? If so, what will you do to address them?