Associations Between Churches: Why They Should Exist and What They Should Do

Baptists and other Christians who hold to a congregational model of church government believe that the New Testament does not allow for any ecclesiastical authority outside the local church. Each congregation is under the direct headship of Christ. However, if churches and members are bound "to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ in all places" (2LBCF 26.14), then each congregation should also act in ways (within biblical limitations) to assist in the good and prosperity of other congregations.

From the New Testament, we see the following kinds of legitimate cooperative church help that formal associations facilitate:

• Giving advice in difficult questions of doctrine or practice, going beyond the training or experience of an individual congregation (Acts 15)

• Helping with financial needs, for which an individual congregation is unable to provide (2 Corinthians 8)

• Sending missionaries (Romans 15)

• Helping to supply/appoint leadership for congregations in need (Acts 11)

• Holding fellow congregations accountable (Revelation 2-3)