Association: Local Independent Baptist Churches in Fellowship and Mission

by Ryan King, Andrew King

The New Testament is filled with imagery illustrating the co-operative efforts of Christian individuals within their local working together as many members we are a building, body, and Bride. Each of these images depict relationships of partnership, co-operation, and a sense of mutual responsibility. But what about relationships between churches? Should a church associate with other like-minded local churches? The answer, scripturally, must surely be yes. But the question of whether we can affirm the autonomous independency of the local church and participate in formally organised Associations of churches has proven more controversial for some. Association makes the case that one follows naturally from the other. Itself a work of association, this book assembles a team of scholars and pastors to make the case through scriptural exegesis, historical anecdote, and contemporary application that more can be done together, as local churches associate for fellowship and mission. With contributions by James M. Renihan, Robert Strivens, Greg Tarr, Paul Smith, Nigel Hoad, Barry King, Leonardo De Chirico, Jaime D. Caballero, and John Benton.

220 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2021

About the author

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Reviews

[Jonathan Ginn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful read dealing with a subject that's noticeably absent from the literature and discussions found in most 9Marks circles (the person who gave me this book jokingly quipped that Association is Dever's "missing tenth mark"). Certain chapters may be more tightly written and argued than others, but despite some minor unevenness and an admittedly niche focus on UK churches (with one chapter devoted to some developments in Italy and Peru), the work as a whole makes a fairly convincing case for local church associations and gives 9Marks-influenced American readers such as myself some great food for thought.

Lastly, one unintended benefit of reading this book is that I have been inspired to explore more of the writings of British evangelicals. There are many in the game right now whom I've never heard of, and they're doing good work and putting out quality projects worth looking into.