Collaborative Strengthening
At the Northeast Florida Baptist Association (NEFBA), we are committed to forging a missionally vibrant movement by bringing together Baptist churches, as well as other evangelical congregations in Northeast Florida, in a unified endeavor. Our partnership model is designed to offer a structured pathway for churches to formally align with, or become integral members of, NEFBA's family of churches through three distinct levels of engagement: Connected Churches, Partner Churches, and Family Churches.
This framework allows a church to engage with our Family of Churches in a manner that best suits its doctrinal beliefs, missional ambitions, and desires for communal fellowship. From Connected Churches that occasionally participate in NEFBA opportunities, to Partner Churches that engage more deeply by bringing their unique giftedness to the table, and ultimately to Family Churches that embody the fullest expression of partnership and shared vision, our tiered approach facilitates a deeper, more meaningful collaboration among churches in our region. Our goal is to cultivate a robust, mission-driven community that actively works towards the spiritual upliftment and communal well-being of Northeast Florida.
Connected Churches
Churches or networks interested in engagement at various NEFBA events can join as Connected Churches. While these churches can participate, there is a cost for each church/individual in attendance. Connected Churches can send representatives to NEFBA events and gain access to resources, but do not have voting rights in the Association's business matters.
Partner Churches
A church that wishes to partner with NEFBA due to (a) doctrinal compatibility with Baptists, (b) a similar commitment to missional engagement, and (c) a desire for family fellowship with Baptist churches may submit a written request to the Mission Strategist to connect with the Association as a Partner Church. Each church will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the Associational Vision Team can accept churches into the partnership at any regular or special meeting.
Once a church becomes a Partner Church, individuals from that church are welcome to participate in, leverage the resources of, and serve on leadership communities (Equipping and Encouraging others through Associational processes) under the supervision and guidance of the Associational Vision Team at no additional cost. These churches are encouraged to attend Executive Leadership Team meetings and the Annual Conference of the Association but are not eligible to vote on business matters. Partner Churches will be reviewed annually by the Associational Vision Team and are expected to financially contribute once a quarter to the Northeast Florida Baptist Association.
Family Churches
Churches already serving as Partner Churches (with a one-year tenure) can submit a written request to the Mission Strategist to become a Family Church. The Associational Vision Team will then present this request to the Executive Leadership Team or the Association at the next Annual Session for approval.
A Baptist church desiring to become a Family Church within NEFBA should submit a written request to the Mission Strategist, providing evidence of (a) doctrinal consistency with Baptist teachings, (b) a constitution illustrating congregational engagement, (c) active missional engagement, and (d) a desire for family fellowship with other Baptist churches in Northeast Florida.
The Associational Vision Team will decide on a recommendation for membership and forward it to the Executive Leadership Team or the Association in the next Annual Session. A two-thirds affirmation from church representatives at an Executive Leadership Team meeting or from messengers at the Annual Session is required for approval.
Family Churches may nominate individuals to serve as voting members of both the Executive Leadership Team and the Associational Vision Team. They can also select messengers for the Annual Session, who may vote on business matters. Individuals from Family Churches are also welcome to participate in, leverage the resources of, and serve on leadership communities (Equipping and Encouraging others through Associational processes) at no additional cost.