Joining the JBA

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Contact the JBA by email or telephone at 919-965-9450 for additional information about membership.

JBA is a voluntary, missional association of churches valuing diversity and practicing basic Baptist beliefs, cooperating together to pursue a common vision of the transformation of our world, and generally located in Johnston County.  The association is defined primarily by vision rather than geography. Churches in five neighboring counties are affiliated with the JBA. Contact us today for additional information about membership.

What is the first step to apply for membership in the JBA?

• Complete the Membership Application and submit to the JBA;
  
• Once received, your application will be reviewed by our Admissions Committee and you will be contacted by a member of that committee.
  

What are the requirements for membership in the JBA?

• Constitution as a church;
• Affirmation that the church has embraced, and is practicing, beliefs consistent with one of the Baptist Faith and Messages (review BFM versions here);
• Commitment to the pursuit of the vision of the JBA;
• Commitment to the support of the Association through regular financial offerings;
• Completion of a 12-month 'watchcare' or 'sponsored new church' status prior to confirmation as full members

How does the congregation affirm our commitment to these requirements?

• The pastor and a leader of the congregation will meet with the JBA Church Admissions Committee and receive a written covenant to be affirmed and signed by the agreement of the congregation.  (Download pdf copy of the JBA Membership Covenant)

Do we have to have "Baptist in our name?

• No.  Many of our newest members as well as some of our oldest congregations have elected not to have "Baptist" in the name of the congregation, believing that this positions them more effectively to reach unchurched individuals.  Member congregations of the JBA are Baptist in faith and practice - not by virtue of name.

Are we required to affiliate with other Baptist agencies and conventions?

• No.  Affiliation at both state and national levels may be beneficial and are encouraged for the purpose of cooperative missions endeavors; however, it is not required for membership in the JBA.

Is unique affiliation with the JBA required?

• No.  JBA affirms the autonomy of the local church; no attempt is made to limit, identify, or control the number or diversity of organizational affiliations or networks that the church might elect to pursue.

Does the JBA exercise any governance over my church?

• No.  Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church with no external governance accepted or imposed except by the members of that local congregation and its recognition of Christ as the Head of the Church.
• The Association when convened retains the right to accept, reject, or discontinue fellowship with a congregation; however, neither the associational staff nor the Association itself can exercise any authority over the staff, properties, theology, or decisions of the local congregations.

What are "messengers" and how does my congregation appoint them?

• Messengers are the representatives from qualified cooperating churches, elected or appointed by their congregations to represent the congregation in the Quarterly Associational Meetings where business related to the Association is conducted.
• Each qualified cooperating church may elect/appoint four messengers for the first one hundred members and one additional messenger for each additional one hundred members. No church shall have more than ten messengers.

Who is eligible to send messengers to the Quarterly Associational Meetings?

• Constituted member congregations are identified as "qualified, cooperating congregations" and may elect/appoint messengers if the following criteria have been met:
  • The congregation has contributed financially to the Association within the past 12 months; and
  • The congregation has turned in a statistical report (ACP) within the past 12 months indicating the number of individuals attending worship.

May I attend JBA events even though my congregation is not a member of the JBA?

• Absolutely.  Individuals of any denomination, any faith, or with no congregational attachment at all are welcome to participate in any of the many  events of the JBA for personal edification and training.

As an individual, I have found value in the JBA.  How can I contribute financially?

• You may make checks payable to Johnston Baptist Association and mail to PO Box 356, Selma, NC 27576.  Individuals who contribute to the JBA, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, will receive a Statement of Charitable Giving for tax purposes.
• Donations may also be made online as a one-time donation or by setting up regular monthly donations. Donate Here.