In 26:14 of the Baptist Confession of 1689 it is stated,
“As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further it (every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces) so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification”
In God’s kind providence, the number of Baptist Churches in Georgia that are subscribing to the Baptist Confession of 1689 is increasing. This increase of confessional churches affords the opportunity and duty to form an Association of Confessional Baptist Churches in Georgia.
The Nature of the Association
1. This Association consists of Baptist Churches in Georgia that have adopted and subscribe to the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith and are committed to promoting the interests of the member churches and to advance the common causes found among them.
2. While seeking to promote the interdependence of churches, this Association recognizes and respects the independence of each member church.
3. The precedent of churches associating in this way is found in apostolic practice (Acts 15; 2 Corinthians 8:18-24; Galatians 1:2, 22; Colossians 4:13-18) and numerous historical examples of Baptists (the 1689-92 General Assemblies in England and the 1707 Philadelphia Association and 1767 Charleston Confession in the United States). It is also warranted by Christ’s prayer for visible unity (John 17:20-23), the confessional position of our Baptist forefathers (1689 Confession, chapter 26, para 14, 15), and Christian prudence and wisdom.
The purpose of this Association is to,
1. Advance Christ’s kingdom by providing a fellowship in which churches of common confession may find mutual encouragement, assistance, edification, and counsel, and may participate in cooperative efforts, home missions (such as planting and establishing confessional Baptist
churches), foreign missions, ministerial training and publications all of which are often beyond the scope of one local church.
2. Provide a forum of fellowship and helps for men and churches who are learning about Confessional Calvinism.
3. Record the history of Confessional Baptist Churches in Georgia, in order to commend a faithful heritage.
4. Forward other such efforts as the Association may also deem appropriate.