Interchurch Cooperation or “Associationalism”
The concluding paragraphs of 2LCF26 describe the Baptist practice of interchurch cooperation as a means of fostering peace, love, and mutual edification among congregations. The chapter firmly establishes that Christ alone is the supreme head of all churches; no external ecclesiastical authority—be it a pope, presbytery, synod, or any assembly of bishops—has the jurisdiction to dominate a local congregation.
Despite the emphasis of Baptist polity on local autonomy and self-governance, 2LCF26 advocates for interchurch communion among churches, particularly those within close geographical proximity. I believe that Baptist associationalism is crucial for two primary reasons: it safeguards against spiritual arrogance and spiritual depression.
Safeguard Against Spiritual Arrogance
Firstly, associationalism is a safeguard to spiritual arrogance. Churches that operate in isolation, often built around a cult of personality and the charisma of a central figure, will inevitably become self-focused, leading to church turf wars and factions, as evidenced by the Mars Hill Church fallout in 2015.
Instead of partnering, churches compete with one another for membership, attendance, and viewership by comparing preaching styles, worship music, children’s ministries, etc.
This petty competition and sectarian spirit has been present since the early church with members priding themselves on their affiliations with leaders and pastors preaching out of envy and selfish ambition (1 Corinthians 1:10-12; Philippians 1:15-18). Such an environment not only fosters spiritual pride but also detracts from the collective mission of advancing Christ’s kingdom. Associationalism counters this by fostering a culture of mutual support and prayer among churches, which in turn cultivates humility and reinforces the reality that we are all on team Jesus.
Though I’ve never lived in the South, I can imagine that this temptation to spiritual arrogance can be particularly pronounced in such an area with dense church populations.
Safeguard Against Spiritual Depression
Secondly, associationalism provides a safeguard against spiritual depression. In contexts where apostasy and secularism are rampant, isolated believers and congregations can easily succumb to despair, feeling as though they are the last faithful remnants in a godless society—a phenomenon R.C. Sproul refers to as “Elijah Syndrome” in his St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Sproul 369). In my experience, this sense of isolation often evolves into a persecution complex, which only exacerbates feelings of alienation and despair. And this happens despite the reality that God has kept many faithful followers for Himself and the Kingdom of God continues to grow.
I am convinced the spiritual tundra of New England, with its transient, liberal, apostate, and highly individualistic cities, makes it the perfect climate for catching Elijah Syndrome at an individual and church-level.
Personal Experience
On a more personal note, witnessing associationalism at work within Redeemer Fellowship Church has been a source of immense encouragement: hearing weekly prayers for other churches in our Sunday services, attending a Simeon Trust workshop, connecting with pastoral interns from other churches, etc.
I hope that this associationalism only continues to grow as more churches are planted and more souls are converted in the coming years. By genuinely seeking the good and prosperity of churches of Christ in exchanging counsel, meeting practical needs, and regularly praying for one another, I pray that the Lord fortifies the churches in New England against the dangers of spiritual arrogance and depression.
“Churches are not desert islands; they are part of an archipelago, planted by the providence of God to aid and assist each other.” - James M. Renihan, To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2
Works Cited
- Renihan, James. To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2. Founders Press, 2022. Print.