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About CPBAWhat is the Clay-Platte Baptist Association?Many people often ask this question. The simplest definition of a Baptist association is: a self-governing fellowship of churches on mission. The 49 churches in our association are free and autonomous. They choose to unite in a partnership. While our churches are diverse, they share a common theology. Thus, they are in fellowship. They are a family of churches – supporting, encouraging and caring for one another. They also share a common commitment to carry forth Christ’s on-mission mandate set forth in Acts 1:8 – being witnesses of Christ in their Jerusalem, as well as to the uttermost part of the earth.
So what can the Clay-Platte Baptist Association do for you and your church? CPBA strengthens churches for vital ministry in these areas …
Opportunities for missions, ministry, growth and evangelism: Nicaragua disaster recovery mission, associational youth mission trips, summer camps for children and youth.
Fellowship among churches and leaders: regular fellowships for ministers, secretaries/ministry assistants, and retired ministers; men’s wild game dinner; WMU prayer brunch and banquet; youth outreach events.
Leadership training and resources: resource library, Metro Area Leadership Training via CityFocus, WMU leadership training.
Communication for denominational and community ministries: NorthLines newsletter, www.clayplatteba.org web site, FYI (for pastors), WMU News & Information, PrayerNet (weekly association prayer requests via e-mail), Leadership Team meetings, annual meetings.
Resources for churches and ministers seeking church staff positions to be filled: resume file, resource for supply and interim staff.
Accountability partner in church life and practice: teamwork structure in place to strengthen churches for vital ministry.
Our MissionTo assist and network cooperating churches to fulfill the Great Commission. Our VisionWe envision the Clay-Platte Baptist Association equipping church leaders to guide their congregations to be clear about their purpose and sensitive to their settings in order to reach and disciple persons beginning in their community. Our Values1. We value the autonomy and diversity of the local church. Sunday School Attendance and Baptisms by Number of Churches
Sunday School Total # % of Churches Total 1 - 50 17 36% 38 51 - 100 12 26% 77 101 - 200 12 26% 117 201 - 300 3 6% 53 301 - 500 3 4% 52 501 - 2000 1 2% 206 Total 48 100% 543 Tenure of Senior Pastors
These charts show interesting information about the churches that are members of this association. Some of these churches are growing in number while others have either plateaued or are declining. Over half of the churches have called a new pastor in the last five years. The remaining pastors have served in their churches from 6 to 32 years. The age of the churches range from 2 to159 years. Three churches are presently without a pastor. Of the 45 senior pastors, 28 of them are considered full time while the other 17 are bi-professional. Another aspect about these 48 churches is that they are related to several entities for membership and service. Most of the churches are members of the Missouri Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. There are a few churches that are related to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. There are some churches that relate to all three organizations. There are some churches that are also members of the Willow Creek Association. Church relationships have changed over the years. In this association it is no longer the case that churches belong to the same Baptist entity as they once did. These unique characteristics about our churches have not prevented us from maintaining cooperative relationships with our mission work here in the Clay Platte Association. We hope this kind of synergy can continue to exist in order to provide a united ministry in Clay and Platte counties.
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