Kingdom Over Turf: 7 Reasons Associations Matter in Baptist Life
Turf wars don’t build the Kingdom. The Kingdom is built when we lay our turf at the feet of Jesus and say,
“Your will be done.”
This is the heartbeat of Kingdom Over Turf—a mindset that values the mission of Christ above the name on the sign, the size of the church, or who gets the credit. It’s a choice to collaborate instead of compete, and to unify instead of isolate.
In Baptist life, where every church is autonomous and self-governing, local associations provide an opportunity to live out this Kingdom-first posture in real, practical ways. It’s not about control or conformity—it’s about connection, cooperation, and Gospel movement.
Here are seven reasons associations are essential to cultivating a Kingdom Over Turf culture:
1. Associations Remind Us That We Belong to Something Bigger
Your church may be local, but the Kingdom is global.
Associations give us a glimpse of that bigger picture—of churches working together for something greater than any single ministry.
We don’t compete with the church down the road.
We rejoice that the Gospel is going forth—even if it’s not through us.
2. Associations Help Us Reject Isolation
Pastoring can be lonely.
Church leadership can feel weighty.
Associations provide a relational network that reminds leaders: you are not alone.
In a Kingdom Over Turf culture, we don’t see other pastors as rivals. We see them as in the trenches with us.
3. Associations Foster Mutual Strengthening
What one church lacks, another may offer.
What one leader needs, another may carry.
When churches embrace a Kingdom mindset, they freely share wisdom, resources, and support—not to grow an empire, but to expand the Kingdom.
4. Associations Make Space for Shared Celebration
When one church grows, starts a new work, or reaches a new demographic, we all celebrate.
In Kingdom Over Turf living, there’s no room for jealousy, only joy.
Because the win isn’t about our crowd—it’s about His mission.
5. Associations Empower Mission Advancement
Associations aren’t just for fellowship.
They’re launchpads for church planting, revitalization, missions, leadership development, and pastoral care.
In Baptist life, associations serve as a flexible and relational hub where churches can join forces to accomplish more together than they could alone.
6. Associations Reflect the Spirit of Cooperative Baptists
Baptists have long valued voluntary cooperation—partnering without pressure, and uniting without losing our uniqueness.
Kingdom Over Turf doesn’t erase church identity. It elevates Gospel unity above individual branding.
Associations offer a tangible way to express that unity in action.
7. Associations Keep the Mission Central
At the end of the day, our logos, locations, and legacy won't last.
But His Kingdom stands forever.
That’s why we link arms.
That’s why we champion each other.
That’s why we live like the mission matters more than the map.
Because it does.
If your church longs to live out a Kingdom Over Turf posture—one that values mission over membership and collaboration over control—associations are a powerful place to begin.
We’re here to help churches flourish and leaders thrive, together.