Tallapoosa Baptist Association made history at its annual meeting Oct. 5.
The association invited a Hispanic church and a black church into its membership for the first time, following a unanimous vote.
But it is about more than setting a precedent; it is about maximizing Kingdom opportunities in Tallapoosa County, according to Director of Missions Barry Cosper.
“I feel this will be a great blessing to the county and will build bridges to greater missions opportunities,” Cosper said.
Restoration Ministries, Alexander City, is a Hispanic church that was begun by Sixth Street Baptist Church, Alexander City, and Tallapoosa Association more than four years ago.
After three years of partnership with the association, the church, following the leadership of Pastor Adolfo Espinal, decided it wanted to join.
For New Life Baptist Church, Alexander City, it was a two-year process involving discussion and prayer.
“When the Spirit says, ‘Move,’ I move,” Pastor Ceborn Riggins said. “That’s why we are here, because the Spirit said to move.”
Riggins took the initiative to become a part of Tallapoosa Association after he recognized the need to join an organization that would give leadership and support to New Life Baptist as it looked toward building a new facility and fostering church growth.
“We are hoping that this will become a part of blacks and whites (working) together in the mission of God instead of just always apart,” Riggins said.
Cosper agreed and said he hopes more churches of other races will join the association in the coming years.
For now, Tallapoosa Association will focus on helping New Life and Restoration in the areas that make Southern Baptists who they are — missions and evangelism.
In addition, the association will help the two churches with discipleship, Sunday School growth and church health, Cosper explained.
“Our goal is to help them become what God wants them to be,” he said.
“It was a joy to see both of their hearts and them wanting to be a part of Southern Baptist work.” (TAB)
Share with others: