Birmingham and Bessemer Baptist associations are being dissolved to form a new association representing the nearly 175 churches from both groups. The new Birmingham Metro Baptist Association will be official Jan. 1, 2021.
The decision comes after a two-year partnership and trial effort with each association voting in separate Zoom meetings held Oct. 26. Both votes were unanimous with a total of close to 100 between the two groups.
Bessemer Association moderator Morris Johnson said, “We now have one association moving across Birmingham. Amen. To the glory of God.”
Since early 2019, Birmingham Baptist Association has been DBA (doing business as) BMBA, anticipating the possibility of having a wider area of ministry. The name now becomes official for the newly formed association. Articles of incorporation and bylaws for the new association also were adopted Oct. 26.
For the past two years, Birmingham Association — led by Chris Crain, executive director — and Bessemer Association — led by Barry Cosper, associational mission strategist — had been working side by side under the same roof to save resources and address any questions and concerns churches in either association might have about the potential to join together.
Cosper also had an office at The Baptist Church at McAdory in the Bessemer area during the trial period, but all staffing and offices for the new association will now shift officially to the BMBA building on Montclair Road. Cosper’s new title will be Bessemer regional director, and he will serve as executive leadership alongside Crain, who remains BMBA executive director, and Michael Ethridge, director of operations.
Crain expressed appreciation to all involved in the effort. “Dr. Cosper helped me understand how this has been on many hearts for a long time. … I’m grateful to have his humble leadership,” Crain said. “I’m looking forward to what God is going to do.”
Bill McCall, immediate past moderator for Bessemer Association, said the two associations are coming together with “passion for the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Without fail, every single person on the leadership team (evaluating the potential of joining together) said to join hearts so that we could more effectively shine our light for the gospel,” he said.
Cosper called it a “very special day,” adding, “Let it be said that we gave God our best.”
During the meeting, Grace Church, Bessemer — whose pastor is Mickey Bell — was also voted into membership of Bessemer Association, and ultimately BMBA.
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