Celebrating 125 Years of Partnership and Gospel Advance
This year, we gathered with more than 160 ministry leaders for the 125th Annual Meeting of the Nashville Baptist Association — a powerful night filled with encouragement, laughter, inspiration, and hope. It was more than a meeting; it was a celebration of partnership — a testimony that we are truly better together.
From the moment we began, there was a sense of gratitude and joy in the room. We reflected on our history — twelve courageous churches in 1899 who believed they could do more for the Gospel together than alone. That same conviction still drives us today.
Dr. Thomas West from First Baptist Church Nashville delivered an incredible message on the power of working together. He reminded us that the mission before us — reaching our growing city with the Gospel — is too great for any one church. But when we stand side by side, God multiplies our impact.
We celebrated churches renewing and replanting, pastors shepherding in seasons of transition, and congregations partnering together to reach their neighborhoods and the nations. Every story told and every leader present echoed the same truth:
Every church matters. Every church is needed. Every single church plays a part.
As your Association, we exist to serve churches — helping plant healthy new congregations, renew existing ones, encourage ministry leaders, and engage every community in Middle Tennessee with the Gospel. The task is big, but our God is bigger. And when we link arms, the impossible becomes possible.
Looking ahead, the future is bright. Nashville’s growth brings new challenges and greater opportunity for Gospel witness. Let’s keep pressing forward — planting, renewing, encouraging, and engaging together — for the glory of God and the good of every community.
“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you… because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” — Philippians 1:3-5
Here’s to 125 years of faithful partnership — and to the work still ahead.
Together, we will continue advancing the Gospel across Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and to the nations.
