Connecting

NBA Pastors, Leaders and Churches,

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with leaders and congregants the past couple of weeks. It’s been great to worship with several of you, tour your buildings, and learn about your stories. I’m definitely encouraged by what God is doing in and through the churches here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

God is Moving
I’m hearing reports of people coming to faith in Christ and taking the next step of going public through Baptism. One of our normative-sized churches baptized thirteen on a recent Sunday.  Praise God for that! Children and students are coming to faith through summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools; the Kingdom is advancing.

Our Collaborative Work
As an association of churches here in Middle Tennessee, our mission is to advance the Kingdom of God through proclaiming the Gospel. I’m thankful that many of our churches are working together toward that end. I’m discovering new opportunities for partnerships to begin between churches. I would love to connect you and your church to the right opportunity - I’ll be reaching out, I also welcome you to contact me directly. 

This Summer Season
As July draws near most of us will have a few weeks where we can catch our breath, pause, and then ready ourselves for the coming season of ministry. I want to encourage our Pastors, Staff, and Lay Persons to prioritize rest, connection with God, and others in the community. We never take a break from gospel ministry but we can engage in it at a different pace. 

What We’re Working On
There is a lot of activity taking place behind the scenes on our team and in our office. We’re preparing for our annual meeting (date to be announced soon), sending out the Annual Church Profile packets, consulting churches considering their future, building out teams and strategies for the Fall, and streamlining and strengthening our efforts to serve you and your church.

Let’s Connect
I would love to schedule a time to come by and visit with you, hear about your church, and learn more about how the Association can serve your church as it seeks to advance the Kingdom through demonstrating and declaring the gospel. Look for a call or an email from me soon, I’d also welcome one from you.

For the Gospel,

Bob Bickford
Executive Director
bbickford@nashvillebaptists.com