Our Partnerships
Island Pond Baptist Church is an autonomous local church. That means our church is governed by our own congregation, under the lordship of Christ, according to Scripture. No outside convention, association, or denominational office controls our church, owns our property, appoints our leaders, or directs our ministry.
At the same time, we believe local churches can do more together than we can do alone. For that reason, we gladly cooperate with other Baptist churches for the sake of the gospel, missions, church planting, theological education, ministry encouragement, and strengthening local churches.
Why We Partner With Other Churches
Our associations are voluntary partnerships. They do not replace the authority of the local church. Instead, they help us work with other like-minded churches to support missionaries, plant churches, train pastors and ministry leaders, encourage one another, and advance the gospel both locally and around the world.
Our Current Associations
Southern Baptist Convention
Island Pond Baptist Church voluntarily cooperates with the Southern Baptist Convention, a network of Baptist churches that work together for missions, theological education, church planting, disaster relief, and gospel ministry around the world.
Baptist Churches of New England
We also partner with the Baptist Churches of New England, a regional network of Baptist churches seeking to strengthen churches, encourage pastors, plant churches, and advance the gospel throughout New England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Island Pond Baptist Church controlled by the Southern Baptist Convention?
No. Island Pond Baptist Church is an autonomous local church. We choose to cooperate with the Southern Baptist Convention, but the SBC does not govern our church or control our ministry.
Why does Island Pond associate with other churches?
We partner with other churches because the mission of making disciples is bigger than any one congregation. Through cooperation, churches can support missionaries, plant churches, train leaders, and strengthen gospel ministry in places we could not reach alone.
What is the Baptist Churches of New England?
The Baptist Churches of New England is a regional network of Baptist churches working together to strengthen churches, encourage pastors, plant churches, and advance the gospel throughout New England.
What is the Southern Baptist Convention?
The Southern Baptist Convention is a network of Baptist churches that cooperate together for missions, theological education, church planting, and gospel ministry around the world.
Learn More
You can learn more about our ministry partners by visiting their websites below.