The Florida Baptist Association is the oldest association of Southern Baptist churches in the state of Florida. Established in 1843 with just eight churches, it has grown to represent more than 50 churches in the four-county region of Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson and Franklin. Each of these member churches brings their own unique culture, personality and vision. At the beginning of the 20th century, missions were largely funded by individual churches that donated funds directly to those causes. However, with the understanding that associations are part of the CP system, churches must now support them directly. Recently, Daytona Beach Central Baptist Church was removed from the Halifax Baptist Association due to “doctrinal differences”.
During the church year 1984-1985, Springhill had 165 baptisms, making it one of the 25 best evangelistic churches in Florida. The Florida Baptist Association offers educational scholarships to individuals who hold a church-designated staff position in a collaborating church of the association. Applicants must hold a ministerial-level position and be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program at a Southern Baptist college or seminary to earn a university degree. During this period, 450 people were saved in local churches; more than 400 or more were saved in the Philippines and 230 in Haiti, who came to know Jesus Christ. The meeting was convened to clarify and affirm the steps that had been taken at the association's annual meeting in October. The local church is the origin of the New Testament and God has used it in every generation as the strength and flame of the community in which it meets. Central, which advertises itself as “Baptist churches” in the BellSouth Yellow Pages, mentions its congregation as a “member of the Cooperative Baptist Community” in the same ad. The relationship between baptist associations and individual churches in Valrico, Florida is one of collaboration and support.
The Florida Baptist Association provides educational scholarships to individuals who hold a church-designated staff position in a collaborating church. Additionally, individual churches are responsible for funding missions such as sending missionaries abroad and Baptist education. The association works with local churches to ensure that they have access to resources that will help them grow and thrive. This includes providing educational scholarships for those who hold ministerial positions within collaborating churches. The association also helps fund missions such as sending missionaries abroad and providing Baptist education. The relationship between baptist associations and individual churches is one that is mutually beneficial.
The association provides resources for local churches while individual churches provide financial support for missions. This collaboration helps ensure that both parties are able to reach their goals and continue to serve their communities.
