I have read a few blogs around and some other sources that are talking about the end of state conventions as viable Baptist entities. These bloggers may be right that the current shape of Baptist connectionalism will change, but I am not so quick to predict the end of state conventions. I think that they will change shape significantly, perhaps morphing into affinity groups rather than geographical entities, but Baptists have been connectional from the very beginning.

The first associations were formed for mutual help and connection. The associations enjoyed getting together for fellowship and discussion about issues that faced the churches. Just read the minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association and you'll see. That association is about to celebrate its 300th aniversary next year.

Baptists are connectional people because they have discovered that they can and should work together to "advance the Redeemer's kingdom" as the founding documents of the Southern Baptist Convention describe things. This connectionalism will remain because Baptists know that they accomplish so much more when they work together.

Baptist conventions and associations are worth keeping not just because we've always done it that way, but because they serve as useful tools to do God's work and connect together for fellowship and Christian love.