Si conoces algo de la UBA, probablemente has oído decir: "La UBA es la asociación más grande en toda la Convención Bautista del Sur". Usualmente, cuando me presentan a una persona o en algún evento, esa declaración es la que acompaña mi nombre, como si fuera una extensión halagadora de mi título. No hay nada malo en ser grande. Pero cuando ocurrió el huracán Harvey en el 2017, nuestra incapacidad para comunicarnos con muchas de las 550 iglesias en nuestra lista planteó esta pregunta: ¿quiénes son realmente las iglesias de la UBA?

You probably have heard it said, “UBA is the largest association in SBC life.” Virtually every time I’m introduced, that statement accompanies my name like it’s a flattering extension of my title. There’s nothing wrong with being big. But when Hurricane Harvey happened in 2017, our inability to reach several of the 550 churches on our roll begged the question: who are the churches of UBA really?

The apostle Paul believed that diversity is a key to effectiveness in the body of Christ. In I Corinthians 12, he makes clear that diversity is not only essential to the body of Christ, it is by the direct design of the Holy Spirit. This type of diversity is also essential to the effective working of a team. The various team roles as identified in R. Meredith Belbin’s works are helpful to understanding how diversity can be both strengthening and frustrating in the team setting.

Staring at the choices on the grocery store shelf is socially acceptable for a minute or two, but when it becomes paralyzing, it becomes super awkward. I know it may seem odd to be stumped by choice, but when you’ve just returned from a country where choice was limited, abundance can be overwhelming. It’s only one of the signs of reverse culture shock global workers experience when they re-enter life in the United States. I’ve come to learn that my own adjustments are shared by many who live through the returned life.

I spend most of my workday talking to pastors. It's a great job, and one of the perks is getting to hear which concerns are common to most pastors regardless of their life stage or church size. One concern seems to rise above them all: reaching new people. Regardless of which ministry philosophies a pastor follows, they'll look across the table and ask the question: what can we do to reach more people? In response to this question, I've learned to ask one in return: what are you doing with the people you've already got?

When we walked into the gym at the Wynne Unit, the thirty inmates stood up, applauded, and cheered. They were showing their appreciation to volunteers who had given up a Saturday so they could spend five hours interacting with their children in a world of play. Day With Dads is a program in Texas prisons that allows inmates to interact with their children under seventeen in a casual setting. These activities are taken for granted by most families, but these days create precious memories for families with an incarcerated father.

Pray with us through our advent prayer guide as we wait expectantly for the coming of Jesus.

I am so excited to announce that the long search to fill the position of Associate Director / Chief of Staff is finally complete. Now, a vote from the messengers of the Association is the final step before the hire can commence. Regardless of whether your church is Qualified and Cooperating (the Active status church which may seat messengers), I invite you to attend a Special Called Business Meeting on Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 am at the UBA offices to meet the candidate, Kevin Abbott. 

Happy Thanksgiving from UBA! When we survey the many ways God is on the move in our association, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Consider whether you agree with the following two statements: “Churches need to innovate in order to reach their God-given potential.” “Conflict in a church is a sign that we’re doing something wrong.” Many church and ministry leaders would affirm both of these statements. Even if they don’t verbally agree, their behavior indicates they do. They will talk about starting new programs in order to be more effective. And they will be surprised and disappointed when they encounter resistance or conflict.