JOIN THE GBA
Why Join the GBA?
The Grayson Baptist Association exists to support, strengthen, and serve local churches across our region and we’d love to partner with yours. Joining the GBA means more than being on a list it means becoming part of a Kingdom network committed to mutual encouragement, cooperation, and Gospel impact.
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GBA FAQ'S
Question's About Membership?
Oh.... Well do you even know how to Potluck? Just jokes, we are happy to let you know that you do not have to be a Southern Baptist Church to partner with the Grayson Baptist Association. If you are a like-minded, Gospel-preaching church whose core beliefs don’t contradict with ours (outlined in our Beliefs Page), then you are welcome to partner with the association. We have two pathways of partnership: • Member Churches – These SBC churches affirm the Baptist Faith & Message (2000), and participate in leadership and voting decisions. • Partner Churches – These churches align in spirit and mission, but prefer not to carry an SBC title or voting responsibility. You will still receive full access to support, resources, and ministry collaboration — just without formal governance roles. Bottom line? If you love Jesus, preach the Gospel, and want to walk in unity — there is room for you at the table.
We have two different pathways of membership when it comes to the GBA:: • Member Churches – These SBC churches affirm the Baptist Faith & Message (2000), and participate in leadership and voting decisions.
New member churches are received under watch care for one year as outlined in our bylaws. During this period, a sponsoring church from within the GBA comes alongside to affirm doctrinal alignment, provide accountability, and recommend the church for final approval.
• Partner Churches – These churches align in spirit and mission, but prefer not to carry an SBC title or voting responsibility within the GBA. Our Partner churches will still receive full access to support, resources, and ministry collaboration — just without formal governance roles. The requirements of joining are the same! Complete the Application and Financial Contribution form found on this page or by clicking here:
The GBA has no governing authority over local churches; each congregation remains fully autonomous.
However, if a church departs from shared convictions or ceases to cooperate with the association, the GBA reserves the right to review the situation. If unresolved, the association may, by a three-fourths vote of its messengers, withdraw fellowship and remove the church from membership or partnership.
What’s in it for your church? Better question — WHAT ISN'T? When your church partners with the Grayson Baptist Association, you are not just getting access to resources — you are gaining a ministry family committed to helping your church thrive. Whether you are looking for help in the pulpit, support through transitions, digital tools, or simply encouragement for your leaders, the GBA exists to walk alongside your church in real and practical ways!
Pastoral Encouragement & Networking
Regular fellowships, roundtables, and personal visits keep pastors refreshed and connected — because ministry shouldn’t be lonely.
Pulpit Supply & Interim Help
Get connected to qualified preachers, worship leaders, and interim pastors when you need them most. We have contacts through both the County and the State Conventions.
Private Campground & Lake Retreat Access
Reserve our private GBA Lake Property — complete with a dorm, two cabins, RV sites, and beach access — for camps, retreats, or leadership getaways. GBA Churches have discounted rates and first priority always. Read more
Collegiate Student Ministry Partnership (BSM)
Partner in reaching local college students through the BSM at Grayson College — one of our flagship joint ministries. Our BSM is only 1 of 2 in the STATE of Texas that offers this kind of church participation! Only GBA Churches can access the Campus through the BSM! Read more
Church Website Creation & Support
We offer custom website builds and updates to help your church stay visible and accessible in a digital world. For as low as $10 a month we will help you get found!
Evangelism & Block Party Resources
GBA member churches can reserve our fully equipped Evangelism Trailer — stocked with everything you need to host a community block party or outreach event for the Gospel. From inflatables and games to sound equipment and signage, this trailer helps you create engaging spaces to connect with your neighbors and share Christ with them. Read more
Training Events & Leadership Development
Get equipped through regional conferences, workshops, and leadership resources for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders.
Church Recommendations and Job Postings
We will keep an active database of all churches, and help visitors find the right GBA Church! We will also host a ministry job page exclusively for GBA churches!
Church Crisis Care & Coaching
When you or your church face a crisis — whether it’s leadership conflict, burnout, moral failure, or division — the GBA is ready to respond. Our Crisis Care Team is equipped to listen, pray, mediate, and guide you toward Christ-centered solutions that promote healing and long-term church health. You don’t have to walk through hard seasons alone. Read more
Exclusive Digital Tools
***COMING SOON! Use our sermon libraries, planning resources, and church management tools exclusively available to GBA churches.
Christian Counseling Center
*** COMING SOON! Our GBA office will soon house both Christian and Biblical Counseling services — available to pastors, ministry leaders, and church members at discounted rates. Whether you are navigating burnout, crisis, or just need trusted guidance, help will be just a phone call away. Read more
Church Planting
*** COMING SOON! As an Association, we will work with healthy churches to plant healthy churches across Grayson County and beyond!
Joining the GBA is simple — but intentional. We want to ensure every church that joins is aligned in mission, conviction, and cooperation. Here’s what’s required:
1. Application Completion
Start by filling out a short application form. This helps us learn more about your church, your leadership, and your desire to partner with the GBA.
After submission, our leadership team will follow up for a conversation and recommend your church for approval at our next executive board meeting.
Our Application can be found below or by clicking here.📝
2. Financial Cooperation
Churches that join the GBA are expected to financially support the cooperative work we do together.
• Most churches designate 2–3% of their undesignated receipts to the association.
• A monthly or annual financial pledge is required to remain a member or partner in good standing.
These gifts go directly to supporting our ministries, training of leaders, improving our resources, and planting future churches .
3. Like Minded Beliefs
Your church’s core beliefs should align with — or at least not contradict — our stated faith convictions. We partner with churches committed to the authority of Scripture and the advancement of the Gospel.
Churches or church leadership that depart from these shared convictions may be subject to review by the association. If unresolved, this may result in the suspension or removal of their status as a member or partner church.
Unity matters — and we believe that doctrinal integrity protects the mission we share.
View Our Beliefs by Clicking Here 📄
4. Watch Care & Sponsorship (for new Member Churches)
New Member Churches enter a brief period of Watch Care as outlined in our bylaws. During this time, a sponsoring church from within the GBA must come alongside your congregation to affirm doctrinal alignment, walk with your leadership, and formally recommend your church for final approval.
(Note: Partner Churches do not go through the Watch Care process. This is required for voting member churches in good standing with the GBA)
#1 Start by filling out our GBA application. This helps us get to know your church and walk through next steps together.
You can apply online or in person by visiting our GBA Office.
#2 Set Up Financial Contributions. All churches joining the GBA, commit to financially supporting the cooperative work of the association.
Please confirm your church’s giving plan with the GBA Office — whether by:
Mailing checks
Setting up online donations
Arranging regular contributions through your church’s budget
Churches can complete a Financial Pledge through the link below: #3 Await Affirmation. While friendly cooperation begins immediately, official affirmation occurs at a GBA Executive Board Meeting.
Member Churches – New Member Churches are received under a one-year Watch Care period. During this time, a sponsoring church from within the GBA will come alongside to affirm doctrinal alignment, provide accountability, and recommend your church for final approval. Your church may fully participate in ministries, events, and giving during Watch Care, but will not yet vote in associational matters. After one year, your church becomes eligible for full voting membership, pending executive board affirmation.
Partner Churches – Churches not seeking SBC affiliation or voting rights may begin participating in ministries and events right away, with full access to resources and collaboration.
We look forward to celebrating your church’s joining and walking together in ministry!
Benefits of GBA Membership?
Regular fellowships, roundtables, and personal visits keep pastors refreshed and connected — because ministry shouldn’t be lonely.
Get connected to qualified preachers, worship leaders, and interim pastors when you need them most. We have contacts through both the County and the State Conventions.
Reserve our private GBA Lake Property — complete with a dorm, two cabins, RV sites, and beach access — for camps, retreats, or leadership getaways. GBA Churches have discounted rates and first priority always.
Partner in reaching local college students through the BSM at Grayson College — one of our flagship joint ministries. Our BSM is only 1 of 2 in the STATE of Texas that offers this kind of church participation! Only GBA Churches can access the Campus through the BSM!
We offer custom website builds and updates to help your church stay visible and accessible in a digital world. For as low as $10 a month we will help you get found!
GBA member churches can reserve our fully equipped Evangelism Trailer — stocked with everything you need to host a community block party or outreach event for the Gospel. From inflatables and games to sound equipment and signage, this trailer helps you create engaging spaces to connect with your neighbors and share Christ with them.
Get equipped through regional conferences, workshops, and leadership resources for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders.
We will keep an active database of all churches, and help visitors find the right GBA Church! We will also host a ministry job page exclusively for GBA churches!
When you or your church face a crisis — whether it’s leadership conflict, burnout, moral failure, or division — the GBA is ready to respond. Our Crisis Care Team is equipped to listen, pray, mediate, and guide you toward Christ-centered solutions that promote healing and long-term church health. You don’t have to walk through hard seasons alone.
***COMING SOON! Use our sermon libraries, planning resources, and church management tools exclusively available to GBA churches.
***COMING SOON!!! The GBA Office will host Seminary Extension classes and extended education credits locally! We have the course leaders in place. We will be ready to launch as soon as our space is revamped!
*** COMING SOON! Our GBA office will soon house both Christian and Biblical Counseling services — available to pastors, ministry leaders, and church members at discounted rates. Whether you are navigating burnout, crisis, or just need trusted guidance, help will be just a phone call away.
*** COMING SOON! As an Association, we will work with healthy churches to plant healthy churches across Grayson County and beyond!
STEPS FOR GBA MEMBERSHIP
Churches Eligible for Membership
Churches applying for membership must be at least one year old (including time as a mission). Each must hold core beliefs that align with, or at least do not contradict, our stated faith convictions in the Baptist Faith & Message, be committed to work in fellowship with member churches, and commit to ongoing financial support of GBA ministries. (member churches are encouraged to contribute 3% of undesignated receipts).
Application Options
Eligible churches may apply either as Membering Churches (seeking full affiliation, beginning with a one-year Watchcare period before full voting membership) or as Partner Churches (participating in ministries and fellowship without pursuing SBC affiliation).
Next Steps
Once an application is submitted, the GBA leadership team will meet with the church’s pastor, present a recommendation, and upon approval, welcome the church into cooperative ministry and fellowship.
We look forward to celebrating your church’s joining and walking together in ministry!