About Us
10 Michigan Bay Area churches changing the course of history by sharing the life-transforming power of Jesus.
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Churches of the Bay Area Baptist Association have been serving Christ since 1962
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Michigan Southern Baptist work began in the 1930’s with churches that were affiliated with associations in Kentucky and Missouri. The first organized Southern Baptist work in Michigan began in 1951 with the formation of the Motor Cities Baptist Association. In 1954, Emmanuel Baptist Church of Midland was the first church in mid-Michigan to affiliate with Southern Baptists in Michigan.
The Bay Area Baptist Association (BABA) was formed in 1962. It consisted of five Southern Baptist churches from the northern area of the Genesee District Baptist Association of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Those churches included Bangor in Bay City, East Tawas, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Midland, Huron Baptist Church in Oscoda and Standish Baptist Church. Robert Wilson served as the missionary for all Southern Baptist churches north of Flint, including the Upper Peninsula. |
Dale Maddux of Arkansas became missionary of the new association before the first annual meeting, serving both Genesee and BABA associations. The first annual meeting was held in Standish on October 19, 1963. Howard Clark, Pastor of Emmanuel, preached the first annual sermon. BABA approved their first budget of $805. Two missions in Empire and Rose City were formed during the first year of the new association.
Don Burton served as BABA missionary from 1965-1966. He was followed by Jay Dannelly, Sr., from 1967 until his death in 1975. His wife, Fern Dannelly later served as an International Mission Board missionary to Botswana. Several northern and western churches in BABA became part of a new associational work on the western side of Michigan during this period. James Walker served as BABA missionary from 1975 to 1980.
Don Burton served as BABA missionary from 1965-1966. He was followed by Jay Dannelly, Sr., from 1967 until his death in 1975. His wife, Fern Dannelly later served as an International Mission Board missionary to Botswana. Several northern and western churches in BABA became part of a new associational work on the western side of Michigan during this period. James Walker served as BABA missionary from 1975 to 1980.
David and Melissa Roberts
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The Northland Baptist Association was formed from churches located in the northern areas of the Bay and Woodland associations in 1977. At this time, BABA consisted of churches in the eight counties it currently serves, namely Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Isabella, Midland, Bay, Gratiot and Saginaw. Dwain Laramore served both BABA and Genesee associations from 1981-1986. Carroll Fowler served both associations from 1986-1987. Tom Martin served BABA the longest in years as church planter strategist from 1987 until his death in July of 2010.
In October 2010, John Botkin, Pastor of Crossway Christian Church in Bay City, was elected by BABA churches to serve as Interim Director of Missions and served through December 2011. During this period, we absorbed Tuscola, Huron and Sanilac counties bringing the BABA ministry area to 11 counties. |
Jim Marcus, former Director of Missions of Genesee Baptist Association, served as interim Director of Missions for BABA in 2012. Patty Albright served as BABA Office Administrator from 2010 until she retired in December 2014.
David Roberts began serving as the Associational Minister for BABA in 2014. In 2019, his title was changed to Associational Mission Strategist (AMS).
Interested in joining us as we share the gospel in Michigan's Bay area? Contact David for more info.
Every year, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan and, more recently, the BABA - approve resolutions that express their opinions on diverse timely issues. What is a resolution?
David Roberts began serving as the Associational Minister for BABA in 2014. In 2019, his title was changed to Associational Mission Strategist (AMS).
Interested in joining us as we share the gospel in Michigan's Bay area? Contact David for more info.
Every year, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan and, more recently, the BABA - approve resolutions that express their opinions on diverse timely issues. What is a resolution?
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