In this first installment, we’ll remember the legacy of partnership and faithful ministry that characterized each phase of the establishment of the convention. One thing that shines through is how much the local churches worked together to form ministry partnerships fueled by faith and cooperation.
The first and second decades of the Baptist Convention of Iowa were characterized by growth, both in numbers of participants and in depth of cooperation. This steady growth led to the need to respond and adapt to significant changes to maintain the unity of the fellowship while pursuing the Great Commission together.
Change is a part of life. However, the pace at which things change continues to increase. Recent decades have been a time of dramatic change in the Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI). Much of the change we have experienced has been positive. At the same time, every change brings opportunity for challenges and difficulties, which also provide many opportunities for growth.