A Legacy of Unity, Mission, and Innovation

Vision Statement

Our vision is to unite and empower churches to ensure every person has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel, transforming communities through Christ-centered cooperation and discipleship.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lake County Baptist Association is to facilitate the union and cooperation of Baptists within its territory in the work of upbuilding the Kingdom of Christ.

Purpose Statement

The business and purpose of this corporation are to foster fellowship among the affiliated churches, to encourage unity in faith and practice, and to give and receive assistance in accomplishing their mission.

The Lake County Baptist Association (LCBA) is a testament to the power of collaboration among local Baptist churches, working together to advance the Kingdom of Christ. Founded in 1924, the association has grown and adapted to meet the evolving needs of its churches and the communities they serve. With a history rooted in faith, perseverance, and a commitment to missions, LCBA has become a vital resource for churches striving to make a lasting impact for Christ.

Our History: United in Purpose

The LCBA was born out of a shared vision to unite Baptist churches in Lake County, Florida. In its earliest days, the association sought to foster fellowship among member churches, encourage unity in faith and practice, and provide assistance in their mission. Even during the hardships of the Great Depression and post-war years, LCBA remained steadfast, helping churches persevere and grow through mutual support.

By the 1970s, as Lake County expanded, the association embraced modernization to meet the needs of a growing population. Training programs, mission trips, and leadership development became integral parts of LCBA’s ministry, strengthening churches and enabling them to serve their communities more effectively.

In recent years, LCBA’s commitment to missions has extended beyond its borders. From local initiatives to international efforts like the revitalization of Bluewater Bible College in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the association has led the charge in fostering unity through shared ministry. These efforts not only strengthen churches but also provide a platform for collective impact, exemplifying the power of working together for the Kingdom.

Where We Are Today: Innovation and Impact

Recently, the LCBA celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of faithfulness to its mission. Today, the association remains deeply committed to empowering churches with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By blending a rich heritage with forward-thinking innovation, the LCBA continues to evolve and lead in ways that are both impactful and relevant for modern ministry.

Empowering Churches Through Resources

LCBA connects member churches with North American Mission Board (NAMB) courses through a free online learning portal featuring over 42 courses—with new content added regularly, including many in Spanish. These courses equip churches to grow spiritually, train leaders, and engage effectively with their communities.

Technology-Driven Ministry Solutions

Partnering with Gloo and BARNA, the association provides cutting-edge tools to help churches diagnose spiritual areas in need of improvement and implement best practices for growth. These resources enable congregations to assess their unique challenges, offering actionable insights to guide their ministry efforts.

Demographic Research for Strategic Ministry

LCBA also trains churches to use Florida Baptist Convention’s demographic research tools, delivering comprehensive insights to understand the needs of their communities. This empowers churches to practice good stewardship when planning new ministries or community initiatives, ensuring their efforts align with the needs of those they serve.

Cost-Effective and Impactful Solutions

Recognizing the financial realities many churches face, LCBA works to connect them with free or significantly discounted resources. These savings allow churches to redirect funds toward mission efforts, community engagement, and ministry growth.

Collaborative Mission Work

Through its collaborative approach, LCBA fosters an environment where churches support one another, assist in church plants and replants, and identify strategic pathways for reaching every person in the area with the Gospel. By sharing resources, expertise, and a common vision, member churches are empowered to expand their reach and effectiveness.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for the Future

The Lake County Baptist Association is committed to “providing every person in our area the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.” This vision drives the association’s ongoing efforts to unite churches, equip leaders, and impact communities for Christ.

As we celebrate 100 years of ministry, LCBA looks to the future with confidence. By combining a legacy of faith with innovative tools and strategies, we stand ready to face new challenges and seize new opportunities for the glory of God.

Whether through training, resources, missions, or collaboration, LCBA continues to serve as a beacon of unity, helping churches work together to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Lake County and beyond.

Together, we are building the future, united in purpose and committed to the mission of Christ.

Strategically Making Kingdom Impact through Connections

Five Columns of Connection

Areas of Connection

Collaborating Connection Column

• Special Pastor Events

• Individual and Group Pastor Meetings

• Pastor-Only Emergency SMS Service

• Church, Missions, and Ministries Engagement

• Guest and Special Event Preaching

• Small Group Guest Speaker

• Member Church Congregation Newsletter

Churches Connection Column

• Member Church Lists for Outreach Events

• Member Church Online Information

• Member Church Multimedia Profile

• Member Church Social Media Promotion

Coaching Connection Column

• Access to NAMB Ministry and Missions Courses

• IMB & NAMB Associational Missions Network Access

• First Step for Becoming an SBC Church

• Missionary Pipelining for Faster to the Field

• Pastor Search Training, Resourcing, and Resume Services

• Emergency, Temporary, Interim, and Pulpit Filling Assistance

• Church Replant and Revitalization - NAMB Process Provider

• Church Planting Researching, Resourcing, and Resident (Intern) Recommendations

Conveniences Connection Column

• Multi-Site Demographic Reports and Training

• Commercial Drone Services

• LifeWay Gifting Program (40% Off LifeWay Published Non-Digital Products)

• Church Insurance Evaluation (Courtesy of Mel Himes and Associates)

Communities Connection Column

• Bless App New Movers Bi-Weekly List

• Stewardship Simplified Services

• Dynamic Small Groups Training

• LifeWise: Making Bible Teaching Available in Lake County Public Schools

• Courageous and Free: Helping Those Impacted by Human Trafficking

• One More Child

• International Missions Board

• North American Missions Board

• Florida Disaster Relief

• Christian Care Center

• Life’s Choices: Empowering Women and Men to Choose Life

• Unite Us Technology: Connecting Healthcare, Government, and Community-Based Organizations to Provide Whole-Person Care

• Good News Jail and Prison Ministry

Kingdom Impact

• Connecting with County Residents

• Cooperatively finding Lost People

• Knowing the People “Between” our Churches

• Training the Next Generation of Vocational Ministers

• Proven Strategic Resources

• Church Lifecycle Security

• Healthy Churches

• New Church Plants

• Revitalized and Replanted Churches

• Churches Joining with Us

• Stragecially Making Jesus Know to Everyperson in Lake County