Associationalism is like insurance—we hope we never need it, but boy are we glad we have it when we do need it! Serving on the board of FIRE, I have seen the association help churches that are in trouble.

Not long ago a small number of influential church members who had angst against their pastor launched a hostile coup against him. Word of these goings-on reached the FIRE board. The board immediately sprang into action—not simply to defend the pastor and his family, but to intervene for the overall good of the church. Numerous attempts were made too help mediate a biblical solution. The agitators who placed themselves in charge refused our repeated offers to help. Sadly, as a result if not accepting help, the pastor was ousted, church blew up, and for their unbiblical handling of the matter, the member churches of FIRE voted to remove the church from membership in FIRE.

Why share this story that ended badly? To highlight the fact that FIRE was there to help—even though in this case, help was refused. But let me share another story that ended well because of the association with FIRE.

Over twenty years ago, our church was experiencing trouble. Our deacons and elders sought help from FIRE. Three seasoned pastors (one driving nearly three hours each way!) met with our church leaders on more than one occasion to hear what was happening and to offer their counsel. Their biblical and objective counsel was followed to the ‘T’. Thanks to prayer and wise counsel from our association, Grace Bible Church lives on over twenty years later!

Associationalism is like insurance—we hope we never need it, but boy are we glad we have it when we do need it! Thank God for FIRE!