17. The Doctrine of Cooperation. 1 Cor. 3:9; Eph. 4:3; Ecc. 4:9 KJV Cooperation is at the very heart of the Christian life. The Baptist Faith & Message reminds us that true unity is not just agreement, but spiritual harmony and voluntary partnership for the sake of the gospel. Cooperation is not borrowed from business or politics—it is rooted in Scripture and in Christ Himself.As Baptists, we believe cooperation rests on two great truths:
1. We share a common salvation in Christ.2. We are called to common purposes that can only be accomplished together.The local church is God’s primary instrument, but no church is called to stand alone. Just as believers need one another, churches freely associate with like-minded congregations to do what no single church could ever do by itself. This is always voluntary, never forced, and always centered on advancing the Kingdom.What cooperation is: spiritual, voluntary, gospel-centered.How Baptists practice it: through local church autonomy joined with voluntary association.Why it matters: because united, we send missionaries, train leaders, plant churches, and carry the gospel to the nations.No church is too small, no gift too insignificant, no prayer too quiet. When united, the church shakes the nations. Just as the early church had one heart, one soul, and one mission, so the Spirit calls us today: lay aside pride, join hands, and march forward for the sake of the gospel.