In November of 1999, four pastors met in Arlington, Texas to discuss their frustration over the moderate stance most Baptist associations had to take in order to accommodate both state conventions in Texas. Finally the question was asked: What do we want to see come out of this? The answer: A conservative association.

In January of 2000, seven pastors and a couple of laymen met at the Texas Land and Cattle Steak House (North Loop 12 & I-35E) and agreed to start the North Texas Baptist Association. The NTBA would partner with the Southern Baptist Convention and create a unique affiliation of churches with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

In March of 2000, the NTBA was constituted and chartered, to the praise and glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The NTBA started with a part-time director, Ed Ethridge, and a budget of around $7,000.00. Brother Ed continues to serve as our full-time Director of Missions (DOM). We also have a part-time Associate Director of Church Planting and Evangelism (Dr. Aaron Meraz), a part-time Ministry Assistant (Debbie Ranspot) and Webmeister (Johnnie Jones).

Currently, the NTBA supports at least thirteen different missions and a pregnancy center, from the North Texas area to points throughout the nation and world. (For a current list, check our Missions Support tab on the menu above.)

The NTBA has played an active role in the SBTC/NAMB Disaster Relief ministries in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Vermont, Alabama, and Texas. There are at least 100 people trained within the Association in Disaster Relief for clean-up, mud-out, and various other services needed in disaster situations. The Association has a Disaster Relief trailer and a water purification trailer that can be used in these situations.

In the recent past, we have provided the following opportunities for churches in the Association: Administrative/Organizational Skills Seminars to assist pastors in the efficient administration of their churches; Tax Conference; North American Mission Board Church Planting Pilot Program; Bible/Leadership Conferences; Pastor/Staff Fellowship Meetings; NTBA Rallies; Annual Meetings; a doctrinal presentation by Dr. William E. Bell (former Dean of Theology and present professor of Greek and Biblical Hermeneutics at Dallas Baptist University); Fall Bible Conferences; Winter Bible Conferences; Fall Sunday School Conference; participated as the drop point for the Iraqi Food Relief; VBS Clinics; Camp scholarships for children; participate in feeding the hungry in Dallas inner-city; Partners with Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church and Companerismo Biblico El Camino for family ministry in the Lewisville area.

Ministries are offered to our churches in stewardship; deacon training; conflict management; search committee training; pulpit supply and interim pastor; and, “Answers in Genesis” Creation Conference.

The NTBA is a multi-cultural association. Of our almost 90 churches, we are blessed to have a number of African American, Hispanic, Korean, Laotian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Russian churches.

Our purpose: “We exist in order to assist churches in ministry, missions, and leadership by providing Biblical solutions that will encourage accountability, responsibility, and New Testament fellowship for the glory of God.”

Now called, the North Texas Baptist Area, this conservative association of churches reaches deep into East Texas and has several partnering churches in other locations. If you are interested in more information, Brother Ed is available to serve, listen, pray with you, and just be a friend. Also, Aaron is available to come on Sunday evening, or other weekday evenings, to share with your church about church planting.