Who are we?
The Big Sky Area Ministry exists to connect and support churches across Montana in partnership with Mission Northwest and Ascent. Rooted in our shared history and calling in Christ, we seek to strengthen relationships among churches, encourage collaborative ministry, and equip pastors and congregations for faithful service. Through the leadership of the Big Sky Area Ministry board and the Montana Baptist Convention officers, we steward resources, organize ministry opportunities, and provide training that nurtures the spiritual vitality and mission of our churches throughout Montana.
What have we done?
Our historical activities form the rich tapestry of our ministry and include:
Annual gatherings for worship, training, and fellowship.
These events bring our churches together for encouragement, learning, and shared mission in our local communities.
Affirming licensing and ordination.
While the formal process now occurs through Mission Northwest, the Big Sky Area ministry team has historically joined our churches in recognizing and celebrating those called by God to ordained ministry.
Supporting our camping ministry.
Templed Hills Camp has served Montana Baptist churches for more than a century. Through prayer, leadership, and financial support from our churches, this ministry continues to impact lives.
Creating mission opportunities.
Members from several of our churches once joined together for a two-week disaster relief mission trip to Louisiana—an effort made possible through our Big Sky church partnership.
Encouraging church planting.
Our churches have also supported new congregations, including a church plant in Billings through funding, prayer, and participation from local church members.
Our ministry is shaped not only by what we do but by the relationships we share. God has placed us in Montana to work together for the greater impact of Christ’s mission, and your partnership is vital to that calling.
What are we doing now, and where are we going?
We believe God has a future for us as a united, area-wide ministry. While time and distance bring challenges, we trust God can work through us together to:
Promote regional ministry.
Many Big Sky pastors participate in Mission Northwest’s Pastors’ Connect Group, and lay leaders join training events via Zoom. Our churches also attend Leadership Tune-Up, which equips leaders for effective ministry.
Support ministry through our budget.
Funds provide pastor scholarships for training, support camping ministry, and help cover gathering events.
Pray for future ministry.
As a board, we seek Jesus’ guidance for gatherings, mission opportunities, and the health of our churches.
Gather input through surveys.
Responses about spiritual growth needs help guide possible Zoom trainings and gathering topics.
Support one another. Many of our churches face health challenges and loss. We value our connection and pray for each other, attend memorials, and help when needs arise.