The Scriptures describe churches interacting with each other in three essential ways. The SMNBA exists, therefore, to imitate that example with a three-fold purpose:

1. DevelopING relationships

LOVE
We will show our discipleship to Christ by having “love for one another,” trusting that the Father will keep us in his name, that we “may be one.” [Jn 13.34-35, 17.11]

COMMUNICATION
We will follow the pattern of Scripture and seek to “read the letter,” having regular communication with one another. [Col 4.16]

PRAYER
We will devote ourselves to “praying at all times in the Spirit . . . making supplication for all the saints,” and “always struggling” on behalf of one another in our prayers. [Ep 6.18, Col 4.12]

ENCOURAGEMENT
We will, through love, humbly give and receive wisdom and encouragement, to resolve difficulties, to clarify ministry goals, and “to maintain the unity of the Spirit.” [Pr 3.5-7, Pr 13.10, Gal 2.2, Ep 4.1-3]

2. training leaders

ASSISTANCE
We will gratefully assist churches as they entrust the “faithful men,” recognizing the gifts God has placed among us, “for building us up as the body of Christ, until we all attain the unity of the faith,” [2Tim 2.2, Ep 4.11-16]

3. sharing resources

SUPPORT
We will work together for the occasional support of gospel workers/church planters, to help them in whatever they may need, “to support people like these,” and “be fellow workers for the truth.” [Ro 16.1-3, 3Jn 8-10]

BENEVOLENCE
We will “make some contribution for the poor,” combining benevolence for needy ministers and saints in other churches, thus “taking part in the relief of the saints,” and “supplying the needs of the saints.” [Ro 15.26, 2Co 8.1-4, 2Co 9.12-15]