"I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.  Holy Father,
protect them by Your name that You have given Me, so that they may be one as we are one."  John 17:11

         

Greater East Texas Baptist Association or GETBA was formed in 2005 by 10 churches in the East Texas area uniquely aligned with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC).  These churches wanted to be a part of a local association that would better reflect their doctrinal convictions as well as their alignment with SBTC.  Under the guidance of Dr. Jim Richards, president of the SBTC, GETBA was formed with the Rev. Ronnie Starr becoming its first Director of Missions.  Since then, the association has grown to thirteen churches in the East Texas area.  The current Director of Missions is Rev. Jay McCasland of Longview, Texas who begin his tenure in February of 2009.

The basic beliefs of our churches within GETBA are outlined by the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.  The adopted emphasis of the association are namely those of the SBTC:  Evangelism, Missions, and Church Ministries (discipleship)with a goal of facilitating actual ministry and not just operational expenses.We currently have two ministries that partner with GETBA and also utilize offices in the same location:

             1) Samaritan Counseling Center is a family counseling center for low income families

             2) Eyes to Open Hearts is a vision care ministry of Dr. H. D. Evans and provides eye exams
              for low income families or individuals.

The offices of GETBA are located at 4008 Judson Road in Longview, Texas.  Mailing address is:
                                  
                                      GETBA
                                      P O Box 9038
                                      Longview, TX, 75608  
                                      903-295-2900 (O)
                                      903-720-3033  (Jay's cell)

Thank you for your interest in the Greater East Baptist Association!