Who We Are

CrossNet Baptist Network is an association of autonomous Southern Baptist churches working together to glorify God, love people, and serve churches. Our churches reside in Bradley, Hamilton, and Polk counties in East Tennessee. Our association aims to unify in spreading the gospel through our churches in this region. Through ministries, missions, and special projects, we hope to make an impact on our community all unto Jesus for service.

How did we get here. View our historical timeline below.

1800s–1949

Foundations of Cooperation

In 1859, after decades of earlier attempts to establish lasting Baptist associations in our region, the Ocoee Baptist Association was formed. It began at Blue Springs Church in Bradley County with 14 churches totaling 680 members across Hamilton, Bradley, and Polk Counties. By 1949, God had multiplied the churches so greatly that it became clear the Ocoee Association needed to multiply as well. In a spirit of cooperation—not division—the association gave rise to two new regional bodies: the Hamilton County Baptist Association and the Bradley Baptist Association. These new associations inherited not only resources—including the associational missionary, $1,000, and a historical gavel—but also a shared commitment to Gospel partnership.

1950

Associational Missionaries: J.C. Williamson (1949–50), Horace L. Gennoe (1951–58)

A New Association is Born

37 churches unite to form the Bradley Baptist Association

Bradley Baptist Association held its first annual session, hosted by New Friendship and Corinth Baptist Churches. Messengers gathered to pray, praise, and plan as God led them into this new chapter of cooperation. J.C. Williamson served as the first associational missionary for this effort.

Throughout the decade, theassociation laid a strong foundation—training and equipping churches to reach their communities and to support one another in
brotherly love.

1960s

Superintendent of Missions: J.W. Rymer (1959–1974)

Leadership, Stability, and Growth

Under steady leadership, the association experienced a decade of stability and growth. Ministries expanded to support churches in practical ways, including:

● Development of a Baptist camp on Keith
Valley Road
● Distribution of tents and outreach materials
● Expanded church training opportunities

Several churches launched, expanded, or joined the association during this time, bringing the total to 51 cooperating churches by the end of the decade.

1970s

Superintendent of Missions: J.W. Rymer (1959–1974), Director of Missions: Raleigh Brady (1975–1995)

Strengthening the Network

The seventies saw continued growth in both cooperation and identity among our churches.

1973

Baptist Student Center established

Baptist Student Center established near Cleveland State. The association funded and built the Baptist Student Center (now the Baptist Collegiate Ministry), expanding its reach to college students and strengthening its investment in the next generation. Churches continued working together to provide ministry support, strengthening the associational network across the county.

1980s

Director of Missions: Raleigh Brady (1975–1995)

Ministry Moves Into the Community

This decade marked a shift toward deeper community engagement as the association intentionally moved ministry beyond church walls.

Blythe Avenue Center — Weekday community ministry launched

Under the leadership of Eunice Heath, the Blythe Avenue Center became a consistent, hands-on presence in the community providing compassion ministry.

Additional ministry expansion included:

● Area-wide evangelistic crusades
● Increased emphasis on church training
● Launch of ethnic ministries
● Early development of jail ministries
● Mission trips supporting church plants in Pennsylvania and Michigan

1986

Association office building completed

Association office building completed on North Ocoee Street

1986 — Association office building completed on North Ocoee Street. This facility continues to serve as the home base for associational ministry today.

1990s

Director of Missions: Raleigh Brady (1975–1995), Interim Leadership: Malcolm Jones (1996, 1998), Director of Missions: Mike Rogers (1997–1998)

Outreach Ministries Multiply

The nineties were marked by growing missional urgency and expanded community engagement.

Key leadership additions included:

● Michelle McCluskey, Director of Church and Community Ministries
● Pat Regalado, Director of Hispanic Ministries

New ministries launched that would impact the community for decades:

● Ocoee Outreach
● Project Helping Hands
● Expanded Volunteers on Mission efforts

These ministries reflected a growing commitment to meeting both spiritual and practical needs in the community.

2000s

Director of Missions / Lead Mission Strategist: Phil Taylor (1999–2024)

A Decade of Multiplication

In 1999, Phil Taylor began a 25-year season of leadership that would significantly shape the direction of the association. Under his leadership, God expanded both mission vision and ministry impact. Key staff and leadership development: ● Jamie Ortiz, followed by Frances Irizarry, Director of Hispanic Ministries ● Randy Bonner, Evangelism Director (20 years of service) Ministry expansion during this decade included: ● Ocoee Outreach brought under the association’s umbrella ● Ocoee Resort Ministries launched in partnership with Polk County Association ● Disaster Relief formally introduced and equipped association-wide ● Community outreach initiatives including Late Night Basketball and VITA tax ministry ● Continued emphasis on evangelism training and church engagement This decade marked a shift from a single-track association to a multi-ministry movement working in multiple directions simultaneously.

2010s

Director of Missions / Lead Mission Strategist: Phil Taylor (1999–2024)

Global Vision and Identity Shift

God expanded the association’s vision beyond local boundaries into a broader mission network. Global mission partnerships included: ● Nepal ● India ● Africa ● Romania Domestic mission impact included: ● Partnership with church plants in Washington, D.C. At the same time, the association continued investing locally through: ● Disaster Relief expansion (Both in equipment and personnel) ● Ongoing community outreach ministries ● Support for new church plants at home

2015

Final Year as Bradley Baptist Association

After 66 years, 2015 marked the final year of the Bradley Baptist Association as it had been known. But this was not an ending—it was preparation for what God would do next.

2016

Director of Missions / Lead Mission Strategist: Phil Taylor (1999–2024)

Transition to CrossNet Baptist Network

Recognizing that the association’s reach had extended beyond county lines, the decision was made to change the name—but not the mission. Just as Bradley Baptist Association was built on the legacy of the Ocoee Association, CrossNet Baptist Network builds on that same foundation—equipping churches to serve locally, regionally, and globally for the glory of God.

2020s

Lead Mission Strategists: Phil Taylor (1999–2024), Dr. Bill Henard (Interim, 2024–2025), Paul Davis (2025–Present)

Passing the Torch Lead Mission Strategist

This decade has been marked by both transition and opportunity. God has changed assignments, called faithful leaders home, and opened new doors for ministry.

Ministry transitions:

● Ocoee Outreach became an independent ministry
and strategic partner
● Project Helping Hands completed its mission

New and ongoing opportunities:

● Mission partnerships in Guatemala, Denver, West Tennessee, and locally
● Continued strengthening of associational collaboration

Dr. Henard provided steady interim leadership during this transition, helping prepare the way for the calling of Paul Davis as Lead Mission Strategist in 2025.

Looking Ahead

With a new staff, a renewed vision, and a strong legacy behind us, CrossNet stands ready for the future. This is not just the story of what God has done — it is the beginning of what He is still building through our churches today.