Advancing in Missions & Ministry
Walking alongside individuals as they explore a call into ministry. Partnering with Southern Baptist churches in mid-GA.
What is AIMM?
AIMM is a comprehensive program to walk alongside you from exploring a call to ministry to accepting your first ministry role in a church. Our partnerships allow us to provide mentors, intensive discipleship, accredited Bible classes, and internships. We believe that God is still calling Christians to serve Him. We also believe that God will raise up leaders from within our Association. Our prayer is that we will bless our churches as well as the surrounding areas.
The History of AIMM
AIMM began in 2010 as a summer internship program for high school students with a heart to serve. Over the years, that initial Advancing in Missions program expanded to college students. The Friendship Baptist Association recognized a greater need for leadership development in the 2020's: pastors, worship leaders, and next gen leaders in our rural churches. This resulted in the Ephesians 4:12 Leadership Council followed by a re-envisioning of the AIMM program as a way to train up new leaders from our own backyard. Today, AIMM is a multi-tiered program that serves highschoolers, college-students, and adults.
Who is AIMM for?
AIMM serves young adults, adults, and churches at various stages of following God's call in their lives. At the same time, AIMM assists churches through internships.
“How can I serve God?”
AIMM continues to serve young Christian leaders who God has called into greater service. AIMM Summer Missionaries spend 6 weeks at Friendship Camp, where they gain a greater understanding of sharing their faith and what it means to be a servant leader.
“Is God Calling Me?”
Adults who feel a greater desire to serve God and their churches must eventually answer the question, “Is God calling me into ministry?” Our mentors will walk with AIMM applicants to provide counseling and guidance during this stage.
“Where is God Calling Me to Serve?”
AIMM applicants who validate a call to ministry will next have to answer, “What area of ministry is God calling me to serve in?” The Ephesians 4:12 Leadership Council has worked to locate and train mentors in a variety of ministries so that AIMM members can seek out advice and training.
“Where Will God Place Me?”
Mentorships continue as the AIMM member begins seeking a place of service that aligns with the call to ministry that God has placed on his or her life. AIMM Members may be matched with a church internship at this time.
What to Expect in AIMM
Mentoring Relationships
Accredited Classes
Hands-on Experience
Church Support
We partner with Friendship Baptist Association churches, Brewton-Parker Christian University, and our own Ephesians 4:12 Leadership Council. Our churches believe God has called us to develop pastors and other leaders. AIMM is financially backed by Southern Baptist Churches in mid-GA while the leadership council has invested time in locating and training mentors.
Contact an AIMM Coordinator
Rev. Colten Cannady
AIMM Level 1 Coordinator
Colten Cannady serves as our coordinator for our highschool and college-aged summer program.
Dr. Buck Kinney
AIMM Levels 2-4 Coordinator
Buck coordinates the AIMM program for adult applicants and churches. He is also one of our GBBI instructors.
Investing in Leaders
Churches are the backbone of the AIMM program.
Without places of ministry, our AIMM members cannot receive the invaluable hands-on experience that prepares them to follow God’s calling in their lives. Churches are needed to provide internships for future pastors, worship leaders, youth ministers, and children’s leaders.
Internships are temporary positions lasting from 6 weeks to 24 weeks
Churches can optionally create a pathway to a permanent position through an internship
AIMM internships are paid internships to offset the cost that a candidate might spend traveling
The Friendship Baptist Association has funding available to help offset the cost of an internship
Friendship Baptist Association churches are strongly encouraged to create internship positions so that we can begin training new leaders in our local area.
Choose the Correct Tab
At this time, applications for AIMM Level 1 are closed. They will open sometime in January 2027. All applications for AIMM Level 1 will need to be submitted by April 30, 2027.
The dates for AIMM Summer 2027 will be May 25 – July 2. Applicants should be prepared to serve the entire program length. However, the AIMM Level 1 coordinator can approve exceptions. These dates should be clearly written onto your application.
You can contact Colten Cannady or the FBA Office to request notification for when the applications open.
AIMM Levels 2-4 candidates can fill out an application at any time. They should contact Dr. Buck Kinney or the FBA Office if they have questions.
Our applications to join as an AIMM Church is not available online at this time. Check back soon or contact Dr. Buck Kinney or the FBA Office.