Southern Baptist Convention

First Baptist Church, South of Broad, Charleston, SC (49550230557)

Gillfield Baptist Church

First Baptist Church, Augusta GA 20160703 1

Former First African Baptist Church

First African Baptist Church - Savannah, Georgia

President George W. Bush meets with the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention in the Oval Office, Oct. 11, 2006

Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a Christian denomination that is the largest Baptist organization and one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States. Established in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, the SBC was founded due to a regional split with northern Baptists over the issue of slavery, with Southern Baptists supporting the institution of slavery. Over the years, the SBC has grown significantly and has become known for its conservative theological and social stances.

History

The Southern Baptist Convention was formed when Baptists in the southern United States split from the American Baptist Home Mission Society over the issue of slavery and missions. The Southern Baptists felt that the Society's policy of not appointing missionaries who were slaveholders was a violation of their autonomy and religious freedoms. This led to the creation of a separate Baptist organization for the South, which explicitly allowed slaveholders to be missionaries.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the SBC expanded its missions and educational institutions. It established seminaries, colleges, and mission boards that played significant roles in the spread of Christianity and education in the southern United States and beyond.

In the late 20th century, the SBC experienced a conservative resurgence, with a shift towards more conservative theological and social positions. This shift influenced the denomination's policies on issues such as women in ministry, abortion, and homosexuality, aligning them with conservative evangelical Christianity.

Beliefs and Practices

The Southern Baptist Convention adheres to a set of beliefs outlined in The Baptist Faith and Message. This document, which has been revised several times since its initial adoption in 1925, outlines the SBC's doctrinal positions on the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and other core Christian beliefs. Key aspects of SBC belief include the authority of the Bible as the inerrant word of God, salvation by faith alone through Jesus Christ, and the autonomy of the local church.

Southern Baptists practice believer's baptism by immersion, which is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. They also participate in the Lord's Supper as a symbolic act of obedience and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Missions and Outreach

The Southern Baptist Convention places a strong emphasis on missions and evangelism. It operates through two major mission boards: the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB). These organizations support missionaries, church planting, disaster relief, and community ministries both in the United States and around the world.

Controversies

The SBC has been involved in several controversies, including its historical support of slavery and segregation. In recent years, it has faced criticism over its stance on women in ministry, particularly its opposition to women serving as pastors. The denomination has also been involved in a significant sexual abuse scandal, leading to calls for reform and greater accountability within its churches and institutions.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Southern Baptist Convention has made efforts to address its past, including formally denouncing racism and seeking to increase diversity within its churches. It has also faced internal debates over its direction and the extent of its conservative stance on various issues.

Conclusion

The Southern Baptist Convention remains a significant force in American Christianity, known for its commitment to evangelism, conservative theology, and social issues. Despite facing controversies and challenges, it continues to have a substantial impact on religious and social life in the United States and around the world.

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