The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., with a vast network of churches and a strong emphasis on missions. But how did it begin, and what sets it apart from other denominations?

Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston discuss everything we've learned about the SBC in the last 2 episodes. If you missed Part 1 and Part 2 of our conversation, be sure to go back and listen to episodes 228 and 229. 

Here’s What We Discussed

00:00 The SBC’s Mission-Focused DNA & Membership

From its inception, the Southern Baptist Convention has been focused on spreading the gospel. The SBC remains deeply missional, supporting local, national, and global outreach efforts. Since 2011, the SBC has experienced a steady decline in membership, with numbers dropping from over 16 million to around 13 million today. 

06:39 The SBC’s Structure & Annual Meeting

The SBC is a network of autonomous churches that cooperate in missions and theological training while governing themselves. Each year, churches send messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting to vote on key decisions.

08:52 Key SBC Beliefs: The Baptist Faith & Message

The SBC adheres to a doctrinal statement called the Baptist Faith and Message, which outlines core beliefs like:

✔️ The inerrancy and authority of Scripture

✔️ Salvation through faith in Christ alone

✔️ Believer’s baptism by immersion

10:19 The SBC’s Founding

The SBC was founded in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, after splitting from Northern Baptists over slavery. Southern Baptists sought to keep slavery a non-issue, while Northern Baptists opposed it. In 1995, the SBC formally apologized for condoning slavery and failing to stand against injustice.

13:44 The Six Southern Baptist Seminaries

The SBC operates six major seminaries across the U.S., providing theological training at a reduced cost for students from SBC-affiliated churches:

• Gateway Seminary (California)
• Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Missouri)
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisiana)
• Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (North Carolina)
• Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kentucky)
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Texas)

21: 40 Closing

Next week, we shift to Presbyterianism! Reverend Bill McCutcheon, an ordained Presbyterian minister for over 30 years, joins us to discuss the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

Resources Mentioned: 

• Why is the SBC so influential? https://baptistnews.com/article/why-is-the-sbc-so-influential-look-at-the-number-of-congregations/
• Where Did the Southern Baptist Convention Lose Ground in the Last Decade? https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/where-did-the-southern-baptist-convention
• The Baptist Faith and Message: http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/ 
• A Primer on the Southern Baptist Convention https://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2014/06/a-primer-on-the-southern-baptist-convention-part-1-2/

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!