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The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) operates through a unique form of governance known as congregational polity, meaning that each local church is autonomous while cooperating voluntarily with others for the sake of the Gospel. The Convention itself functions as a deliberative body, convening annually to conduct business and set the direction for its cooperative ministries.

Annual Meeting and Decision-Making

Each year, messengers—elected representatives from Southern Baptist churches—gather at the SBC Annual Meeting to make decisions on behalf of the Convention. During this time, messengers:

  • Elect officers, including the SBC president.
  • Vote on resolutions, motions, and reports from SBC entities.
  • Adopt the Cooperative Program Allocation Budget, which funds SBC mission efforts and ministries.
  • Provide direction on matters of faith, practice, and cooperation.

Executive Committee

Between annual meetings, the SBC Executive Committee (EC) serves as the Convention’s administrative body. The EC carries out the Convention’s directives, manages finances, and promotes cooperative efforts among churches and SBC entities. However, the EC does not determine doctrine or direct the ministries of autonomous SBC entities.

Entities and Boards

The SBC carries out its ministry work through various entities, each governed by a board of trustees elected by messengers. These entities include:

  • Mission Boards – The International Mission Board (IMB) and North American Mission Board (NAMB) oversee global and domestic missions.
  • Seminaries – Six theological seminaries train pastors, missionaries, and church leaders.
  • Lifeway Christian Resources – Provides biblical resources, discipleship materials, and ministry tools for churches.
  • Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) – Represents Southern Baptists in cultural and moral issues.
  • GuideStone Financial Resources – Provides financial services, including retirement and insurance options, for SBC churches and employees.

Autonomy and Cooperation

While the SBC provides resources and leadership, it does not govern individual churches. Each congregation is autonomous, making its own decisions regarding leadership, finances, and ministry direction. However, churches voluntarily cooperate to support mission efforts, theological education, and ministry outreach through giving and participation in SBC initiatives.

Confessional Identity

The SBC operates based on doctrinal agreement, not top-down authority. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 serves as a statement of faith that reflects the shared beliefs of cooperating churches. SBC messengers and entities voluntarily affirm this statement as a guiding theological framework.

Get Involved

If you are part of an SBC church, you can engage in SBC governance by:

  • Attending and participating in the SBC Annual Meeting as a messenger.
  • Staying informed about SBC initiatives through state conventions and local associations.
  • Supporting missions and ministries through Cooperative Program giving.