sbc primer
DESCRIPTION
EvangelicalTRANSCRIPT
How the Southern Baptist Denomination Functions
Revised by Rudolph D. Gonzalez
Original manuscript by David T. BunchCopyright Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention Atlanta, Georgia, 1984,1998, 1999
Revised Edition 2003Copyright 2003, North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to: Editorial and Design Manager, North American Mission Board, 4200North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30022-4176; or fax (770) 410-6006; or e-mail [email protected]
Southern Baptist PrimerHow the Southern Baptist Denomination Functions
Table of Contents
Preface ..................................................................................................................................2Foreword ................................................................................................................................3Introduction ..........................................................................................................................4How Southern Baptists Function in Organizational Relationships ........................................6
The Local Church ......................................................................................................7The Association ..........................................................................................................11The State Convention ................................................................................................13The Southern Baptist Convention..............................................................................15
How Local Churches Relate to Other Southern Baptist Organizations ..................................17Cooperation ..............................................................................................................17Messengers and Annual Meetings ..............................................................................17Finances......................................................................................................................17
How Tithes/Offerings Support Churches and All Denominational Causes ............................19Gifts ..........................................................................................................................19Cooperative Program..................................................................................................19Special Offerings ........................................................................................................22
How the Southern Baptist Convention Delegates Its Work ....................................................23SBC Ministries and Services ......................................................................................24Ministries/Assignments ..............................................................................................27
How Missionaries Relate to Boards and Ministries ................................................................32A Simple View............................................................................................................32North American Missionaries ....................................................................................32International Missionaries ..........................................................................................32
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................36Resources for Further Study....................................................................................................37Appendices ............................................................................................................................38
1. Southern Baptist Convention Flowchart2. International Mission Board Administrative Chart3. LifeWay Christian Resources Administrative Chart4. Directory of State Conventions/Fellowships & Executive Directors5. Directory of SBC Agencies6. 2003 Ethnic Fellowship Directory
Bibliography ..........................................................................................................................51Author ....................................................................................................................................52
1
Preface
2
This Southern Baptist Primer gives a simpleexplanation of the Southern Baptist denomina-tion. It is the result of an instructional period inthe Mission Service Corps orientation, which dis-cusses how the denomination functions and howmissionaries relate to its structure. I was unable tolocate a simple explanation of the denominationand its relationship to local churches and mission-aries. My goal was to write a primer for under-standing the denomination, not an exhaustivework. This attempts to express the polity andrelationships in Southern Baptist life as they func-tion today.
My first introduction to the denominationalstructures was in Junior Training Union in the1940s, by my father, T.W. Bunch, Training Uniondirector for the Miller County Baptist Associationin Missouri. I accompanied him to severalchurches to help begin Training Unions (nowcalled Discipleship Training). A week of studyalways preceded the first Sunday night meeting. Isat and often helped lead discussion about churchpolity and the denomination.
An emphasis about denominational polity wasintroduced by James L. Sullivan in the late 1950swhen he lectured at the St. Louis Baptist Pastors’
Conference, of which I was a member. His book,Polity As I See It, expounds on his lecture.
I appreciate suggestions from my colleagues,Gerald B. Palmer and J.C. Bradley; the counsel ofRalph Bobo, Loganville, Georgia; and help formRichard Kay and Gomer Leach of the formerSunday School Board, known as LifeWayChristian Resources and Ronald Boswell from theformer Foreign Mission Board (known today asthe International Mission Board.
David T. Bunch
Foreword
3
Throughout its history, the Southern BaptistConvention (SBC) has continued to grow, prima-rily on the twin tiers of evangelism and churchplanting. Not surprisingly, growth brings with itthe need to educate new believers and congrega-tions on SBC denominational structure and life.To this end, David Bunch’s, A Southern BaptistPrimer: How the Southern Baptist DenominationFunctions, has been revised and updated.
It is the desire of the North AmericanMission Board (NAMB) to equip all SouthernBaptists with the knowledge necessary to be fullparticipants in the rich opportunities the Lordhas given our denomination to serve Him faith-fully. A Southern Baptist Primer is an excellenttool for understanding the various functions ofthe Convention and how to access and workwithin denominational structures.
Additionally, I would like to thank TomCheyney and David Putman of the ChurchPlanting Group, Readiness Team for seeing theneed to help church planters and young pastorslearn more about our great Convention. TheCompass I: SBC Church Planter Start-up Kit thathosts this work is an excellent tool for training
men of God about working within the SBC.I would like to thank Tal Davis and Bill
Gordon for their input into the necessary revi-sions of this primer. I would also like to thankthe secretarial staff of the Interfaith EvangelismTeam for their expeditious work in preparing themanuscript in its revised form. Finally, my thanksgo out to the various SBC agencies that providedup-to-date information.
Rudolph D. GonzalezDirector, Interfaith EvangelismNorth American Mission Board
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), withapproximately 42,775 cooperating churches
and a membership of 16,247,736 in 2002, is thesecond largest religious body in the United States.A knowledge of the denominational structure helpsin understanding how missionary activities areaccomplished, evangelism and church planting arepromoted, benevolences are supported and financesare allocated.
This is a primer to understand the denomina-tion, not an exhaustive discussion about theSouthern Baptist Convention and its organizations.
Even though this is not a discussion of theolo-gy, theology provides the basis for organization.Baptists believe that the Bible is the guide for allfaiths, beliefs, and practices. Baptist theologyemphasizes the competency of an individual toapproach God in faith, salvation, and discipleship.This theology influences the structure and activitiesof the local church. The church, as a community ofbelievers, is to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ,to aid the development of believers, to aid believersin ministering to others and in sharing their faithto evangelize the world with the good news of JesusChrist. Denominational organizations, influencedby the accepted theology, are to help individualsand churches, local associations and state conven-tions, as well as local assemblies of believers.“Unless Christ is magnified, we have nothing tosay. Unless the lost are redeemed and the redeemedinstructed, we have little to do,”1 wrote James L.Sullivan about the denomination.
The objective of the denomination is to aidlocal churches. The denomination is not viewed asa superstructure, a hierarchical system, or a presby-terial structure. The denomination, both local andnational expressions, is considered as an extensionof the churches, rather than the churches anenhancement of it. In the discussion about howchurches relate to the denomination, you will notethe direction of financial flow and controls withinthe structure. The denomination is an avenue for achurch to accomplish the commission of our Lordby collective action and cooperative pooling offinances in ways which the commission could not
be implemented by a church alone.The church is a corporate group of believers in
Jesus Christ as the only Savior, committed togetherfor worship, fellowship, teaching, discipling, andextending the kingdom of God.
The local church is a concept with practicalimplications. Even though all Christians of theworld are a community, it is the local church struc-ture that is the practical demonstration of theincarnation. The local church is the place to wor-ship, fellowship, do evangelism, have corporateprayer, structure into teaching activities that createChristian growth, do the social acts that provide forthe needs of people and bring our tithes and offer-ings.
The autonomy, or self-governing, of a localchurch is important to Baptists. But autonomy is inthe context of the lordship and commission of JesusChrist the Savior. Autonomy is always balancedwith the interdependence of churches, thus thevalue of autonomous churches is enhanced throughcooperation. Violating the teachings and conceptsof Jesus in the claims of autonomy is hypocrisy –impossible. Autonomy enables churches to deter-mine their activities and procedures. Autonomy isnot a license to criticize fellow Christians, denyindividuals their calling, withhold missions involve-ment or misinterpret Scriptures. Autonomy pro-vides the ability to do the work of God in the localcontext in a manner more productive for the king-dom of God.
The association is “a self-governing fellowshipof autonomous churches sharing a common faithand are on mission in their setting. Its purpose is toenable churches to be in active fellowship and to beon mission, individually and together, in their set-ting.”22
The Southern Baptist Convention, which meetsannually, is composed of messengers3 from church-es that are in “friendly cooperation with thisConvention and sympathetic with its purposes andwork and have during the fiscal year precedingbeen bona fide contributors to the Convention’swork.”4
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Introduction
The Southern Baptist denomination is the totalof all Southern Baptist life including, but not limit-ed to, the churches, the membership, associations,institutions, entities, benevolences, state conven-tions, colleges, seminaries, commissions, andboards.
Cooperation is a key word in understandingSouthern Baptists. The 42,775 local churches, com-posed of more than 16 million believers, are boundtogether by cooperative action rather than signeddocuments, contracts, or creeds. Southern Baptistscooperate to facilitate missions, evangelism, churchplanting, benevolences, Christian education, andother ministries that emerge from the teachings ofJesus.
Practical ways in which Southern Baptists coop-erate are through financial systems and plannedactivities that promote the kingdom of God. Thefinancial systems are: (1) the Cooperative Program,(2) associational mission gifts, and (3) special offer-ings. Planned activities include leader trainingevents, rallies, conferences, simultaneous eventssuch as revivals, Vacation Bible Schools, annualmeetings, and support of educational and benevo-lent institutions.
Participation in Southern Baptist life is contin-gent upon (1) financial contributions through theCooperative Program and to local associations, and(2) participation in functions that address min-istries, missions, evangelistic outreach (churchplanting efforts), training, fellowship, and develop-ment of institutions. The theology and polity of adenomination ultimately is delineated by activities.Activities, which demonstrate that churches are par-ticipating with the Southern Baptist Convention,are (1) cooperation in functions and meetings topromote common goals and (2) giving fundsthrough the channels of mission support whichinclude the Cooperative Program, associationalmission gifts, and special offerings.
How does one identify with Southern Baptists?
An individual may identify with Southern Baptistsby becoming a member of a cooperating church.The church identifies by being in fellowship (see“How Local Churches Relate to Other SBCOrganizations” in this manual.). These tend toidentify people and churches called SouthernBaptists:
1. Accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as theonly Savior and Lord.
2. Believe in the Bible as the Word of God.3. Have a genuine concern to bring all people
to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.4. Have an attitude of cooperation that enables
the collective larger group to do more thanseveral individual efforts.
5. Subscribe to the body of beliefs commonlyassociated with Baptists: the authority andsufficiency of the Scriptures; responsibilityand competency of the individual to come toGod through Jesus Christ; salvation as God’sgift of divine grace received through repen-tance and faith; regenerated church member-ship; each church as an autonomous body ofimmersed believers redeemed by Jesus; theordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supperas symbols and reminders; and religious lib-erty for all.5
6. Participate in Southern Baptist sponsoredactivities.
7. Contribute financially through the financialplans.
8. Identify with the local association accordingto its bylaws.
9. Cooperate with state and national conven-tions.
5
Notes __________________________________________________________________________________1. Sullivan, James L., Polity As I See It (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1982), p. 15.2. Bradley, J. C., Associational Base Design (Atlanta: Home Mission Board), p. III: 33. See “How Local Churches Relate to Other Southern Baptist Organizations” in this manual. 4 1983 Southern Baptist Convention Annual (Nashville: Executive Committee, 1983), p.4.5 A more comprehensive study may include “The Baptist Faith and Message” and “Baptist Ideals” available at LifeWay Christian
Stores.
How Southern Baptists Function in Organizational Relationships
THE CHURCH
Established by Jesus Christcomposed of believers in Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, Savior and Lord,who are baptized,
who are committed, andwho are congregated.
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Relationships in the denomination begin withthe primacy of the local church. The local church isthe center of Southern Baptist life. Into the church,believers are baptized, members are brought andnourished, and tithes are given. From the church,witnesses go to the local community and to theworld; the “called out” (ministers, missionaries,teachers, and leaders) come; and financial andpersonnel resources to do God’s work are madeavailable.
The local church is primary in Southern Baptiststructure because (1) it is the entity that our Lordestablished to continue His kingdom’s ministry onthe earth, and (2) it is the place where people con-fess their faith, train, serve, find strength, and sharetheir resources with the needs of the world.
Local churches are composed of those whobelieve in Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Lordand who, upon their profession (commitment) offaith in Jesus Christ, are baptized by immersionunder the auspices of the church, who request tobecome members of that church and who areaccepted by vote of the members. Membershipentitles one to participate in church decisions, holdoffice in the church, and represent the church whenduly elected. A person becomes a member of a
Baptist church in one of three ways:
1. Profession of faith in Christ followed by bap-tism (immersion) under the auspices of thechurch.
2. Transfer of letter from another church of“like faith and order,” which is one thatholds the body of beliefs commonly associat-ed with Southern Baptists.
3. Statement, which is the declaration that theperson previously has been a member of aBaptist church of like faith and order andcannot secure a letter of transfer, e.g., thechurch disbanded; records were lost ordestroyed.
Requests for membership are presented to thelocal church. The response of the members presentand voting expresses acceptance of the person intothe corporate membership of that local church.
Local churches determine their membershipand how tithes and offerings are allocated. Theyown their own properties, call their pastors andother staff, ordain deacons, ordain pastors, electtheir organizational leaders, and determine theirannual calendar of activities.
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The Local Church
THE CHURCH
Receives believers into the fellowship
Has elected leaders:PastorsDeaconsOther
Worships and evangelizes
Receives tithes and offerings
Performs Christian missions and benevolences
Does Discipleship Training
Does leader training
42,775 Churches in SBC
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A church has leaders and officers that enable itto function. Larger churches demand more struc-ture than smaller ones. The local church determineswhat officers are needed and elects them.
A church receives tithes and offerings. Thechurch, in business session, determines how thesefunds are distributed. Most churches have theseitems in the budget (guidelines for distributingfunds): missions, salaries, operation expenses, building provisions.
The missions distribution in a Southern Baptistchurch normally includes these items: CooperativeProgram associational missions, local missions, andother benevolences.
Southern Baptist churches are located in theUnited States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and adjacentislands, American Samoa, and Guam. Churchesorganize into associations, state conventions, and anational convention. Associations and conventionsoften form boards, committees, agencies, and com-missions to help churches establish new localchurches and to aid in the ministry of cooperatingchurches.
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The Church Functioning
THE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Messengers from churches form an ASSOCIATION
FUNCTIONSFellowship/ReportsEvangelism/MissionsDoctrinal IntegrityLeader TrainingOther Activities
LEADERS are:Director of MissionsModeratorTreasurerClerkOthers as neededCommittees, e.g.
Credential CommitteeEvangelism CouncilMissions Development Council
Over 1,200 Associations
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Notes1. Associational Strategy Team, North American Mission Board, SBC. 2. Bradley, Associational Base Design, p.II:3.3. Some newer state conventions have placed doctrinal qualifications in the bylaws.
11
Churches cluster into units called associations(note illustration). The 1,230 associations1 normallyare formed along county or city lines. In newerSouthern Baptist regions, associations often coverseveral counties or a larger geographical area. Thenumber of churches relating to an association variesfrom a few to more than 300.
Associations are autonomous and have bylawsthat govern policies, procedures and decisions of theorganization and its leaders. “The association seeksto accomplish its purpose through the pursuit ofthree functions: (1) to nurture fellowship, (2) toassist churches, (3) to act together in joint ven-tures.”2
The annual meeting of an association is impor-tant because its leaders are elected, a budget isadopted, policies are determined and reports arereceived. The executive of the association is called adirector of missions or associational missionary. Theassociation elects a moderator to preside over themeetings and attend to related duties. Other neededofficers are elected.
The association aids local churches in theseareas:
1. Fellowship/Reports. The association is devel-oped to provide a way for churches to cometogether and share God’s blessings during thepast year. The annual meeting is a highlightfor churches. A letter of report is read duringthe annual meeting, enabling churches torejoice in God’s blessings. Today, the annualmeeting is a time of reports, business, fellow-ship and celebration. The official report,which is the Annual Church Profile, is com-pleted and sent to the associational clerk, whoforwards a copy to the state convention and
the national office. The national office com-piles annual data reports from all the churchreporting. Most associations publish AnnualMinutes that contain the reports from thechurches.
2. Missions/Evangelism. The association aids thechurches in missions/evangelism endeavors.Missions and evangelism are the basis ofcooperation.
3. Doctrinal Integrity. The association normallyis the organization3 in the Southern Baptistdenomination that examines the theologicalstatement of the local church in regard tocooperation. A local church submits its state-ment of belief and practice to the associationfor examination and acceptance prior tobecoming a part of the association’s fellow-ship.
4. Leader Training. Training conferences areconducted in the association for church lead-ers. Denominational agencies train leaderswho conduct training conferences in associa-tions for church leaders in Sunday School,Discipleship Training, evangelism, VacationBible School, music, men’s and women’s min-istries, and Woman’s Missionary Union.
5. Other Activities. The association may engagein other functions to strengthen the ministryof churches, such as benevolent institutionsor ministry institutions. Some associationshave institutions, such as camps, shelters forthe needy or elderly housing, which are con-sidered to be extensions of local churches tohelp believers accomplish their ministry.
The Association
STATE CONVENTIONS
Messengers from churches form a STATE CONVENTION
FUNCTIONSEvangelism/MissionsBenevolencesEducationLeader TrainingDenominational InformationAnnuitiesOther
BUDGET
OFFICERS AND STAFF
42 State Conventions
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Churches cooperate in organizations called stateconventions, now numbering 42. Most state con-ventions are formed in individual states. Somenewer state conventions include two or more politi-cal states, e.g., Northwest (Washington andOregon) and Kansas-Nebraska. Churches within astate may form a state convention at will; however,the SBC and its entities, also being autonomous,determine their conditions for recognizing a stateconvention. A state, or group of states, forming astate convention, in order to be eligible as a Baptiststate convention to receive funding by the NorthAmerican Mission Board (NAMB) must have:1. A record of five years of cooperative relations
with Southern Baptist work2. A minimum number of churches and church
membership, one year before organizationalmeeting of the convention of : (1) 80 constitutedchurches and 12,000 members, or (2) 70 consti-tuted churches and 13,500 members, or (3) 60constituted churches and 15,000 members.
3. Practice of the churches making up theConvention of giving an average of at least 10percent of their undesignated receipts throughthe Cooperative Program.
4. No more than 60 percent of the churches receiv-ing assistance from NAMB.
5. The ability to assume a minimum percentage(10%) of the missions and evangelism coopera-tive budget expenditures within the territory ofthe state convention.
6. A five-year continuous relationship of thechurches in a regional fellowship organizationsponsored by the conventions with which theyare affiliated.
7. A fund established by the churches with whichto begin convention operations equal to at leasttwo months’ cost of operation. Other SouthernBaptist agencies normally follow these guidelinesalso. A state convention is eligible to have repre-sentatives on SBC boards and agencies whenthere is a minimum of 25,000 members in coop-erating churches.
Functions of the state convention are:1. Evangelism/Missions. Sate conventions are major
leaders in evangelism/mission strategy. A major
expenditure of funds is for evangelism and mis-sions.
2. Benevolences. The state convention assumes thetask for benevolences whose costs are more thanlocal feasibility, e.g., children’s homes, hospitals,homes for the aged, and pastors’ annuities.
3. Education. The state convention is the primaryleader in Baptist college education. Most Baptistcolleges are related to state conventions. A largeexpenditure in some state budgets is for colleges.
4. Leader Training. In recent years, the state con-vention has assumed a large role in training lead-ers for Sunday School, Discipleship Training,Student and Collegiate Ministries, Men’sMinistries, and Woman’s Missionary Union.LifeWay Christian Resources, Woman’s Missionary Union, the North American MissionBoard, and other SBC entities work with stateleaders to do continuing training for church andassociational leaders.
5. Denominational Information. The state Baptistnewspaper is the accepted medium to informchurch members about happenings and issues ofparticular interest.
6. Annuity and Insurance for Church Leaders.Each state convention develops a contract withthe SBC Annuity Board to provide an annuityand insurance plan for church leaders. Moneysfrom state Cooperative Program receipts helpfund the annuity plan.
7. Other. The state convention may engage in otheractivities that will enhance its ministry, such aschurch building, pastoral counseling, and confer-ence centers.State conventions have bylaws that govern poli-
cies, procedures, decisions by leaders, and conditionsfor churches to cooperate. The annual meeting of astate convention is a very important meeting becausebudgets are adopted, leaders are elected, policies aredetermined, and reports are received.
The president, in most state conventions is anelected, non-salaried officer for the purpose ofmoderating the annual session and attending torelated duties. Other officers and leaders are electedas needed.
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The State Convention
THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
Messengers from churches form theSOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
FUNCTIONSMissions/EvangelismChristian EducationChristian LiteratureBenevolencesSocial ServicesMinisterial CommissionsStanding Committees
BUDGETOFFICERS AND STAFF
14
Churches through the messenger system formeda national convention called the Southern BaptistConvention in 1845. The first Baptist organizationto support missions was formed in 1707, thePhiladelphia Baptist Association. The second wasformed in Charleston, S.C., in 1751.
The SBC is a national organization composed ofmessengers from cooperative autonomous Baptistchurches that support its missionary, benevolent,and education causes.
The purpose of the SBC is “to provide a generalorganization for Baptists in the United States, itsterritories, and Canada for the promotion ofChristian missions at home and abroad and anyother objects such as Christian education, benevo-lent enterprises, and social services which it maydeem proper and advisable for the furtherance ofthe kingdom of God.”1
Immediately after organizing, the SBC decidedto have a Foreign Mission Board and a Home(Domestic) Mission Board. A publishing house, theSunday School Board, was established in 1891 inNashville, Tenn. Theological education was estab-lished through the Southern Baptist TheologicalSeminary in 1859, first located in Greenville S.C.,now located in Louisville, Ky.
The SBC selected “boards” to implement mis-sions, evangelism, education, and benevolences. The“board” procedure provided for the annualConvention meeting to elect individuals to form aboard of directors, which was charged to act inbehalf of the SBC and to carry out its wishes. Theboard of directors was responsible to the messengersin the annual session of the Convention for itsactions. Persons composing the board were electedfor specific terms. The board was responsible formanaging the agency or institution according to thecharter, Articles of Incorporation or stated guide-lines. A “commission” was similar to a “board”except it had a more narrow assignment for serviceministry to churches and agencies. A “committee”was a task force that performed a specific assign-ment of the Convention.
Another procedure to implement an extensionof a convention was called a “society.” A society wascomposed of persons interested in an activity. Thegroup was self-determining and self-perpetuating. Aconvention could not control and could not electpersons to a society. The society approach wasrejected by Southern Baptists.2
Southern Baptists want control over their enti-ties, thus they elect boards to direct activities, whichare extensions of church ministries. The SBCboards, institutions, commissions, committees, andassociated organizations are:
BoardsAnnuity BoardInternational Mission BoardLifeWay Christian ResourcesNorth American Mission Board
InstitutionsSeminaries
Golden Gate Baptist Theological SeminaryMidwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryNew Orleans Baptist Theological SeminarySoutheastern Baptist Theological SeminarySouthern Baptist Theological SeminarySouthwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southern Baptist FoundationThe Christian Ethics and Religious Liberty
Commission
CommitteesAnnual Convention CommitteesExecutive CommitteeStanding Committees of the Convention
Order of Business Denominational Calendar
Auxiliary OrganizationsBaptist World AllianceWoman’s Missionary Union
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The Southern Baptist Convention
Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU does notreceive funds from the Cooperative Program), organizedin 1888, is an auxiliary to the Southern BaptistConvention. It provides programs, publications, andpromotion for mission education, mission action, andmission support. The WMU is an integral part of theorganization in most local churches, associations, andstate conventions.
The SBC has offices for its Executive Committee inNashville, Tenn. The Executive Committee assists theSBC in carrying out its purpose, acts as the SBC adinterim in matters not already assigned, is the fiscalagent of SBC funds, and promotes the SBC as a whole.The chief officer for the Executive Committee is calledthe President and Chief Executive Officer.
The SBC has bylaws that govern the policies, proce-dures, decisions by leaders and conditions for churchesto cooperate.
The annual meeting of the SBC is most importantbecause the budget, which includes the allocation ofreceived Cooperative Program funds, is adopted; offi-cers, members of committees, commissions, and boardsare elected; policies are determined; and reports arereceived from the agencies. The president is an elected,non-salaried officer. Other officers and leaders are elect-ed as needed.
16
Notes __________________________________________________________________________________1. 1983 Southern Baptist Convention Annual (Nashville: Executive Committee 1983), p.42. The Southern Baptist Convention was organized in 1845 partly because churches did not agree with the society approach.
Cooperation: Churches Relate through a Spiritof Cooperation
Local churches choose to cooperate withSouthern Baptist denominational organizations;they do not belong to the Southern BaptistConvention. Churches belong to Jesus Christ.Churches relate to one another in organizationsbecause they choose to cooperate in missions andbenevolences to expand their ministries and to haveresources available to help develop their members.
Churches relate to one another through a spiritof cooperation and a commitment to common caus-es. The commitment to evangelism, church plant-ing, short-term missions, and basic biblicalChristianity binds Southern Baptists together. Thespirit of cooperation is the first relationship thatleads to formal participation. Without the spirit ofoneness and purpose, formal participation becomesempty. Southern Baptists receive their structuralstrength from a spirit of cooperation to do the tasksof evangelism, missions, and benevolences commis-sioned by our Lord.
Messengers and Annual Meetings: ChurchesParticipate Through Messengers and AnnualMeetings
Churches relate to the association, state conven-tion, and Southern Baptist Convention throughmessengers elected by the churches. The churchelects messengers1 to the association in accordancewith the associational bylaws, to the state conven-tion in accordance with the state convention’sbylaws, and to the Southern Baptist Convention inaccordance with SBC bylaws. A messenger is amember of a local church, elected by that church toattend the annual meeting and to vote on issues pre-sented. The messenger is autonomous and votes apersonal decision, based on the presented facts andnot the predetermined decision of the sending body.Decisions made by messengers are binding on thatgroup (association or convention) but are not bind-
ing on the local church. The messenger is not a del-egate. (A delegate is one who is sent from an organi-zation to a larger body, who votes on issues present-ed, and the decisions are binding, both on the largerbody and the sending organization. A delegate maybe instructed how to vote on issues.)
Annual meetings of the association, state andnational conventions are the decision-making eventsfor the organizations. The church participates in thedecision by sending messengers to annual meetings.Most state conventions and associations have execu-tive boards that make decisions ad interim.
Finances: Churches Participate through FinancesThe local church cooperates with other churches
in forming organizations (associations and conven-tions) through which the local church is aided toexpand its ministries. The local church is represent-ed in annual meetings of the association and con-ventions through messengers. The church partici-pates in Southern Baptist life by helping finance itsministries and activities. Tithes and offerings frombelievers are received by the church. Each churchdetermines how this money is used to do the workof the kingdom of God.
The church relates to other churches by helpingto finance common causes. Financial systems, whichrelate the local church to denominational causes, arethe associational missions gifts, CooperativeProgram, and special offerings.
Thus, most churches have these budget items:Missions
Cooperative ProgramAssociational missions giftsLocal missionsOther
PersonnelMinistriesOperationsBuildings
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How Local Churches Relate to OtherSouthern Baptist Organizations
Association, State Convention, and National Convention
Note __________________________________________________________________________________1. A study of messengers can be found in The Association in Baptist History, ed. Lynn E. May Jr. (Nashville, Tenn.: Historical
Commission, SBC), April 1982, pp. 3-10.
Through a spirit of cooperationThrough messengers and annual meetings
Through mission giftsThrough participating in mutual events
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HOW CHURCHES RELATE TO THE DENOMINATION
ASSOCIATION
FunctionsFellowship/ReportsMissions/EvangelismDoctrinal IntegrityLeader TrainingOther Activities
LeadersDirector of MissionsModeratorTreasurerClerkOthers as neededCommittees, e.g.
CredentialsMissions Development Council
Over 1,200 associations
STATE CONVENTION
FunctionsEvangelism/MissionsBenevolencesEducationLeader TrainingDenominational InformationAnnuitiesOther
BudgetOfficers and Staff42 State Conventions
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
FunctionsMissions/EvangelismChristian LiteratureChristian EducationBenevolencesSocial ServicesMinisterial AnnuityCommissionsStanding Committees
BudgetOfficers and StaffLocal Churches
The Southern Baptist financial plan enables min-istries to be conducted. The plan includes associationalgifts, Cooperative Program, and special offerings.
Gifts:
Associational Missions GiftsThe financial plan between the church and the asso-
ciation is called associational mission gifts. Each localchurch normally includes support for the association inits budget, averaging from 2 percent to 5 percent ofundesignated tithes and offerings. The association plansexpenditures each year at the annual meeting by adopt-ing a budget. The annual association is composed ofmessengers from cooperating churches. These messen-gers determine how the money is allocated.
Cooperative ProgramThe Cooperative Program (CP), formulated in
1925, is the financial plan that enables cooperatingchurches to make a single contribution which is dis-bursed to missions, evangelism, institutions and benevo-lent causes in the budgets of the state convention andSouthern Baptist Convention.
A definition: “The Cooperative Program is a finan-cial channel of cooperation between the state conven-tions and the Southern Baptist Convention, whichmakes it possible for all persons making undesignatedgifts through their church to support the missionary,education, and benevolent work in their own state con-
vention and also the work of the Southern BaptistConvention.”1
Most local Southern Baptist churches have in theirbudgets a mission contribution called the CooperativeProgram. These gifts are usually sent to state conventionoffices. Most churches send these designated gifts eachmonth.
State conventions depend mainly upon the CP formoney to support missions, evangelism, benevolences,and all of its work.
State conventions determine during their annualmeetings the percentage of CP receipts to be sent fornational mission causes and the percentage that will stayin the state. Those funds designated for national mis-sion causes are sent to the SBC Executive Committee inNashville, Tenn., for distribution to SBC boards, insti-tutions, commissions, and committees.
Each state convention adopts a program of workand a budget during its annual meeting, composed ofmessengers elected by the churches. Budgets varyaccording to state needs and resources. Older state con-ventions tend to contribute a larger percentage of theirbudgets for institutions like colleges, children’s homes,home for the aged, and hospitals. Younger conventionswill have a major expenditure in missions, evangelism,and development.
The SBC depends on the Cooperative Program formost of its fund to do missionary and benevolent work.
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How Tithes and Offerings SupportChurches and
All Denominational Causes
Notes1. 1979 Southern Baptist Convention Annual (Nashville: Executive Committee, SBC), p. 30.
Mission Finance from Church to Denomination
20
CHURCH BUDGET
MissionsCooperative ProgramAssociational MissionsLocal MissionsOther Missions
PersonnelMinistriesOperationsBuildings
ASSOCIATION
Budget—Determined inannual meeting includes:
MissionsEvangelismLeader TrainingBenevolencesOther
STATE CONVENTION
Budget—Determined inannual meeting and includes:
MissionsEvangelismCollegesBenevolencesPastors’ AnnuitiesLeader TrainingDenominational
InformationOther
SOUTHERN BAPTISTCONVENTION
Budget—Determined at annualmeeting and includes:
Annuities for PastorsInternational MissionsNorth American
MissionsSeminariesCommissionsCommittee OperationsConvention Operations
Note: Some local churches send their CP offerings directly tothe SBC, rather than through their state convention.
How Cooperative Program and Associational Gifts Flow
21
LOCAL CHURCHGifts through the CPare a portion of undesignated tithes and offerings giventhrough the local church and then distributed tothe local association, the state convention, and/orthe SBC as it determines.
ASSOCIATION Expenditures aredetermined by theassociation in annualmeeting
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTIONCP funds are receivedfrom state conventionsand/or local churches.Funds are then budgetedamong various SBCagencies, seminaries,and commissions as determined by the SBC Executive Committeeand approved at the annualSBC meeting.
STATE CONVENTIONA percentage of CPreceipts is retained by thestate convention for itsmission in the state con-vention’s annual meeting.
Notes ________________________________________________________________________________________________1. 1983 Southern Baptist Convention Annual (Nashville, Tenn.: Executive Committee, SBC), pp. 41-42.2. 1979 Southern Baptist Convention Annual (Nashville, Tenn.: Executive Committee, SBC), pp. 30.3. Each state convention annual carries the budget for the fiscal year. A copy of the annual is available from the state Baptist office.4. A study of a state convention’s receipts reveals the amount received from LifeWay Christian Resources during the fiscal year.
The annual meeting of the SBC is composed ofmessengers elected by cooperating churches. Theannual convention adopts a budget for the follow-ing year. Cooperative Program money from thechurches, in most instances, is sent to the state con-vention. A percentage, as determined by the stateconvention, is then sent to the SBC ExecutiveCommittee. The Convention in session determineshow the mission gifts (Cooperative Program) will bedisbursed. The SBC disburses money only for itemslisted in the budget
The SBC Executive Committee sends themoney received through the Cooperative Programto the boards and agencies according to the adoptedbudget.
Please note that LifeWay Christian Resourcesdoes not receive any Cooperative Program funds.LifeWay’s revenues are used to cover costs of pro-duction; to provide for working capital, capitalneeds, and required reserves; to fund the educationand service programs; to support state conventionsin their work related to LifeWay programs; and toprovide a portion of SBC Executive Committeeoperating expenses. Thus, purchasing literature,books, and supplies provides some funds to helptrain believers and develop new churches.4
While one of the WMU objectives is to pro-mote the Cooperative Program, as an SBC auxiliary,it does not receive CP funds for its operationalexpenses.
Special OfferingsMost churches participate in the regular special
offerings promoted by the conventions and associa-tions. Normal offerings are:
1. The state missions offering is received for specialmissions, evangelism, and benevolent needs in the state. The state convention adopts the offer-ing budget for income and expenditure during itsannual meeting. A study of the state convention
budget reveals the income and how the moneysare used.
2. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® forNorth American Missions is an annual offeringpromoted by the SBC. Most churches receive theoffering during the Easter season. The WMU setsan offering goal, in cooperation with NAMB.The total offering (100%) goes directly toNAMB missions, and none is used for adminis-trative costs.
3. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® forInternational Missions is an annual offering pro-moted by the SBC. Most churches receive theoffering during the Christmas season. The goalfor this offering is set by the WMU, in coopera-tion with the International Mission Board (IMB).The total offering (100%) goes directly to IMBmissions; none is used for administrative costs.
4. Some associations receive a special offering forneeds in the association. Information can beobtained from local association offices.
The financial plans to support mission causesare initiated and resourced in local churches. Allmission gifts (association gifts, CooperativeProgram, and special offerings) are given from thegrace and generosity of believers in local congrega-tions. In turn, these mission gifts perform Christianactivities which extend the ministry of local churches.
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HOW THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION DELEGATES ITS WORK
23
Purpose and Definition of MinistriesThe Southern Baptist Convention acts in
annual session to delegate the tasks to entities calledboards, institutions, committees, and commissionsor associated organizations. Specific tasks or activi-ties that are funded are called ministries. A writtenguideline for a ministry is called a ministry state-ment. Therefore, to understand SBC activities, onemust have knowledge of the ministries, ministrystatements, and the entity to which each ministry isassigned. The SBC adopts a budget to fund theentities that are responsible for the assigned
ministries. The SBC Executive Committee, which isthe trustee of Convention funds, distributes moneysaccording to the budget.
The section on “How Tithes and OfferingsSupport Churches and All DenominationalCauses,” presents the procedures for funds to flowfrom individual believers through churches and stateconventions to the Executive Committee to fundthe agencies responsible for the adopted ministries.
SBC Programs and Services Entity Assigned
African-American Church Multiplication North American Mission Board Anglo Church Multiplication North American Mission BoardAnnie Armstrong Easter Offerings North American Mission Board & Woman's
for North American Mission Missionary UnionAppointing/Supporting Missions Personnel International Mission Board &
North American Mission BoardAsian Church Multiplication North American Mission BoardAssociational Administration Service North American Mission BoardAudience Building for Radio & TV North American Mission Board
Baptist World Alliance Support Executive CommitteeBible Publishing LifeWay Christian ResourcesBookstore Operations LifeWay Christian ResourcesBroadcast Communications North American Mission BoardBroadman/Holman Publishing LifeWay Christian Resources
Chaplaincy Evangelism North American Mission BoardChristian Leadership Development in Foreign Countries International Mission BoardChristian Schools LifeWay Christian ResourcesChristian Ethics Ethics and Religious Liberty CommissionChurch & Community Ministries North American Mission BoardChurch Administration Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch Architecture Service LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch Media Resources LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch Finance Ministry North American Mission BoardChurch Music Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch Planting North American Mission BoardChurch Recreation Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch Services & Materials Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch-State Public Relations Ethics and Religious Liberty CommissionCollegiate Ministries North American Mission Board & LifeWay
Christian ResourcesConference Center Operations LifeWay Christian ResourcesConvention Administration, General (Service) Executive CommitteeConvention Operations (Service) Executive CommitteeConsultative Service in the General Field of Southern Baptist Foundation
Estate PlanningCooperative Education & Promotion Work with LifeWay Christian Resources & Executive State Conventions Committee
Direct Evangelism North American Mission BoardDisaster Relief North American Mission BoardDiscipleship Training LifeWay Christian Resources
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SBC Ministries and Services
Endowment & Capital Giving Executive CommitteeEthnic Church North American Mission BoardEvangelism & Church Development in Foreign Countries International Mission BoardEvangelism Response Center (ERC) North American Mission BoardEvent Evangelism North American Mission Board
Family Evangelism North American Mission BoardFamily Ministry Development LifeWay Christian Resources
Hispanic Church Multiplication North American Mission BoardHuman Needs Ministries in Other Countries International Mission Board
Interfaith Evangelism North American Mission BoardInvestment Management Executive Committee
Leadership Training in Church Music SeminariesLeadership Training in Religious Education SeminariesLeadership Training in Theology SeminariesLottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions International Mission Board & Woman's
Missionary Union
Management of Retirement Annuities Annuity BoardMedia Ministries in Other Countries International Mission BoardMen’s Ministries North American Mission Board & LifeWay
Christian ResourcesMissions Service Corps North American Mission BoardMinister’s Relief Administration Annuity BoardMinistry Evangelism North American Mission BoardMissionary Mobilization North American Mission BoardMission Education North American Mission BoardMoral Issues Ethics and Religious Liberty CommissionMulticultural Evangelism North American Mission BoardMultiethnic Church Multiplication North American Mission Board
National Collegiate Ministries LifeWay Christian Resources
On Mission Celebrations North American Mission Board & International Mission Board
Personal Evangelism North American Mission BoardPrayer Evangelism North American Mission BoardPreaching on Radio & TV North American Mission BoardPublic Relations, General (Services) Executive Committee
Sojourners International Mission BoardSouthern Baptist Convention Support Executive CommitteeSpecial Ministries (Resort) Evangelism North American Mission BoardStewardship Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesStrategic Focus Cities North American Mission BoardStudent Evangelism North American Mission Board
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Sunday School/Bible Study Development LifeWay Christian ResourcesSupporting Services for the Program of WMU Promotion Woman's Missionary Union
Technical Assistance Rendered to individuals, churches,and groups in need of radio and TV information & training North American Mission BoardTown and Country Missions North American Mission Board
US/C2 Missions North American Mission Board
Volunteer Mobilization North American Mission Board & International Mission Board
Woman's Missionary Union Promotion Woman's Missionary UnionWomen’s Ministries LifeWay Christian ResourcesWorld Changers North American Mission Board
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SBC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEThe Executive Committee, organized in 1927,
is composed of members from state conventions andfunctions as an enabling body to assist the churchesand the agencies of the Southern BaptistConvention in carrying out the Great Commissionof Christ.
Mission:The Executive Committee exists to minister to the
churches of the Southern Baptist Convention by act-ing for the Convention ad interim in all matters nototherwise provided for in a manner that encouragesthe cooperation and confidence of the churches, asso-ciations, and state conventions and facilitates maxi-mum support for worldwide missions and ministries.
Vision StatementThe Executive Committee exists to empower
kingdom growth. Our vision is to seek first theKing and His kingdom.
Ministries:1. The Executive Committee assists churches
through conducting and administering thework of the Convention not otherwiseassigned.
2. The Executive Committee assists churches byproviding a Convention news service.
3. The Executive Committee assists churches byproviding a Convention public relations serv-ice.
4. The Executive Committee assists churches,denominational entities, and state conven-tions through estate planning consultationand investment management for funds desig-nated for support of Southern Baptist causes.
5. The Executive Committee assists churchesthrough cooperative giving advancement.
Relationships: The Executive Committee works within the
Southern Baptist Convention entity relationshipguidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Council
and the Executive Committee and printed in theOrganization Manual of the Southern BaptistConvention. It also has the following specific assignments:
1. It acts for the Convention ad interim in thosematters “not otherwise provided for.”
2. It is the fiscal agent for the Convention. Itrepresents the Convention in any legal matterhaving to do with the Convention as a whole.
3. It carries on the general work of promotionand publicity in cooperation with agencies.This includes Baptist Press, the denomina-tional news service, and SBC Life magazine.
4. It presents to the Convention each year acomprehensive budget for the Conventionand for all its entities. It recommends theamount of Convention funds which may beallocated to each cause.
5. The Executive Committee has no controlover any entity, but it is instructed to studythe work of the entities and to make recom-mendations to them or to the Conventionregarding their work.
6. The Executive Committee acts in an advisorycapacity on all questions of cooperationbetween entities and between the SouthernBaptist Convention and state conventions.
7. The Executive Committee maintains an offi-cial organization manual that defines theresponsibilities of each entity. It also developsa report format that enables the entities topresent information to the Convention of aministry basis.
8. The Executive Committee examines theaudits of the entities and is authorized toemploy an auditor to study the audits withthe individual entity auditors in the light ofConvention instructions.
9. The Executive Committee has the responsibili-ty of distributing to the entities theCooperative Program and designated funds,which are received from the state conventions.
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Ministries/Assignments(Entities to Which the Ministries and Services Are Assigned
and the Purpose or Objective of Each)
ETHICS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTYCOMMISSION
Mission: The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
stands ready to assist Southern Baptists in applyingbiblical principles in every relationship and area oftheir lives. To this end, Commission staff takesevery opportunity to preach, teach, speak, educate,and write on critical moral and ethical issues facingour culture. The Commission works to coordinateand to focus Southern Baptists’ interest and impactin matters relating to both private and public moralconcerns in the public policy arena. TheCommission seeks to equip and to energizeSouthern Baptists so they can engage the culturewith the truths of Scripture as informed and com-mitted citizens.
Ministries: 1. The Ethics and Religious Liberty
Commission assists churches in applying theoral and ethical teachings of the Bible to theChristian life.
2. The Ethics and Religious LibertyCommission assists churches through thecommunication and advocacy of moral andethical concerns in the public arena.
3. The Ethics and Religious LibertyCommission assists churches in their moralwitness in local communities.
4. The Ethics and Religious LibertyCommission assists churches and otherSouthern Baptist entities by promotingreligious liberty
Relationships:The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
works within the Southern Baptist Conventionagency relationship guidelines approved by theInter-Agency Council and the Executive Committeeand printed in the Organization Manual of theSouthern Baptist Convention.
BOARDSANNUITY BOARD
Mission:The Annuity Board exists to assist the churches
and other denominational entities by managingretirement annuity services and providing programsof insurance for ministers and other full-timeemployees.
Vision Statement:The Annuity Board exists to honor the Lord by
being a Life Partner with our participants inenhancing their financial security.
Ministries: 1. The Annuity Board assists churches and
denominational entities by managing retire-ment annuities for Southern Baptist ministersand denominational employees.
2. The Annuity Board assists churches anddenominational entities by managing insur-ance services.
3. The Annuity Board assists churches throughrelief to ministers.
Relationships:The Annuity Board will work within the
Southern Baptist Convention agency relationshipguidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Counciland the Executive Committee and printed in theOrganization Manual of the Southern BaptistConvention.
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Mission:The International Mission Board exists to assist
the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention tobe on mission with God in penetrating the unevan-gelized world outside the United States and Canadawith the gospel and making Christ known amongall people.
Vision Statement:The International Mission Boards exists to lead
Southern Baptists to be on mission with God tobring all peoples of the world to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
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Ministries:1. The International Mission Board assists churches
by appointing and supporting international mis-sions personnel.
2. The International Mission Board assists churchesby evangelizing persons and planting churches inother nations, except Canada.
3. The International Mission Board assists churchesby meeting human needs and establishing need-based ministries in other nations, except Canada.
4. The International Mission Board assists churchesby enlisting missions volunteers and coordinat-ing the work of missions volunteers in othernations, except Canada.
Relationships:The International Mission Board will work within
the Southern Baptist Convention agency relationshipguidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Council andthe Executive Committee and printed in theOrganizational Manual of the Southern BaptistConvention.
NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD
Mission:The North American Mission Board exists to pro-
claim the gospel of Jesus Christ, start New Testamentcongregations, and minister to persons in the name ofChrist and to assist churches in the United States andCanada in effectively performing these functions.
Ministries: 1. The North American Mission Board assists
churches by the appointment and support of missionaries in the United States and Canada.
2. The North American Mission Board assistschurches in the ministry of evangelism.
3. The North American Mission Board assistschurches in the establishment of new congrega-tions
4. The North American Mission Board assistschurches through Christian social ministries.
5. The North American Mission Board assistschurches through the involvement and coordina-tion of their members in volunteer missionsthroughout the United States and Canada.
6. The North American Mission Board assistschurches by involving their members in missionsand mission education.
7. The North American Mission Board assistschurches by communicating the gospel through-out the United States and Canada throughcommunication technologies.
8. The North American Mission Board assistschurches by strengthening associations andproviding services to associations.
9. The North American Mission Board assistschurches in relief ministries to victims ofdisaster.
Relationships:The North American Mission Board works within
the Southern Baptist Convention agency relationshipguidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Council andthe Executive Committee and printed in theOrganizational Manual of the Southern BaptistConvention.
LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES
Mission Statement:LifeWay Christian Resources exists to assist
churches and believers to evangelize the world to Christ,develop believers, and grow churches by being the bestprovider relevant, high quality, high value Christianproducts and services.
Vision Statement:As God works through us, we will help people
and churches know Jesus Christ and seek His kingdomby providing biblical solutions that spiritually transformindividuals and cultures.
Ministries:1. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches in
the development of church ministries.2. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches in
ministries to college and university students.3. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches
with Christian schools and home school min-istries.
4. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches inministries to men and women.
5. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churchesthrough the operation of conference centers and camps.
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6. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churchesthrough the publication of books and Bibles.
7. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churchesthrough the operation of LifeWay ChristianStores.
8. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches instewardship education.
9. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churchesthrough church architecture consultation andservices.
10. LifeWay Christian Resources assists churches incapital fund raising
Relationships:LifeWay Christian Resources works within the
Southern Baptist Convention agency relationship guide-lines approved by the Inter-Agency Council and theExecutive Committee and printed in the OrganizationalManual of the Southern Baptist Convention.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES
Mission Statements of SBC Seminaries:Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (GGBTS):
Under the Lordship of Christ, GGBTS provides educa-tional and ministry experiences to shape Christian lead-ers through programs which emphasize spiritual growth,biblically based scholarship, and ministry skills develop-ment—all within a multicultural setting. Dedicated tomissions, GGBTS commits itself to the lives of its stu-dents and to the churches it services. Our dream is tobecome the primary provider of effective Christian lead-ers for the churches of tomorrow.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS):The mission of MBTS is to educate God-called menand women to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christthroughout the world.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS):The mission of NOBTS is to equip leaders to fulfill theGreat Commission and the Great Commandmentsthrough the local church and its ministries.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBETS):The mission of SEBTS is to equip, train, and mobilizeGod-called men and women to impact the world forChrist. SEBTS encourages the formation of Christianthought and character in the pursuit of God’s calling,which requires a close, personal walk with Jesus Christ.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS): Underthe Lordship of Jesus Christ, the mission of SBTS is tobe totally committed to the Bible as the Word of Godand to be a servant of the churches of the SBC by train-ing, educating, and preparing ministers of the gospel formore faithful service.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS):SWBTS exists to prepare God-called men and womenfor vocational service in Baptist churches and in otherChristian ministries throughout the world through pro-grams of spiritual development, theological studies, andpractical preparation in ministry.
Ministries:1. Southern Baptist theological seminaries assist
churches by programs of pre-baccalaureate andbaccalaureate theological education for ministers.
2. Southern Baptist theological seminaries assistchurches by programs of masters level theologi-cal education for ministers
3. Southern Baptist theological seminaries assistchurches by programs of professional doctoraleducation for ministers.
4. Southern Baptist theological seminaries assistchurches by programs of research doctoral edu-cation for ministers and theological educators.
5. Southern Baptist theological seminaries assistchurches through the administration of theSouthern Baptist historical library and archives.
Relationships:Southern Baptist theological seminaries will work
within the Southern Baptist Convention agency relationship guidelines approved by the Inter-AgencyCouncil and the Executive Committee and printed inthe Organizational Manual of the Southern BaptistConvention.
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AUXILIARY ORGANIZATION
WOMAN’S MISSIONARY UNION (WMU)
Mission:National WMU promotes Christian missions
through the organization of Woman’s Missionary Unionand the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Vision Statement:National WMU provides mission resources that
rekindle a passion for God’s mission among God’s people.
Ministries:1. The Woman’s Missionary Union offers support-
ing services for the program of Woman’sMissionary Union promotion.
2. WMU is an auxiliary to the SBC, which meansthat it acts as a “helper” to the SBC. The auxil-iary status also means that WMU is self-govern-ing and self-supporting.
Since its beginning in 1888, WMU has become thelargest Protestant missions organization of women inthe world, with a membership of approximately 1 mil-lion. Its main purpose is to educate and involve women,girls, and preschoolers in the cause of Christian mis-sions.
ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS
BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE
Mission:To empower and enable national Baptist leaders to
effectively witness and minister in the name of JesusChrist and to represent and support Baptists through-out the world in defense of human rights and religiousfreedom.
Vision Statement:The Baptist World Alliance unites Baptists world-
wide for global impact for Christ in fellowship, evangel-ism, justice, and aid.
Ministries:The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 210
Baptist Unions and conventions comprising in member-ship of more than 47 million baptized believers. Thisrepresents a community of approximately 110 millionBaptists ministering in more than 200 countries. TheBaptist World Alliance (BWA) unites Baptists world-wide, leads in world evangelism, responds to people inneed and defends human rights.
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A Simple ViewA simple view of missionaries is that one feels God’s
call to missions; preparation is made spiritually, physi-cally, educationally, and experientially; then one isappointed by one of the mission boards.
A missionary must demonstrate his or her call andbe adequately prepared. The mission boards are respon-sible for appointing qualified missionaries.1 Restrictionsare placed on mission boards by available moneys andfield opportunities. The greater restriction is availablemoney. When resources are limited, the boards strive toaddress priorities.
The North American Mission Board has agreementswith all state conventions regarding missionary person-nel. Personnel is provided to aid the development andexpansion of missions, evangelism, and ministries incooperation with state leaders in order to have a unifiedmission strategy and direction in a state. NorthAmerican Mission Board leaders aid state leaders indeveloping strategies and activities to implement themission, evangelism and ministry outreach. Thus, theappointment of a missionary or the assignment of amissions volunteer by the North American MissionBoard is in response to a request by a missionary,church leader, associational leader, or state leader. Thesending of North American missionaries is a vital partof the North American Mission Board. The called ofGod come from churches and are sent into missionsendeavors as resources, in keeping with a state-by-statestrategy to evangelize and minister.
The International Mission Board is responsible tosend missionaries outside North America. The appoint-ment of missionaries and the assignment of volunteersare made as funds are available and opportunities areopen. New fields are staffed by missionaries. When localchurches are established and leaders are developed theInternational Mission Board seeks to develop an indigenous organization, which develops a strategy
to evangelize and establish churches. Missionaries aresent in response to requests from the field. TheInternational Mission Board continues to send mission-aries to new countries and also provides assistance ofpersonnel, equipment, and money to indigenous Baptistorganizations in countries where the ministry is estab-lished.
The boards respond to the called and qualified per-son who desires to serve in missions. However, becauseof qualifications and restrictions, the boards are not ableto appoint or assign all who come to them.
North American Missionaries
How North American Missionaries Relate to theDenomination
The strategic plan for selection, approval/appoint-ment, placement, supervision, and support of jointlyfunded missionary personnel shall confirm to proce-dures and requirements as set forth in the CooperativeAgreement between the state convention and NAMBand adopted by the boards of the two entities.
International MissionariesThe appointed missionary and the assigned volun-
teer are sent to a ministry in response to a request froma foreign field. The career missionary is assigned to aministry in a local setting. The missionary relates to oneof eight area directors (e.g., Southeast Asia area director)and to the overseas office of the International MissionBoard. These relationships are for reporting, planning,resources, and supervision. When missions personnelare appointed and assigned, it is the result of an overseasrequest for personnel made by a mission and approvedby an area director.
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How Missionaries Relate to Boards and Ministries
Notes__________________________________________________________________________________________________1. For more information about appointment procedures and qualifications of missionaries contact the personnel units of the
Boards.
How North American Missionaries Are AppointedHow do North American missionaries go to the field?
Most North American missionaries follow this process.
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Local Church:A member is calledto be a missionary.
Missionary prepares.
The associational leader may have input.
The church/person makesa request for appointmentwith the North AmericanMission Board.
A church, mission, institution, state,association, or ministrycalls the person as a missionary, pendingappointment.
North American MissionBoard reviews andprocesses the applicant’s file.
Recommendation is made to the ministryleader involved in the missions project.
Information may goto the association.
Appointment and assignment are complet-ed and missionary goesto the field.
State missions leaders areconsulted for approval andinvolvement in funding.
There are some exceptions to the normal procedure. One variance is that the church planter apprentices areselected by North American Mission Board leaders through a process. Potential missionaries are then interviewedby state, associational, or local leaders and accepted by them before the North American Mission Board’sPersonnel Deployment Team becomes involved. Apprentices, once appointed, are placed by the Church PlantingGroup, in cooperation with local, associational, and state leaders.
How North American Missionaries Relate to the Denomination
34
Local church, sponsoringchurch, pastor, or missions committee
The missionary has a definite relationship with leaders in many areas of the denomination. In this example, themissionary has a direct relationship with the sponsoring church, the associational leader, the state missions leader,and the North American Mission Board’s ministry leader. All relationships should be understood as support andresource systems to give guidance in the mission/evangelism activities and aid in personal growth of the missionary.
Association:Director of Associational
Missions
ChurchesMissionary comes from
a local church.
State ConventionMissions Leaders
Southern BaptistConvention
North AmericanMission Board ministry leaders
and officesMissionary serves in missionchurch or ministry
35
Human resources come from the localchurches. The missionary candidatepresents himself/herself to the IMBand is screened by the Personnel Selection Department in reference tofield requests that come from the 103 missionaries and are approved by thearea director.
LOCAL CHURCHMissionary Candidate
Personnel SelectionDepartment, InternationalMission Board
Area Office, IMB
OverseasMissions
Once on the field, the missionary relates to the local mission and to the national Baptist constituency for workand fellowship. Supervision comes form the area director in the office of Overseas Operations.
How International Missionaries Are Appointed and Relate to the Denomination
36
Conclusion
The conclusion to this writing is a hope—a hopethat you understand with greater clarity the waySouthern Baptist local churches relate to one anotherin the entity we call a denomination.
You will notice from the diagrams that the church-es are foremost, and denominational structure andfunction are subservient to the churches. A pyramid orinverted pyramid to show church and denominationalrelationship is erroneous because each organizationalentity is autonomous.
The messenger system is peculiar to SouthernBaptist life. Yet, it is the key to our interdependenceand freedom. It enables us to function in a practicalway without demanding uniformity and creedalism.
Perhaps a discussion about how SBC committees,commissions, boards, institutions, and associatedorganizations relate to local churches would be benefi-cial. Also, organizational and personnel structures for
agencies could be studied. The agency charts, whichwere included, are primarily for illustration. My focusis a primer about Southern Baptist denominationalrelationships.
History reveals that Southern Baptists began witha highly cooperative spirit and with interdependenceand autonomy helping form the structure. DevelopingBaptist polity has brought struggle—the struggle withextreme autonomy to a proposed semi-creed or state-ment of cardinal Baptist beliefs. Our structure has sur-vived, providing a vehicle for local churches to cooper-ate in evangelism and missions, producing a globalvoice proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, ourSavior and Lord.
The “Baptist Faith and Message” was developedearly in SBC life and has continued to guide the SBCin its doctrinal and biblical stance in ministering to itspeople.
Resources for Further Study1. Church Study Course Awards System, 127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 372342. Duncan, Pope A., Our Baptist History. Nashville: Convention Press, 1958.3. Hobbs, Herschel H., “The Baptist Faith and Message.” Nashville: Broadman Press, 1978.4. McClellan, Albert, “Meet Southern Baptists.” Nashville: Broadman Press, 1978.5. Mullens, E.Y., Baptist Beliefs. Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1955.6. Seminary External Education Division, 901 Commerce St., Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37203
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Appendix One ______________________________________Southern Baptist Convention Flowchart
of Elections and Appointments1
Annual Convention Elects(in June)
Appoints
Nominates
Annual Convention Elects(June one year later)
Nominates
Annual Convention Elects(June two years later)
Determines Policies and Elects Leaders
Note1. Adapted from Jerry A. Johnson’ chart, 1998.
38
President
Committee on Committees
Committee on Nominations
Board of Trustees
Annuity BoardEthics and Religious Liberty Commission
International Mission BoardLifeWay Christian Resources
North American Mission BoardSix Seminaries, plus Canadian Baptist
Theological Seminary
Appendix Two ______________________________________International Mission BoardAdministrative Chart (2003)
39
International PrayerStrategy Office
Office of FinanceOffice of Missionary
Personnel
Leadership Development
Human Needs Volunteers in Missions Missionary Orientation
Missionary Health &Family Ministries
Media Services Furlough Training
Jenkins Libraries & Mission Information
Analysis Center
ICEL CurriculumDevelopment
Overseas Services
40
Executive Assistant
Office of Public Relations
Office of OverseasOperations
Office of GlobalInformation Systems
President
Executive Vice President
14 Regional LeadersGeneral
AdministrationStrategy Coordinator
& MobilizationWorld A Strategies
global Research
Evangelism & ChurchGrowth
AdministrativeAssociates
Strategy Associates
Richmond Associates
Appendix Three ____________________________________LifeWay Christian ResourcesAdministrative Chart 2003
41
President
Executive Vice President& Chief Operating Officer
Corporate AffairsChurch Growth Group
Vice PresidentInternational Department
CommunicationsDepartment
Bible Teaching Reaching Division
Discipleship & FamilyDevelopment. Division
Church Leadership Services Division
Executive Vice President& Chief Operating Officer
Glorieta ConferenceCenter
Ridgecrest Conference Center
AdministrativeManagement
Leadership &Evangelism Dept.
Biblical StudiesDept.
Associate Director
LeadershipDepartment
Adult Department
Marketing/PlanningDepartment
Business SupportServices Dept.
Sales & CustomerService Dept.
Associate Director
MulticulturalLeadership Dept.
Pastor-StaffLeadership Dept.
MagazineDepartment
Youth-Children-Preschool Dept.
National StudentMinistry
Church ArchitectureDepartment
Christian Schools &Homeschool Sec.
Church StewardshipServices
Music MinistriesDepartment
Church Rec.Program
Church MediaProgram
42
Trade Publishing Division
Finance & BusinessServices GroupVice President
Store OperationsAssociate to Vice
President
Finance Dept.
Corporate ServicesDepartment
LogisticsDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
Information SystemsDepartment
Legal ServicesDepartment
Investment Services
Marketing & SalesDepartment
Business OperationsDepartment
MerchandisingDepartment
East/Central Region
Western Region
Southeastern Region
Campus Region/Special Operations
Growth
Trade BooksDepartment
Trade Sales &Marketing Dept.
Bible & ReferenceBooks
Broadman &Holman ChurchSupplies & Gifts
Retail Group Vice President
Alabama Baptist State ConventionP.O. Box 11870 (36111-0870)2001 East South Blvd.Montgomery, AL 36116-2463Phone: (334) 228-2460Fax: (334) 228-2693E-mail: [email protected]
Alaska Baptist Convention1750 O’Malley RoadAnchorage, AK 99516-1303Phone: (907) 344-9627Fax: (907) 344-7044E-mail:
Arizona Southern Baptist Convention2240 N. Hayden Road, Ste. 100Scottsdale, AZ 85257Phone: (480) 945-0880Fax: (480) 973-1164 ?? or (602?)E-mail: [email protected]
Arkansas Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 552 (72203-0552)525 W. Capitol (72203)Little Rock, ARPhone: (501) 376-4791 (Ext. 5102)Fax: (501) 374-2754E-mail: [email protected]
California Southern Baptist Convention678 East Shaw AvenueFresno, CA 93710-7704Phone: (559) 229-9533 (Ext. 230)Fax: (559) 229-2824E-mail: [email protected]
Colorado Baptist General Convention7393 South Alton WayCentennial, CO 80112-2372Phone: (303) 771-2480 (Ext. 222)Fax: (303) 771-6272E-mail: [email protected]
Dakota Southern Baptist FellowshipP.O. Box 6028 (58504)2020 Lovett Avenue Bismark, ND 58506 ???Phone: (701) 255-3765Fax: (701) 222-4069E-mail: [email protected]
District of Columbia Baptist Convention1628 16th Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20009Phone: (202) 265-1526Fax: (202) 667-8258E-mail: [email protected]
Florida Baptist Convention1230 Hendricks AvenueJacksonville, FL 32207Phone: (904) 396-2351 (Ext. 8100)Fax: (904) 396-6470E-mail: [email protected]
Executive Committee of the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia2930 Flowers Road, SouthAtlanta, GA 30341-5562Phone: (770) 455-0404Fax: (770) 452-6582E-mail: [email protected]
Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention2042 Vancouver DriveHonolulu, HI 96822-2491Phone: (808) 946-9581Fax: (808) 941-2309
Illinois Baptist State AssociationP.O. Box 19247 (62794-9247)3085 Adlai Stevenson Drive (62703-4440)Springfield, IL 62703-4440Phone: (217) 786-2600 (Ext. 131)Fax: (217) 585-0352E-mail: [email protected]
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Appendix Four ______________________________________Directory of State Conventions and Fellowships
State Convention of Baptists in IndianaP.O. Box 24189 (46224-0189)900 North High School Road Indianapolis, IN 46214-3759Phone: (317) 241-9317Fax: (317) 241-9875E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist Convention of Iowa2400 86th Street, Suite 27Des Moines, IA 50322-0875Phone: (515) 278-1566Fax: (515) 278-0875E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas-Nebraska Conv. of Southern Baptists5410 SW Seventh StreetTopeka, KS 66606-2398Phone: (785) 228-6800Fax: (785) 273-4992E-mail: [email protected]
Kentucky Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 43433 (40253-0433)10701 Shelbyville RoadLouisville, KY 40243-1297Phone: (502) 245-4101Fax: (502) 244-6469E-mail: [email protected]
Louisiana Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 311 (71309-0311)1250 MacArthur DriveAlexandria, LA 71303-3151Phone: (318) 448-3402Fax: (318) 445-0055E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware10255 Old Columbia RoadColumbia, MD 21046-1716Phone: (410) 290-5290Fax: (410) 290-7040E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist State Convention of MichiganP.O. Box 431949 (48443-1949)64 W. Columbia Avenue, Bldg 2Pontiac, MI 48340Phone: (248) 332-6426Fax: (248) 332-0194E-mail: [email protected]
Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention519 16th StreetRochester, MN 55904-5234Phone: (507) 282-3636Fax: (507) 282-3922E-mail: [email protected]
Mississippi Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 530 (39205-0530)515 Mississippi StreetJackson, MS 39201-1702Phone: (601) 968-3800Fax: (601) 968-3928E-mail: [email protected]
Missouri Baptist Convention400 E. High StreetJefferson City, MO 65101-3215Phone: (573) 635-7931Fax: (573) 659-7436E-mail: [email protected]
Montana Southern Baptist FellowshipP.O. Box 99 (59103-0099)1130 Cerise RoadBillings, MT 59101-7396Phone: (406) 252-7537Fax: (406) 252-0196E-mail: [email protected]
Nevada Baptist Convention406 California AvenueReno, NV 89509-1520Phone: (775) 786-0406Fax: (775) 786-0700E-mail: [email protected]
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Baptist Convention of New England87 Lincoln StreetNorthborough, MA 01532Phone: (508) 393-6013Fax: (508) 393-6016E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist Convention of New MexicoP.O. Box 94485 (87199-4485)5325 Wyoming NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109Phone: (505) 924-2300Fax: (505) 247-3279E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist Convention of New York6538 Baptist WayEast Syracuse, NY 13057-1072Phone: (315) 433-1001Fax: (315) 433-1026E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist St. Convention of North CarolinaP.O. Box 1107 (27512-1107)205 Convention DriveCary, NC 27511-1107Phone: (919) 467-5100 (Ext. 102)Fax: (919) 469-1674E-mail: [email protected]
Northwest Baptist Convention3200 NE 109th AvenueVancouver, WA 98682-7749Phone: (360) 882-2100Fax: (360) 882-2295E-mail: [email protected]
State Convention of Baptists in Ohio1680 E. Broad StreetColumbus, OH 43203-2095Phone: (614) 258-8491Fax: (614) 827-1860E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma3800 N. May AvenueOklahoma City, OK 73112-6506Phone: (405) 942-3800Fax: (405) 942-5839E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania-South Jersey4620 Fritchey StreetHarrisburg, PA 17109-2895Phone: (717) 652-5856Fax: (717) 652-0976E-mail: [email protected]
South Carolina Baptist Convention190 Stoneridge DriveColumbia, SC 29210-8239Phone: (803) 765-0030Fax: (803) 799-1044E-mail: [email protected]
Tennessee Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 728 (37024-0728)5001 Maryland WayBrentwood, TN 37027-7509Phone: (615) 373-2255Fax: (615) 371-2014E-mail: [email protected]
Baptist General Convention of Texas333 N. WashingtonDallas, TX 75246-1798Phone: (214) 828-5100Fax: (214) 828-5376E-mail: [email protected]
Southern Baptists of Texas ConventionP.O. Box 168585Irving, TX 75016-8585Phone: (972) 953-0878Fax: (972) 870-1986E-mail: [email protected]
Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 1347 (84020)12401 South 450 East, G1Draper, UT 84020Phone: (801) 572-5350Fax: (801) 572-5347E-mail: [email protected]
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Virginia Baptist Mission BoardP.O. Box 8568 (23226-0568)2828 Emerywood ParkwayRichmond, VA 23294-3718Phone: (804) 915-5000Fax: (804) 672-2051E-mail: [email protected]
Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia4101 Cox Road, Suite 100Glen Allen, VA 23060Phone: (804) 270-1848Fax: (804) 270-1834E-mail: [email protected]
West Virginia Convention of Southern BaptistsOne Mission WayScott Depot, WV 25560-9406Phone: (304) 757-0944 (Ext. 104)Fax: (304) 757-7793E-mail: [email protected]
Wyoming Southern Baptist ConventionP.O. Box 4779 (82604-0779)3925 Casper Mountain Road Casper, WY 82604-0779Phone: (307) 472-4087Fax: (307) 235-9945E-mail: [email protected]
Others:Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists100 Convention WayCochrane, Alberta T4C 2G2Phone: (403) 932-5688Fax: (403) 932-4937E-mail: [email protected]
Puerto Baptist AssociationMSC 404W. Churchill Avenue 138San Juan, PR 00926Phone: (787) 283-2771
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Executive Committee of the Southern BaptistConvention901 Commerce Street, Suite 750Nashville, TN 37203-3699Phone: (615) 244-2355
Southern Baptist Foundation(A subsidiary corporation of the SBC Executive Committee)901 Commerce Street, Suite 600Nashville, TN 37203Phone: (615) 254-8826
Annuity BoardP.O. Box 2190, Dallas, TX 75221-2190Phone: (214) 720-0511
Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary200 Seminary ViewCochrane, Alberta T4C 2G1Registrar: [email protected]: [email protected]: (403) 932-6622/ Fax: (403) 932-7049
International Mission Board3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230Phone: (804) 353-0151
LifeWay Christian Resources127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37234Phone: (615) 251-2000
North American Mission Board4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022-4176Phone: (770) 410-6000
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary201 Seminary Drive, Mill Valley, CA 94941-3197Phone: (415) 380-1300
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary5001 North Oak Street TrafficwayKansas City, MO 64118Phone: (816) 453-4600
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary3939 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70126-4858Phone: (504) 282-4455
Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryP.O. Box 1889, Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889Phone: (919) 556-3101
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary2825 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40280Phone: (502) 897-4011
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary2001 W. Seminary Drive, Ft. Worth, TX 76115P.O. Box 22000, Ft. Worth, TX 76122Phone: (817) 923-1921
Seminary Extension901 Commerce Street, Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37203Phone: (615) 242-2453
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission901 Commerce Street, Suite 550, Nashville, TN 37203
Leland House, 505 Second Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20002Phone: (615) 244-2495 (Nashville)
(202) 547-8105 (Washington)
Woman’s Missionary UnionHighway 280 East, 100 Missionary Ridge,Birmingham, AL 35242-5235Phone: (205) 991-8100
47
Appendix Five ______________________________________Directory of SBC Agencies
Appendix Six________________________________________2003 Southern Baptist Convention
Ethnic Fellowship Directory
FELLOWSHIP ADDRESS PHONE/FAX/E-MAIL
African 3895 Church Street (404) 299-8277, ChClarkston, GA 30021 (404) 289-9636, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................African- Greenforest Community (404) 486-6737, ChAmerican Baptist Church (404) 486-6470, Fax
3250 Rainbow Drive [email protected], GA 30334
..................................................................................................................................................................Cambodian 2033 Big Tree Drive (614) 272-7430, Ch
Columbus, OH 73223 (614) 226-9658, Cell
..................................................................................................................................................................Chinese San Bruno Baptist Church (650) 589-9776
250 Courtland (650) 589-9231,FaxSan Bruno, CA 94066 [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Deaf 150 Dean Street (502) 957-6820, Of
Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502) 957-1074, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Filipino Post Office Box 5022 (626) 792-6365
Pine Mountain, CA 93222 (661) 242-2415(661) 242-2415, Fax
..................................................................................................................................................................Greek 784 Greendale Avenue (781) 449-4000, ext. 204
Needham, MA 02192 (781) 449-7952, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Haitian Florida Baptist Convention 1 800 226-8584
1230 Hendricks Avenue [email protected], FL 32207
..................................................................................................................................................................Hispanic Iglesia Baustista Resurreccion (305) 443-6360, H
2323 SW 27th Avenue (305) 215-0377, CellMiami, FL 33145 (305) 854-6190, Ch
(305) 854-3636, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Hmong First Hmong Baptist Church (303) 438-0109, Ch
90 Emerald Street (303) 438-0109, FaxBroomfield, CO 80020 [email protected]
48
Hungarian 225 E 80th Street (212) 288-0258New York, NY 10021 (212) 517-8348, Fax
..................................................................................................................................................................Italian 2105 Berwyn Street (215) 671-8754
Philadelphia, PA 19115 (215) 673-3557, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Japanese Gardena-Torrance Southern (310) 325-7214
Baptist Church (310) 538-0336, Ch1457 West 179th Street (310) 325-0928, FaxGardena, CA 90248 [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Korean Korean Baptist Church (334) 393-2888, Ch
of Alabama (334) 393-2023, FaxRt. 3, Box 301-BEnterprise, AL 36330
..................................................................................................................................................................American Korean New Community Baptist (650) 428-0880, ext. 27
1250 W. Middlefield Road [email protected] View, CA 94043
..................................................................................................................................................................Laotian 7909 Eastwind Drive (817) 847-7273
Ft. Worth, TX 76137 (817) 847-7273, Fax(817) 237-4002, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Messianic 7842 Springfield Lake Drive (561) 967-3436, H
Lake Worth, FL 34467 (561) 967-3313, Fax561.967.3313 – Off [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Middle Eastern 4931 Flagstar Circle (949) 559-8755, H
Irvine, CA 92714 khanna2989@aol.com..................................................................................................................................................................Native American 403 N. Washington (405) 275-1918
Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 275-1918, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Polish Polish Baptist Association (609) 747-8225
18 Ridgewood Way [email protected], NJ 08016
..................................................................................................................................................................Portuguese-Speaking/ First Brazilian Baptist Church (954) 977-5821Brazilian of South Florida (954) 783.0119
1101 NE 33rd Street (954) 781-1618, FaxPompano Beach, FL 33064 [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Romanian 14714 Midland Road (510) 511-1329
San Leandro, CA 94578 [email protected]
49
Russian Slavic Evangelical Baptist (213) 666-5674545 North Commonwealth Ave (323) 666-5674Los Angeles, CA 90004
..................................................................................................................................................................Ukrainian 1808 Eastfield Road (717) 545-5325
Harrisburg, PA 17109 (717) 652-5856, W(717) 652-3902, [email protected]
..................................................................................................................................................................Vietnamese 1624 Hutchinson Drive (972) 613-7210, H
Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 270-1557, [email protected]
50
BibliographySouthern Baptist Convention Annual, 2002. Nashville: Executive Committee, 2002.
Bradley, J.C. Associational Base Design. Atlanta, Ga.: Home Mission Board, 1983.
“Meet Southern Baptists.” Nashville: Executive Committee, SBC, 1984.
The Organizational Manual of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. Nashville: ExecutiveCommittee, SBC, 1980.
SBC Life. Nashville: March 1998.
Southern Baptist Convention Annual, 1979, 1981, and 1986. Nashville: Executive Committee, 1979, 1981 and 1986.
Sullivan, James L. Polity as I See It. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1983.
51
The Author
52
David T. Bunch is retired and resides inSmyrna, Ga. Previously, he was executive direc-tor/treasurer of the Colorado Baptist GeneralConvention, Denver, Colo. A third-generationSouthern Baptist preacher, Bunch served on theHome Mission Board staff as assistant vice presi-dent-strategy (of the Missions Section), directorof Church Extension Division, founding directorof Mission Service Corps; as executive director,Iowa Southern Baptist Fellowship; pastoral mis-sionary, HMB, Sioux Falls, S.D.; pastor of
churches in Missouri; and professor of Greek,Hannibal-LaGrange College, St. Louis campus.
His denominational experience included serv-ice on the steering committee that planned theorganization/budget of Northern Plains BaptistConvention; board of trustees, Hannibal-LaGrange College, Hannibal, Mo.; SBC Bold
Mission Thrust Steering Committee; and SBCVolunteers in Missions task force. He was moder-ator, East River Baptist Association, S.D.; and,executive board member, Missouri BaptistConvention, Jefferson City.
He was educated at Southwest Baptist JuniorCollege, Bolivar, Mo., A.A.; William JewellCollege, Liberty, Mo., A.B.; Central BaptistSeminary, Kansas City, Kan., B.D., Th.M.; and,Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, KansasCity, Mo., D.Min.