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Christianity AtlasChurch & Denomination Guide
Group guide

Southern Baptist Convention

Also known as: SBC, Southern Baptists

A large cooperative body of autonomous Baptist churches in the United States, united around missions, seminaries, agencies, and the Baptist Faith and Message.

DenominationInside historic Nicene ChristianityClose with important differences

60-second overview

A large cooperative body of autonomous Baptist churches in the United States, united around missions, seminaries, agencies, and the Baptist Faith and Message.

History and identity

SBC churches affirm believer’s baptism, local-church autonomy, biblical authority, evangelism, and two ordinances. The convention is not a hierarchy governing each congregation. Churches vary from strongly Calvinist to non-Calvinist, from elder-led to pastor- or congregation-led, and across worship styles.

Core teachings and practices

  • Baptist Faith and Message as a common doctrinal statement.
  • Autonomous local congregations cooperate voluntarily.
  • Strong missions and seminary infrastructure.
  • Significant diversity on Calvinism and polity.

Variation across churches

High variation within the group

What it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.

Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

Many SBC churches are close to the guide’s base beliefs, especially conservative Calvinistic congregations. Others differ substantially on election, church leadership, gifts, or preaching. Compare the local church, not only the convention label.

How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity

Inside historic Nicene Christianity

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity.

Boundary guide
Important distinctions

Related groups with separate profiles

Related groups
Baptist TraditionBaptist TraditionReformed Baptists

Sources

The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.

  1. Southern Baptist Convention — Baptist Faith and Message 2000
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine