Several times each year we offer a Membership Class at our church that outlines what it means to be a member, how we function as a church, what we believe, etc. One of the questions that we address each time because it is regularly raised is “Why do we choose to cooperate as a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)?” Here are a few reasons why we think we are Better Together:
A shared theological commitment
Local churches and church plants who cooperate with the SBC agree with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Depending on who you ask you may hear that this document is quite broad or that it is too narrow. However, I believe that this document provides a sound theological tent under which there can be significant theological differences along with the confidence that you are cooperating with truly like-minded churches around the country.
Centered in local, autonomous churches
The SBC is designed to be led not from the top, but from the bottom. It is designed to be led by local churches. These local churches, which are autonomous, make the decisions that lead rather than the decisions being made by a small group of people at the top. Every entity ultimately is accountable to local churches.
Missionary vision and entities [Read more…] about Why We Are a Cooperating Church
