SBC Cooperation Group proposes recommendations to strengthen cooperation and define boundaries
The Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Cooperation Group has released four recommendations aimed at prioritizing and emphasizing the authority of messengers in defining the boundaries of cooperation while clarifying and refining the SBC's structure. The recommendations are being made ahead of the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting scheduled for June 11-12 in Indianapolis.
Cooperation Group Chairman Jared Wellman said in an announcement that the recommendations are “subject to necessary edits.” The first three recommendations are directed at the SBC Executive Committee to propose changes to SBC governing documents for consideration at the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting. The issues concern steps for making changes to the Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M), which should have authority for seating messengers at an annual meeting and strengthening the tie between entity trustees and the denomination’s statement of faith.
The recommendations are:
1. Amending the (BF&M). The first recommendation addresses the process of amending the BF&M, the SBC's doctrinal statement. Historically, the SBC has appointed special committees to develop revisions such as 1963 and 2000 BF&M revisions. Last summer, an amendment to the BF&M concerning the definition of the role of the pastor was swiftly approved with little discussion, raising concerns about the process. The Cooperation Group proposes that amendments to the BF&M should follow the same rigorous process as amendments to the SBC Constitution, requiring a two-thirds vote in two consecutive years. This change aims to ensure that the BF&M remains a robust reflection of the SBC's cooperative identity.
2. Messenger Authority. The second recommendation focuses on the authority for seating messengers at the annual meeting. Currently, the Credentials Committee recommends removing churches no longer in friendly cooperation, but the sole authority for seating messengers should come from the messenger body itself. The Credentials Committee, in collaboration with the Executive Committee, will present cases to the messengers for a vote. This process reinforces the democratic nature of decision-making within the SBC.
3. Strengthening Ties Between Entity Trustees and the BF&M. The third recommendation seeks to strengthen the connection between entity trustees and the BF&M. Ensuring that trustees adhere to the doctrinal parameters set by the BF&M is crucial for maintaining theological fidelity across SBC entities. The Cooperation Group recommends that the Executive Committee evaluate this relationship and report their findings at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
4. Clear Membership Criteria. The Cooperation Group also affirms that the current language in the SBC Constitution regarding membership is clear and does not need to be changed. The Constitution states that a church is in friendly cooperation if its faith and practice closely identify with the convention's adopted statement of faith. This definition allows flexibility for messengers to interpret their statement of faith while maintaining doctrinal boundaries. The Constitution also includes examples, such as churches affirming or endorsing homosexual behavior, which would be deemed not in cooperation with the convention.
In summary, the Cooperation Group's recommendations aim to enhance transparency, empower messengers, and uphold doctrinal integrity within the SBC. As Southern Baptists gather in Indianapolis this June, these proposals will be a focal point of discussion as they seek to strengthen their cooperative efforts and define the boundaries of their shared faith and practice.
In addition to Wellman, Cooperation Group members are Victor Chayasirisobhon, Jerome Coleman, Tara Dew, Donna Gaines, Matt Henslee, Travis Kerns, Richard Land, Jonathan Leeman, Jason Paredes, Greg Perkins, Jim Richards, Juan Sanchez, Andrew Walker, Trevin Wax, and Tony Wolfe. SBC officers serving in ex officio roles are Bart Barber, president; Kason Branch, second vice president; Don Currence, registration secretary; and Nathan Finn, recording secretary.
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