www.sbc.net

Basic History
Early church organization began in the United States in the 1600s and grew out of the Puritan-Reformist movement in England, although other congregations emerged from established British churches in the colonies. Roger Williams and John Clarke in Rhode Island founded the earliest Baptist churches in 1639 and 1645, respectively. The early Baptists were persecuted for not allowing their infants to be baptized. The number of Baptist churches began to grow significantly after the American Revolution. The Southern Baptist convention was formed in 1845 at a convention in Atlanta when the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Convention refused to accept slaveholders for positions as missionaries.

Basic Beliefs
Baptists have generally rejected the notion of sacrament concerning the common Christian rites of communion and baptism. They have termed these rites "ordinances" and follow them out of obedience to the Scriptures. The Lord's Supper is considered a memorial meal. Baptism by immersion is seen as an emblem of the believer's faith. It is limited to those old enough to profess their faith. Baptists' services are considered to non-liturgical. Baptists are affiliated with other churches for fellowship, common endeavors and advice. The personal experience of being born again - accepting an awareness of Jesus as a personal savior - is a membership requirement.

Leadership
Dr. James Merritt is president of the Southern Baptist Conference. Ted Taylor is the first vice president and Dr. Tommy French is the second vice president.

Basic Facts
In 2000, the church reported over 15.8 million members, 41,099 congregations and 76,680 ordained ministers. Southern Baptists have about 5,000 home missionaries serving the United States, Canada, Guam and the Caribbean. They have also sent more than 4,000 foreign missionaries to 154 nations of the world.

Location
Southern Baptist Convention
901 Commerce
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone (615) 244-2355