Baptist General Conventions unite independent churches to pool resources for missions, education, and care projects. They uphold shared statements of faith rooted in orthodox Christianity.
Baptist General Conventions (BGC) are regional associations of independent churches that collaborate to accomplish what individual churches cannot do alone, such as supporting missions, education, healthcare, and care for the vulnerable. Their mission aligns with biblical principles about helping one another (Leviticus 19:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Beyond that general principle of helping, the BGC also upholds shared statements of faith supported by the Bible. For example, they affirm beliefs in the Trinity (Matthew 28:19), Jesus’ divinity and sacrificial work (John 1:1; Titus 2:13; Mark 10:25; 1 Peter 2:24), the necessity of being born again (John 3:3), the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19), salvation through faith in Christ (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9), final judgment (Matthew 25:46; Romans 10:11-12), and Christ’s return to establish His kingdom (Matthew 25:31-34; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 11:15). Each member church of the Baptist General Conventions is autonomous but aligns with the convention’s biblical standards, enabling collective projects that advance the Gospel and serve communities.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Speaking for God, the prophet Amos asked this rhetorical question of Israel. Though the context was about how compelled Amos was to share God’s word with His people, that same question could be asked about the Baptist General Conventions—and the answer is just as obvious: No, churches can’t join together in effective purpose unless they agree on what their purpose is.
Baptist General Conventions call together like-minded churches in a state or region to pool resources to reach a goal that individual churches cannot, such as supporting global missions or running an orphanage, hospital, or retirement village.
Many Baptist General Conventions, such as in Oklahoma and Texas, operate in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention, a national association.
Conventions are most active in the South and West in the United States. Every individual church remains independent and is expected to adhere to biblical standards, including the convention's statement of faith. However, when believers attend a church, they should still take care to observe the teaching and lives of church leadership as well as exploring its statement of faith.
The collective projects in a Convention focus on spreading the Gospel (missions), caring for the poor (orphanages and retirement homes), education (universities), and health-care (hospitals). Resources are also allocated for regional and national gatherings.