Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
228 Southern Baptist Convention | History, Beliefs & Mission with Jay Hardwick | Pt. 1
Our guest, Reverend Jay Hardwick, senior pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church and president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, joins us as we discuss the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We learn about the SBC’s origins, core beliefs, and unique church governance structure.
Southern Baptist churches operate independently while cooperating for missions and theological education. baptism by immersion, the Lord’s Supper, and the autonomy of local churches highlight how Southern Baptists remain committed to biblical teachings while maintaining flexibility in church operations.
This is Part 1 of our episode on the Southern Baptist Convention. Tune in next week for Part 2.
Here’s What We Discussed!
00:00 Intro
Tiffany and Pastor Jeff introduce the SBC, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. The SBC was founded in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, to collaborate in church planting, training pastors, and sending missionaries. Southern Baptists are united by core theological beliefs, including the inerrancy of Scripture and the exclusivity of Christ, while working together to spread the gospel.
07:14 Beliefs on Baptism
Baptism by immersion is a key belief in the Southern Baptist faith. It symbolizes a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Reverend Jay explains that baptism follows a personal confession of faith and does not contribute to salvation but serves as a public declaration.
10:35 The Lord’s Supper
Reverend Jay discusses how Southern Baptist churches observe the Lord's Supper as a symbolic act of remembrance. He explains that the frequency of communion varies by church and emphasizes its role in reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and anticipating His return.
19:07 Church Autonomy
The SBC operates with local church autonomy, meaning each congregation is self-governed while voluntarily cooperating with state and national SBC organizations for mission work and theological training. Jay clarifies that there is no central governing body dictating church practices.
22:45 Elders, Deacons and Mission Efforts
The leadership structure within SBC churches highlights the roles of elders and deacons. Some churches follow a traditional deacon-led model, while others incorporate elder-led leadership to guide the church in spiritual and administrative matters. The Southern Baptist Cooperative Program allows churches to pool resources to support missions, theological education, and outreach efforts locally and globally. Jay emphasizes the importance of cooperation in fulfilling the SBC’s mission.
29:39 Stay Tuned Next Week!
In part 2 of our conversation, we discuss the North American Mission Board and how the SBC collaborates to plant churches, train leaders, and support evangelism efforts across North America through initiatives like the SEND Network.
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!