The Southern Baptist Convention: Its Formation and Enduring Influence

America's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, emerged from a profound 19th-century schism over slavery and evolved into a powerful religious and cultural force.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 4, 2026

Branched from How Major American Denominations Divided Over the Issue of Slavery

Quick take

Founded in 1845 due to a split over the morality of slavery and the authority of mission boards.
Grew significantly through evangelism, missions, and a strong associational structure.
Underwent a "Conservative Resurgence" in the late 20th century, solidifying its theological direction.
Remains the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., with considerable cultural and political impact.

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Protestant Christian denomination in the United States, a conservative body of autonomous churches united by a common faith and mission. It formed in 1845 as a distinct entity following a significant division within American Baptists over the issue of slavery.

Born from Division: The Issue of Slavery

The roots of the SBC trace back to the early 19th century, when American Baptists, like many other denominations, were grappling with the growing moral and political tensions surrounding slavery. While some Baptists advocated for abolition, many in the Southern states defended the institution, often citing biblical interpretations. The breaking point came in 1844 when the national Baptist mission boards, based in the North, refused to appoint slaveholders as missionaries. This decision was seen by Southern Baptists as an overreach of authority and an infringement on states' rights and local church autonomy. In response, delegates from Baptist churches across the Southern states convened in Augusta, Georgia, in May 1845, to establish their own convention, dedicated to missions and theological education consistent with their views.

A Century and a Half of Growth

Following its formation, the SBC grew steadily, particularly after the Civil War. Its growth was fueled by a strong emphasis on evangelism, missions, and a highly organized associational structure that connected individual churches to state conventions and the national body. The Sunday School movement played a crucial role, alongside the establishment of seminaries and mission boards like the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB). In the latter half of the 20th century, the SBC experienced a period known as the “Conservative Resurgence.” This movement, spanning roughly from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, aimed to reassert theological conservatism, particularly regarding biblical inerrancy, and led to a significant shift in leadership and theological direction across the denomination.

The Southern Baptist Convention matters because of its enduring size, influence, and its historical role in American religious life. As the largest Protestant denomination, its positions on theological, social, and political issues carry significant weight in national discourse. Its history reflects broader American struggles with race, religious freedom, and cultural change. Today, the SBC continues to navigate complex issues, including calls for racial reconciliation, addressing past and present sexual abuse within its churches, and debating the role of women in ministry, all while remaining a powerful force in global missions and evangelism.

Did the SBC ever apologize for its stance on slavery?

Yes, the Southern Baptist Convention formally apologized for its historical defense of slavery and its role in perpetuating racial injustice in 1995, issuing a resolution on racial reconciliation during its 150th anniversary.

How is the Southern Baptist Convention structured?

The SBC operates on a principle of church autonomy, meaning each local church is self-governing. Churches voluntarily cooperate through associations, state conventions, and the national Southern Baptist Convention, which oversees seminaries, mission boards, and other entities. Messengers (representatives) from local churches gather annually to conduct denominational business.

What is the "Conservative Resurgence"?

The "Conservative Resurgence" was a decades-long movement within the SBC, primarily from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, aimed at shifting the denomination back to a more conservative theological stance, particularly concerning the inerrancy of scripture. This involved electing conservative leaders to key denominational posts and influencing the hiring of seminary professors and mission board personnel.

What are some current challenges for the SBC?

Currently, the SBC faces challenges including declining membership, ongoing debates over the role of women in ministry, calls for greater accountability regarding sexual abuse within its churches, and internal discussions about racial justice and reconciliation.