October 2025 | 3
Why I Engage in the SBC I am often asked why I choose to be a Southern Bap- tist and why I am so involved in what appears to be an archaic system. Isn’t the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) irrelevant? I choose to engage in the SBC for two clear and com- pelling reasons. Confession Southern Baptists have a clear, concise and compelling confession of faith known as the Baptist Faith & Mes- sage. It was written in 1925, revised in 1963, 1998, and finally in 2000. We know what we believe and why we believe it, and the foundation of our faith is rooted in the scriptures. In an era of postmodernism and pluralism, we need doctrinal fidelity more than ever. One of the incredible benefits of being connected to the Southern Baptist Convention is the autonomy of the churches that comprise it. When we planted Living Hope Church over sixteen years ago, we had a national spon- soring church in Memphis, Tennessee and a local spon- soring church in Dublin, Ohio. Both of these churches are still leading churches in our convention. Though our church looked a little different from those that sent us, we all believe and hold to the same confession of faith rooted in the scriptures and the Baptist Faith & Message. I am thankful that before I was born, and soon thereafter, Southern Baptist leaders fought for and won the battle over the inerrancy of the Bible. As a leader in the SBC, I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before me and allow me to lead from the inerrant, inspired and infallible view of the scriptures that
is held among our convention and seminaries. It was not always that way. Cooperation Another compelling reason I choose to engage is the Cooperative Program, commonly referred to as CP. Just as the Baptist Faith & Message was introduced in 1925, so was the Cooperative Program. Southern Bap- tist churches were being asked for funds by agents com- ing from seminaries, mission boards and other entities, and the system was broken. In an effort to promote a more balanced distribution to all, the Cooperative Program was born. Since 1925, twenty billion dollars have been given to SBC seminaries and mission causes. No other denomination or network can come even close to this collaborative effort to fund and fuel missions around the globe. Simply put, we can do more together than we can alone. I am grateful that in my hometown of Memphis, the Bap- tist Faith & Message and Cooperative Program were in- troduced. Now, a century later, these two pillars of SBC life are the reasons I still choose to engage. Moving Forward,
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook Executive Director-Treasurer, SCBO
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