Southern Baptist Convention

Vonore Baptist Church ministers with other churches of our denomination on three levels:

  • The Sweetwater Baptist Association
    We cooperate with 66 area churches to reach East Tennessee for Christ.
  • The Tennessee Baptist Convention
    We are united with over 3,000 churches sharing the goal of reaching Tennesseans with the gospel and beginning new churches.
  • The Southern Baptist Convention
    We participate with more than 47,000 churches, 1200 local associations, and 41 state conventions together in a worldwide effort to take the message of Christ to all nations.


What is the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)?

  • It is the largest association of Protestant Christian churches in Tennessee and in America with over 13 million members represented in 47,000 churches.
  • WHAT ARE THE BELIEFS OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS?
  • For a complete overview of our theology, please click here to review the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).
  • Why are we affiliated with the SBC?
  • It allows us to identify with other followers of Christ around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible. While a member of the SBC, we still maintain our autonomy. For example:

    • Every Southern Baptist Church chooses its own pastor and staff.
    • Every Southern Baptist Church owns its own building and assets.
    • Every Southern Baptist Church determines its own program and ministries.
  • It allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. Through the SBC Cooperative Program, we help support over 3500 international missionaries and over 6000 missionaries in North America (2022).


How Does Vonore Baptist Church fit in the SBC?

  • We sponsor mission opportunities to build new churches and buildings to further ministries around the world.  
  • We send, and sponsor, mission teams to assist those who have been devastated in natural disasters.  
  • Our mission-minded, volunteer members go out on short-term mission trips to minister to people in other countries.
  • Vonore Baptist gives generously to the Cooperative Program for ministries throughout the SBC.