Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 14:1 (Spring 2023)
Article: A Survey Of 175 Years Of Southern Baptist Resolutions
Author: Bill Konyk

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A Survey Of 175 Years Of Southern Baptist Resolutions

Bill Konyk

Abstract: This essay is a survey of the resolutions adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention at its yearly meetings from 1845 through 2020. Analysis was aided by identifying topics using the machine learning algorithm Non-negative Matrix Factorization. General trends, shifts in language, and other interesting features are presented. Overarching themes are identified and supported using numerical data and statements from the Southern Baptist Convention, demonstrating several significant shifts in the functioning and focus of the organization. This includes a transition from focusing on missions to engaging with culture, a functional move to a representative form of governance, and prioritizing unity in belief over functional cooperation in missions.

Key Words: convention, culture, entities, history, missions, polity, resolution, resurgence, SBC, technology

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is by far the largest protestant, Christian organization in the United States today. While it is technically a voluntary association of churches, the influence of what is effectively a denomination is widespread. Its all-time maximum size included 16.3 million members in 2006,1 which corresponds to roughly five percent of the US adult population.2 The SBC is one of the oldest Christian entities in America, reaching 175 years of age in 2020. Because of its size and longevity, it carries significant weight in Evangelical culture, theology, and public engagement.

The SBC also has one other particular defining trait; when gathered together, its members tend to be opinionated. Since its inception the organization has adopted resolutions at each yearly convention. While the purpose of these resolutions has changed over time, they remain a witness of how an influential group of Christians believed they ought to address issues in the church and society. Given that political views are strongly

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correlated with worship choices in America,3 the history of the SBC’s public witness is particularly relevant.

In this work, a machine-augmented analysis of the SBC’s resolutions will be presented, using data science techniques to identify topics and track their prevalence through time. Due to the nature of the algorithm employed, this work will identify broad shifts in the language of the resolutions, connecting them to statements and motivations given by SBC messengers at the convention’s yearly meetings. What wil...