Central Baptist Organizational Structure

Organizational structure is a necessity in any organization. It’s the foundation that defines how certain activities are directed towards an ultimate goal; such as supervising and coordination, along with allocating specific tasks to certain individuals, departments, or groups. Organizational structure reflects how individuals perceive their organization and the environment in which they reside within the institution. An institution can be structured in various ways, depending on its target goal. The structure of an organization will determine the modes in which it will operate and perform. Organizational structure provides a firm foundation in which standard operating procedures can rely on. This means, group members within the organization

SBC says this about their target for their institution, “for the purpose of exciting, combining, and directing the energies of the Baptist denomination of Christians, for the propagation of the Gospel…” (SBC) An article stated a quote from a man named Todd Burus, who is a member of the North Central Baptist in Florida and who’s church is an entity under the Southern Baptist Convention. He has this to say about organizational structure within SBC and its ministry. “Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom.” (BF&M)

How does the Southern Baptist Convention go about the institution’s organizational structure? While reviewing the organizational manual, it came to light those exact actions that have been put into action for successful results in relation to the focus of the institution. The picture below is the organization structure of the Southern Baptist

The first and foremost requirement is that Christ is at the head of the church, or in this case head of the denominational institution. This is expressed quite clearly in the Book of Ephesians. Paul says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Christ must be at the top and center of the ministry. The Bible goes on to say this regarding the elders position within the ministry’s organizational and administrative structure (again expressed by Paul the Apostle). Acts 14:23 states “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” When Paul mentions deacons, this also corresponds with “bishops” or “overseers.” This is an important part of any organization’s administrative structure. These elders are responsible for teaching the Word, guiding, cautioning, and urging its congregation. The Southern Baptist Convention enacts this guideline found in Scripture. In the Old Testament, can be found the duties, obligations, and examples of elders. This early description of elders, can be found in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Elders are also described representing the people concerning spiritual matters (one of their various tasks) in Exodus 7:17; 24:1, 9; Numbers 11:16, 24-25.