The messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention have tasked the ERLC to assist the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. The ERLC does this in two primary ways: 1) Equipping/resourcing the churches. 2) Advocating for Southern Baptist values and priorities in the public square. These two ministries are most effective when the ERLC is deeply engaged with churches, partnering with local associations, state conventions, and national entities and providing trusted research on cultural issues important to Southern Baptists.
- We commit to robust engagement and strong relationships with churches, local associations, state conventions, and SBC entities. We understand that they are essential for the ERLC’s ministry to be effective.
- We commit to continuing to rebuild trust with the Southern Baptists we serve. We humbly acknowledge that this trust has eroded with some Southern Baptists. We will call a new president who will lead the ERLC team as it prioritizes re-connecting with pastors and denominational entities to identify the cultural challenges of the day and provide the most strategic and relevant resources to assist churches.
- We commit to representing Southern Baptists well in the public square. We will provide effective advocacy in Washington, D.C. by focusing on issues where Southern Baptists have strong consensus. We primarily use the Bible, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (amended 2023) and recent SBC resolutions to identify these issues. We will also be available to assist Southern Baptists at the state and local levels on matters of public policy, working closely with state conventions and local associations.
It is our sincere hope that as the ERLC endeavors to rebuild trust and relationships with churches, our equipping and advocacy ministries will bear eternal Gospel fruit. We ask Southern Baptists to pray for the ERLC’s ministry, staff, and trustees, that we will serve in an effective and trustworthy manner.
