Definition Baptist Press (BP) is a news service operated by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), providing news, features, and commentaries related to Southern Baptist life, activities, and religious issues.
Overview Baptist Press is the official news service of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Established in 1946, it serves as a centralized source of news and information for Southern Baptist churches, state conventions, and affiliated entities. The service reports on denominational events, missions, theological developments, public policy issues from a Baptist perspective, and global ministry efforts. Its content is distributed to newspapers, websites, radio stations, and other media outlets associated with the SBC and broader evangelical community.
Etymology/Origin The term "Baptist Press" combines "Baptist," referring to the Christian tradition associated with the Southern Baptist Convention, and "Press," denoting a news or media organization. The name reflects both its denominational affiliation and its function as a journalistic entity. It was officially founded in 1946 as part of the SBC's Communication Services, later integrated into the convention's Executive Committee structure.
Characteristics Baptist Press operates as a faith-based news organization with an editorial focus aligned with the doctrinal positions of the Southern Baptist Convention, particularly the Baptist Faith and Message. Articles typically reflect conservative evangelical theology. The service produces both national and international news coverage, often highlighting missionary work, church growth, religious freedom, and moral issues. Content is available through its website, email subscriptions, and syndication to affiliated publications.
Baptist Press maintains a staff of professional journalists and editors, based at the SBC Executive Committee offices in Nashville, Tennessee. Its reporting is intended to be factual and balanced within the framework of its denominational mission.
Related Topics
- Southern Baptist Convention
- Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)
- Baptist Faith and Message
- Christian journalism
- Religious news agencies
- Lifeway Christian Resources
- International Mission Board
- North American Mission Board