Beliefs

Our Mission Statement

Under the lordship of Jesus Christ, the mission of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is to be totally committed to the Bible as the Word of God, to the Great Commission as our mandate, and to be a servant of the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention by training, educating, and preparing ministers of the gospel for more faithful service.

Abstract of Principles

When the original charter of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary was adopted in 1858 it contained the following statement which continues as a part of the fundamental laws: "Every professor of the institution shall be a member of a regular Baptist church; and all persons accepting professorships in this seminary shall be considered, by such acceptance, as engaging to teach in accordance with, and not contrary to, the Abstract of Principles hereinafter laid down, a departure from which principles on his part shall be considered grounds for his resignation or removal by the Trustees." Read The Abstract of Principles online or download the printable PDF version.

The Baptist Faith and Message

As a servant of the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has adopted the confessional statement of beliefs which Southern Baptists identify and affirm as "certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified." Read The Baptist Faith and Message online or download The Baptist Faith and Message (PDF). Read An Exposition from the Faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary on The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.