Baptist Convention Model v/s Society Model

Convention Model

It is composed of cooperating churches whose purpose is to support foreign missions, home missions, publications, and theological education. It is a centralized denomination system with a trustful attitude among the churches serving together. 

The pros are:

-Elimination of duplication effort.

-Elimination of duplication of many organized societies.

-Provides opportunity for a centralized budget.

-A way of affirming that God’s primary instrument for accomplishing His Mission in the world is the local church, not just individuals.

-Synergy manifestation: Churches working together manifest that they are all members of the same One Body of Christ, smaller churches being helped by larger ones.

The cons are:

-Tension may occur over churches vying for which ministry is most important.

-Can decrease or reduce the sense of individual participation.

Society Model

 It practices an Individual-based approach with a Single ministry focus. It is composed of individuals or churches who support one particular ministry.

Pros:

-Simpler, less involved denominational structure

-Clearer focus and a committed supporting membership, defined by participation.

-Easier to raise support for one particular visible ministry than for a whole lot of ministries under a generic name (Convention model).

Cons:

-May de-emphasize the role and centrality of the local church.

-May elevate sensational ministries at the expense of more important ministries.

Baptists would enjoy the advantages of both systems if they can have a system of convention composed of societies, if possible.