Changes

The next level is the local association.  These are usually organized by county in the larger metro areas; less populated counties are usually combined into one association.  These groups handle matters involving local issues, such as operating a food pantry or supporting a crisis pregnancy center.

The next level is the local association.  These are usually organized by county in the larger metro areas; less populated counties are usually combined into one association.  These groups handle matters involving local issues, such as operating a food pantry or supporting a crisis pregnancy center.

The next level is the state convention.  Most states in the Southern United States have a single state convention; however, due to the moderates-conservatives controversy discussed above, two states (Texas and Virginia) have two separate ones; a more conservative one aligned solely with the SBC and a more liberal one aligned both with the SBC and the liberal splinter group Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  Less populated states in northern and western parts of the United States, where the SBC is not as strong, are organized into multi-state conventions.  These groups handle statewide matters such as speaking on political issues involving the state (e.g. a bill to limit abortions) or disaster relief.

The next level is the state convention.  Most states in the Southern United States have a single state convention; however, due to the moderates-conservatives controversy discussed above, three states (Missouri, Texas and Virginia)<ref>The Texas and Virginia conservative state conventions formed when the existing state conventions refused to accept the Conservative Resurgence; in Missouri the liberal state convention formed after the existing convention refused to associate with the liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.</ref> have two separate ones; a more conservative one aligned solely with the SBC and a more liberal one aligned both with the SBC and the liberal splinter group [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]].  Less populated states in northern and western parts of the United States, where the SBC is not as strong, are organized into multi-state conventions.  These groups handle statewide matters such as speaking on political issues involving the state (e.g. a bill to limit abortions) or disaster relief.

The highest level is the national convention.  The name "Southern Baptist Convention" refers to both the denomination as a whole and its Annual Meeting, held in June for two days and generally at a major city.  The convention handles both national and international matters, mainly in the area of missions, though it also publishes literature and other materials and has a public policy arm.  Its main function is to operate the SBC's '''Cooperative Program''', its unified program for collecting and distributing funds for various mission projects.  Each supporting church is permitted a minimum of two delegates (called "messengers") to the Annual Meeting but may send up to 12 messengers depending on the amount given to the SBC (either in terms of dollars or a percentage of undesignated receipts, whichever method provides the most messengers is the one used).

The highest level is the national convention.  The name "Southern Baptist Convention" refers to both the denomination as a whole and its Annual Meeting, held in June for two days and generally at a major city.  The convention handles both national and international matters, mainly in the area of missions, though it also publishes literature and other materials and has a public policy arm.  Its main function is to operate the SBC's '''Cooperative Program''', its unified program for collecting and distributing funds for various mission projects.  Each supporting church is permitted a minimum of two delegates (called "messengers") to the Annual Meeting but may send up to 12 messengers depending on the amount given to the SBC (either in terms of dollars or a percentage of undesignated receipts, whichever method provides the most messengers is the one used).