There are many reasons to read good history. Biographies and general histories remind us of those who have come before us, and can shine light on current events. The history of the Southern Baptist Convention and it’s leaders and members can both inform and inspire us as we work together to take the Gospel of Christ across the world.
Right now there is lots of down time in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It can be a great time to read as history and biography can remind of the sacrifices, mistakes, and triumphs of those who came fore us. Below are some of the stories of the people and places of the SBC. Some are short reads, others are longer works, but all will educate you.
Take a look, find a book, and read some about SBC History.
GENERAL OR INSTITUTIONAL HISTORIES
The Southern Baptist Convention
Jesse C Fletcher
This book marked the 150th anniversary of the SBC and covers the convention from 1845-1994
Duane Culpepper
Called “the greatest revival in Baptist history.” Read the story of this remarkable work of God through Southern Baptist Missionaries in China. 0
The Inside History of FBC Fort Worth and Temple Baptist in Detroit
J. Frank Norris
This is the history of the SBC’s most colorful character, including how he pastored churches in Ft Worth and Detroit at the same time, shot a man in his office, and coined the term “fundamentalist”
The Herschel Hobbs Lectures are a series of lectures given at Oklahoma Baptist University on the topic of Baptist history and life. They contain fascinating glimpses into Baptist historical life.
Jimmy Draper
A Personal History of LifeWay Christian Resources and the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention
BIOGRAPHIES
B Frank Belvin: God’s Warhorse
Belvin was a leader in Outreach to Native Americans in the state of OK. Published by New Hope (WMU) in 1986
The Story of Yates the Missionary
This is the first book published by the Sunday School Board in 1898. It tells the story of Matthew Yates, one of the early missionaries of the SBC
Read it online for free at the link above
Never Too Late: One Woman’s Journey in Mission Service
This is the story of Lolo Mae Daniel, who became a missionary with the FMB after retiring as a school teacher at the age of 60. Published by the WMU in 1988.
M Theron Rankin – Apostle of Advance
Rankin was an IMB missionary to China who spent time in a Japanese prison camp in WWII, and later Exec Director of the IMB.