June 3, 2002

How the IMB has used
the Baptist Faith & Message
___The following information about how the International Mission Board has used the Baptist Faith & Message in the missionary application process is provided by the IMB. The text given below is posted on the IMB website.

1960.
___ The Foreign Mission Board did not require any affirmation of the Baptist Faith & Message that was adopted by the SBC in 1925 but did require candidates to write out their basic statement of beliefs. In addition, candidates were asked to respond to the following question in their written application: "Are your doctrinal beliefs and views of church government such that you can cordially cooperate with the officers and missionaries of your denomination?"

1963.
___ The FMB began sending a copy of the Baptist Faith & Message (1963) to all candidates. Each candidate had to write, in their own words, his or her beliefs on the major doctrines covered in the Baptist Faith & Message. The candidate's beliefs were then covered during interviews at several stages in the process.

1968.
___ Candidates' doctrinal statements began to be included in the composite reports sent to the trustee committee.

1970.
___ The candidates' Christian beliefs statement was expanded to include more basic doctrines. In addition, in their written applications, they were asked to respond to two related questions: "Are your doctrinal beliefs in substantial agreement with those printed in Baptist Faith & Message (1963) and adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963? Are your views of church government such that you can cooperate with the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention?"

1975.
___ In writing their Christian beliefs statement, candidates were asked to respond to the following questions: "Are you familiar with the contents of the Baptist Faith & Message? Are you in agreement with this statement? Please cite and explain any areas of differences."

1980.
___ The Baptist Faith & Message continued to be sent out to all candidates. The candidates' beliefs continued to be covered during interviews.

1990.
___ The "Sharing of the Christian Beliefs" form was expanded to three pages and covered the major doctrines listed in the Baptist Faith & Message. The Baptist Faith & Message questions were changed to the following: "When did you last read the Baptist Faith & Message? _________(Date) Are you in agreement with this statement? (Yes or No) If no, attach a separate sheet of paper citing and explaining any area of difference." Candidates' beliefs continued to be reviewed during interviews by two candidate consultants.

1996.
___ The Baptist Faith & Message questions on the "Sharing of Christian Beliefs" form were changed to the following: "I have read and am in agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message. (Yes or No) I have read and am in agreement with the IMB's Vision, Mission and Basic Principles Statement. (Yes or No) If 'no,' attach a separate sheet of paper citing and explaining any area of difference."

1998.
___ The IMB began sending copies of the revised Baptist Faith & Message (1998) to all candidates.

2000.
___ The IMB began sending copies of the revised Baptist Faith & Message (2000) to all candidates.

2001.
___The IMB begins asking all candidates to respond to the following two affirmations: "I have read and am in agreement with the current Baptist Faith & Message. (Yes or No) If 'no' please cite any area of difference. In accountability to the International Mission Board and Southern Baptists, I agree to carry out my responsibilities in accordance with and not contrary to the current Baptist Faith & Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. (Yes or No)."

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