# Saving the SBC Must Begin in the Local Church ![](https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/iStock-2148627678-scaled.jpg) - The decline of the [[Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) | Southern Baptist Convention]] (SBC) is primarily due to theological liberalism taking root at the local church level, replacing scriptural authority with the pursuit of cultural relevance and numerical growth. - To initiate reform within the SBC, individual churches must prioritize the authority and sufficiency of [[Religious text | Scripture]] in all aspects of church life, including preaching, [[Disciple (Christianity) | discipleship]], and leadership, emphasizing spiritual growth over pragmatic measures of success. - True Christian unity should be grounded in biblical truth, not compromised for the sake of social cohesion or cultural acceptance; individuals should prioritize personal spiritual growth and commitment to Scripture over secondary preferences like worship styles or church programs.