Southern Baptist Convention Churches

Observance of the Christian year has been on the increase in the Southern Baptist Convention since the 1960s. Civic and denominational calendars have greatly influenced Southern Baptist worship in the past, but many congregations are turning toward the Christian year because of the vivid way it involves the worshiper in the biblical narrative and deepens spiritual life. It also provides an especially meaningful context for the ordinance of believer's baptism. Historically, Southern Baptists have observed parts of the Christian calendar, including Sunday as the Lord's Day-the Christian Sabbath set aside for worship of the risen Lord, and Easter Sunday. Special seasonal services, mostly of a musical character, have been customary at Christmas time, but there was no set liturgy for Christmas services or for a season of Advent. Another annual tradition was the spring revival-preaching services with evangelistic intent. Gradual Advances Interest in the Christian year has surged during …