The term "Southern church" can be a bit ambiguous. Here's a breakdown of why:
* Baptist Churches in the South: There are many Baptist churches in the Southern United States.
* Southern Baptist Convention (SBC): The largest Protestant denomination in the US, the Southern Baptist Convention, was formed in 1845, splitting from other Baptists over the issue of slavery. Most of its churches are located in the South.
* "Southern Church" as a Descriptor: "Southern church" is often informally used to refer to churches that are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention or that hold similar theological and cultural views often associated with the South.
* Not All Churches in the South Are "Southern Churches": Importantly, not every church located in the South is considered a "Southern church" in the sense of being part of the SBC or adhering to its specific cultural and theological perspectives. There are many other denominations and independent churches in the South.
In summary: A Baptist church in the South *could* be considered a "Southern church," especially if it's affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention or aligns with its values. However, it's not automatically a "Southern church" simply by virtue of its location.