Another organization that some Baptist are associated with is the Southern Baptist Convention . The National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., The National Baptist Convention of American, Inc., and The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. are the main association of the national convention organizations . In addition to being affiliated to national conventions, many Baptist are also organized into state conventions and associations. These state conventions may support various institutions such as colleges, orphanages, provide training for local ministries and lay officers, assist college and seminary students, contribute to retirement plans, administer community social service projects, and issue publications. Candiates for Ministry Candiates for Ministry are licensed by the local church after completing a trail sermon.
Pastors are the people responsible for the local church.
Baptist pastors are not appointed to a church by higher ecclesiastical authority, like in the Methodist, but are elected by a church vote of the local congregation. Once ordained and called to pastor a particular church, the minister is in complete control of the church affairs and the church independently governs itself. The church has a Board of Trustees and a Board of Deacons. The Board of Trustees are responsible for the financial matters and maintenance of the church property. The Board of Deacons is an advisory council for the pastor and church.