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The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Protestant denomination and the largest group of Baptists in the United States. Furthermore, LifeWay Christian Resources, the Southern Baptist publishing house, is the largest Christian publisher in the United States, producing various literature and media resources, including music material for children. However, the autonomous nature of the local Baptist church gives it absolute freedom to choose programs and materials apart from the Southern Baptist National Convention and LifeWay. This study examines the dynamics of the relationship between the National Convention and the local church. The study looks at the theological and organizational framework on the national and local church level and how they affect children and children s music in an autonomous local church setting. The study reveals that all resources and programs are directed towards teaching children the two most fundamental concepts of the faith: conversion (how to become a Christian) and worship (how to commune with God).

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Melak Diab earned a B.A. in Music from Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York, and a Ph.D. in Ehtnomusicology from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.

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