The governing documents of the South Carolina Baptist Convention include articles of incorporation and bylaws, which guide the convention’s overall work and cooperative efforts in ministry and missions.

The governance of the South Carolina Baptist Convention is a cooperative effort. It reflects historic Baptist principles related to the autonomy of the local church and the desire of churches to work cooperatively in outreach to the world. It involves participation and actions by messengers from cooperating churches at the annual meeting, as well as daily work and management oversight provided throughout the year by those chosen for various leadership positions.