Ponderings after the convention
1. We got 48% of the vote for president in an un-organized grass roots effort. Even though we blog and read blogs I’m not sure that we can call ourselves organized. The movement was almost non-existent 18 months ago. Now we did make a powerful statement at this year’s meeting. The question is how powerful was the statement, and do we have time to salvage the convention we love.
2. I’m not sure how our churches will respond to a female president. I’m sorry but the majority of our churches did not vote for Joy Fenner. How are our churches going to view a female president of the BGCT in relation to what Scripture teaches? It is going to be devastating if we lose a considerable amount of churches. I’m afraid that not only we will lose churches, but some of the churches who do stay may become a part of the 1% club. I do not want to be Joy’s shoes right now because I’m afraid that she will receive much of the blame if this happens. If it does I will be one who will defend her from this undeserved criticism. I believe that this will lay at the feet of the TBC and our current administration.
3. Anyone remember what Rick Warren said was one of the problems of the world today. Was it something about self-centered, self-serving leadership? Hum, very interesting.
4. I stuggled with the no confidence vote especially Monday night and Tuesday morning. You can call me a chicken liver if you wish. But here was my dilemna. I have two guys that are on the Ex. Board that I consider friends. One has been a friend for nearly 10 years, another I’m getting to know well in my new association. Everytime I thought about voting yes for this motion, I felt like I would be stabbing them in the back. I know these guys hearts and I know the are fighting for the right thing. Matter of fact I know for sure that one of them voted for David Lowrie. I just could not make myself vote against these guys. I folded under the pressure.
5. I thought that Daniel Downey’s motion on the COO was different than how we presented it on Tuesday morning. However, he did have valid concerns. I appreciated his motions even though I did get confused on the parlimentary mess of his second motion concerning the call center, which needs to go. Daniel is a good guy and I’m excited to be in the same association/area as him.
6. We must keep the fight going until there is no BGCT. We must encourage pastors & ministers who are discouraged with this system that together we can right the ship. We need at least 3000 messengers next year in Ft. Worth and we need to encourage the discouraged to come and be a part of the process.
7. We need to support Joy Fenner but keep a close eye on her actions as well. I will give her the benefit of the doubt until I see something that I see does not look right.
8. The next pivitol decison, and we cannot be a part of it, is who will be our new Executive Director. It has to be someone who will be a consenus builder. It has to be someone who fix the damage that has incurred over the last administration. It is pivitol that we pray for this process.
Well I need to get ready for my meeting tonight. Blessings to all.
My comment is on pt. #7…How can we give someone the benefit of the doubt when she is soooo blatantly in disobedience to our Lord’s Word? How can she be a “pastor” to pastors when she’s not even supposed to be in this position to begin with???? This already doesn’t look right because it is NOT right.
Yes, I am a woman and yes I was at the convention. I was reminded once again why my husband and I don’t give to the BGCT….they are way too far left and disobedient to our Lord’s scripture!!
Saddened,
I can definately see your point of view. I’m wrestling with this issue as well. IMO, and opinions can be changed, I don’t see her as a pastor to pastors. If I did see this position as such then I would be in the boat with you fully. I guess this tells you my position of women in the pulpit but that is another blog another day. I appreciate your opinion and like you I am saddened, but I’m willing to continue to fight for what is right at the BGCT. Blessings to you and your husband! Your attendance at the convention is appreciated!
As much as it pains me to say it, I believe that you may be right about forming some sort of organization. It goes against my grain in a lot of ways, but there’s been a paradigm shift in Baptist convention life and it may be the only way to go.
I really didn’t know who to look for at the convention, I was hoping to run into you. I really enjoyed the drive. It was long, and coming in on Sunday morning, I had a bout with some kind of stomach bug. The bathrooms are few and far between out there between Wichita Falls and Amarillo, but the scenery is fabulous!
Hey Terry, good words.
Concerning #:
1) Yes, I agree. A huge statement was made, but now will they listen. I believe there is time. Large ships don’t turn on a dime.
2)Personally, I have no problem with women in ministry/leadership positions. I would love to discuss the interpretation of the biblical passages with you some day. Maybe I can buy you dinner during next years annual meeting here in Fort Worth?! I hope that churches don’t leave over it. But then again, some losses can be plus gains.
3) Yes. Good point!
4)I voted against the “objection to consider” motion. That was the low point of the convention to me. That was typical fundamentalist type of behavior. I believe that all voices should be heard, even if they aren’t popular.
5) I went to seminary with Daniel. He is a great guy, and spot on with his motions. I’m afraid that referring the motions will result in nothing happening. I’m hoping that I’m wrong, but I’m still afraid.
6) Yep, you’re right again.
7) I agree. I also believe that “supporting” means continuing to be in contact with her. I don’t think supporting means sitting back in the easyboy chair; armchair-quarterbacking her every move. We need to keep all of the leadership honest, and we need to be in constant dialogue with them, imo.
Tim Dahl