How Big is the SBC Umbrella?
"There's room under the umbrella of Southern Baptists for all that still have those types of passions to see Christ and the Gospel really proclaimed." (Johnny Hunt, president-elect of SBC).
How big is that umbrella? During that past few years that umbrella has been shrinking. There has been a mindset within the SBC that unless you agree with everything that the SBC agrees with then you can't come under the unbrella of the SBC.
The IMB (International Mission Board) has been trying for over a year to narrow guidelines for missionaries. Missionaries cooperating with other non-SBC missionaries on the field are frowned upon. If you confess to using a private-prayer language, it is looked down upon. If you are not baptized through immersion in the right way, you are disqualified from becoming a missionary. In becoming more biblical, the conservative resurgance is losing people who are conservative, Bible-believing, Southern Baptist.
During the past few years, it seems to me that the priesthood of the believer has taken a back chair in our Baptist life. This doctrine was one held up high for a long time, or so I am told. Now, it seems the priesthood of the believer is held in high esteem only if your interpretation agrees with the leaders of the SBC. If not, you are wrong, and not welcomed under the umbrella.
If you dare share an opposing view point, then you need to step outside the umbrella. Never mind that your doctrine, and your walk with the Lord (isn't that more important?) are where they need to be. If you dare question the authority of the SBC leadership you are branded as radical and are censored or asked to resign if you hold a position of leadership in the convention.
I could go on and on. Our president-elect says the umbrella is big enough for all who want to share the love of Jesus with a dying, lost world. I'll take him at his word. SBC agency heads should follow these words as well. Dissent is good, make no mistake about it. It is a part of the checks and balances of any organization. If there is not healthy questioning of practices, positive growth cannot occur. Far too long we have been fighting small battles that do not mean a thing when it comes to the Great Commission. In these battles we have alienated many loyal Southern Baptists who have done a world of good for the Kingdom of Christ. The leadership seems to be saying in this convention that the fighting needs to stop and Great Commission work needs to begin. Guys, your actions speak louder than your words.
How big is that umbrella? During that past few years that umbrella has been shrinking. There has been a mindset within the SBC that unless you agree with everything that the SBC agrees with then you can't come under the unbrella of the SBC.
The IMB (International Mission Board) has been trying for over a year to narrow guidelines for missionaries. Missionaries cooperating with other non-SBC missionaries on the field are frowned upon. If you confess to using a private-prayer language, it is looked down upon. If you are not baptized through immersion in the right way, you are disqualified from becoming a missionary. In becoming more biblical, the conservative resurgance is losing people who are conservative, Bible-believing, Southern Baptist.
During the past few years, it seems to me that the priesthood of the believer has taken a back chair in our Baptist life. This doctrine was one held up high for a long time, or so I am told. Now, it seems the priesthood of the believer is held in high esteem only if your interpretation agrees with the leaders of the SBC. If not, you are wrong, and not welcomed under the umbrella.
If you dare share an opposing view point, then you need to step outside the umbrella. Never mind that your doctrine, and your walk with the Lord (isn't that more important?) are where they need to be. If you dare question the authority of the SBC leadership you are branded as radical and are censored or asked to resign if you hold a position of leadership in the convention.
I could go on and on. Our president-elect says the umbrella is big enough for all who want to share the love of Jesus with a dying, lost world. I'll take him at his word. SBC agency heads should follow these words as well. Dissent is good, make no mistake about it. It is a part of the checks and balances of any organization. If there is not healthy questioning of practices, positive growth cannot occur. Far too long we have been fighting small battles that do not mean a thing when it comes to the Great Commission. In these battles we have alienated many loyal Southern Baptists who have done a world of good for the Kingdom of Christ. The leadership seems to be saying in this convention that the fighting needs to stop and Great Commission work needs to begin. Guys, your actions speak louder than your words.
