The Future of the SBC

Last week, Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, addressed the issue of the future of the Southern Baptist Convention. He echos what many of us have been saying about our convention’s need to adapt and look hard at how we can more effectively be about Kingdom work as Southern Baptists. Dr. Mohler lends a wise voice to this multi-layered and often loud discussion taking place among our denomination.

For some of you who are in the midst of this “discussion”, you probably have already heard this address and have strong opinions one way or the other about Mohler’s views. For many of you who don’t follow denominational happenings, what Dr. Mohler has to say may be a real eye-opener about what’s been going on. Take a few minutes, watch this video, and pray for our denomination. I have also included some links to some great postings and articles that do a good job of going into more detail.

Video of Dr. Mohler’s Address at SBTS

Tom Ascol’s Article, “Southern Baptists Must Change Or Die”

Marty Duren’s Article, “Southern Baptist Seminary President Talks Change In Chapel”

The Great Commission Resurgence Website

Some Thoughts on the SBC 2009

The 2009 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting is in the books and I thought I’d share a few of my observations about what took place.

First, THE GOOD: It is always good to be back in Louisville, my family’s home for nearly 11 years as I attended Southern Seminary and pastored a church. It was especially meaningful to be in Louisville for Southern’s 150th celebration. My years at Southern were some of the most meaningful of my life, and it was good to see several friends from my time there.

I was also pleased that the convention basically endorsed the Great Commission Resurgence document, in the sense that a Great Commission Task Force was appointed.  I’m pleased that there is a formal emphasis on refocusing Southern Baptists on the Great Commission. However, the real need is a Great Commission Resurgence in the hearts of Southern Baptists, a renewed sense of urgency to reach the lost and a true repentance for our disobedience. My fear is that we will adopt the resolution and try to take care of our problem on an institutional level instead of at a heart level. It’s a good first step, but I hope it doesn’t stop there.

I was pleased with the resolutions that passed. Each one was well-worded, timely and a good representation of what I think the SBC is.

I was also challenged by one of the best, most convicting messages I’ve ever heard. On Monday night of the pastor’s conference, David Platt challenged us to decide if we are going to die in our religion or die in our devotion. When I can, I will post the message or a link to it. It was truly a word from the Lord.

Second, THE BAD: I was disappointed at Morris Chapman’s comments about Calvinism during the Executive Committee presentation. Not only were they inaccurate in their nature, but very untimely. Of all the things to focus on during the convention, Calvinism in the SBC was the least useful.

I was also a bit disappointed by the Great Commission Resurgence study committee that was appointed. As is so typical in the SBC, it was made up of the typical group of known names and narrow demographics. I would like to have seen a greater diversity in gender, geography, and church size. The good thing is, though, that those elected to serve to represent of the best our denomination has to offer. My great hope is that they will recommend, among other things, a serious look at restructuring, streamlining, and simplifying the national convention, as well as some recommendations about the need for the current state convention set-up as it is. It seems that there is much overlap in the national, state, and local association levels.

Finally, THE UGLY: I’m always amazed at what happens when you open the microphone up to anyone who wants to speak. Some of the motions offered were really interesting, some were a bit bizarre, and some were downright off the mark. I’m especially stymied by some people’s obsession with Mark Driscoll and the Acts 29 Network. We, who are in denominations, are going to have to learn to cooperate in Kingdom work with those who share our convictions about the primary matters of the faith even though we differ on the secondary and tertiary matters of the faith, or on methodology.

Overall, I thought it was a very positive week for Southern Baptists. We have much work to do–most of which must take place in the hearts of the individuals in the churches that make up the SBC.

Praying for A Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC

Last week, Dr. Danny Akin, president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, outlined his prayerful perspective on the prescription for our ailing denomination. I love the Southern Baptist Convention, but am alarmed, along with so many, about how we have lost our passion for and effectiveness in reaching the lost. Dr. Akin presented what he calls “Axioms for a Great Commission Resurgence”. I think this address is vitally important for every Southern Baptist to read, prayerfully consider, digest, and then ask, “So how can we implement this?” My friend, and fellow pastor, Micah Fries, said in a response to a post by Alvin Reid about SBC matters that any significant change in the convention is going to have to take place on three levels–organic, institutional, and educational–to have any lasting effect. It is exciting to see this kind of discussion from the educational level.

Below is both the full text of Dr. Akin’s address, as well as a link to the video of the address.

AXIOMS FOR A GREAT COMMISSION RESURGENCE
Acts 1:4-8

Link to video of the message

By Daniel L. Akin

Introduction: 1) Following His resurrection Jesus spent time with His disciples for 40 days preparing them for their assignment once He had ascended.  He led them out to Mount Olivet where He would return back to the Father.  However, just prior to His ascension, the disciples wanted to have a theological conversation concerning matters of eschatology.  Specifically they wanted to know, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (v.6). Jesus did not rebuke them for asking what is certainly an interesting question.  His response did, however, indicate that it was not the most important question.  His response reveals that the better question is this, “what should we do until you do come again and establish Your kingdom?” To that question He provides a definitive answer in the Acts version of the Great Commission found in verse 8, “Be my witnesses.”  In essence Jesus was saying to His followers, “do not get distracted over issues that are secondary and non-essential. Stay focused on the main thing.  Make sure your priorities line up with the Father’s.  Be my witnesses and advance the gospel until I return.”