Southern Baptists have so much for which to be thankful. We have resources. We have people. We have preachers who love the Word. We have missionaries who love souls. We have great thinkers. We have wonderful leaders. We have a great big God whom we serve.
That same God once said on earth, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness . . ." There are two challenges for us Southern Baptists in this statement of our Commander-In-Chief that we must NEVER forget.
(1). We are to seek the Kingdom of God . . .
In other words, our primary efforts are not the establishment of denominational churches. Our best energies are not reserved for denominational growth. Our gaze is to be locked on the establishment of His Kingdom. We are to bring people into His service. We are to exalt and proclaim His Sovereignty. We are to pray that peoples everywhere bow to the majesty of King Jesus. We are to seek God's kingdom on earth "as it is in heaven."
Anything that is not for the establishment of Christ's kingdom, which by the way, transcends denominational walls, is ultimately anti-kingdom. I love Southern Baptists. I am a Southern Baptist. My roots are in the Southern Baptist Convention. I am working toward, praying for, and seeking to lead us all to an understanding that the days of isolationism, an attitude that says "Unless you are one of us (Southern Baptist) you are not of us", and any spiritual arrogance that places the convention above the larger Kingdom of God must go!
Why? Because our God told us to seek His Kingdom and not the advancement of our denomination. However, I do happen to believe when we are more Kingdom minded than convention minded, the convention EXPLODES in growth. In other words, the very thing people say they want (Southern Baptist Convention growth) only happens when we focus on Kingdom growth. Convention growth is but a by product.
(2). We are to seek His Righteousness . . .
This righteousness is the gospel, pure and simple. It is the righteousness that comes from God and is found by faith in Jesus Christ.
Any morality, denominational distinctives (don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew or go with girls who do) may cause a person to confuse man's righteousness for God's righteousness. I recently ran a post regarding some Southern Baptists who had lost sight of the gospel of Jesus Christ and praised Adolph Hitler in 1934 at the Baptist World Alliance because he followed Baptist morals.
We must never lose sight that our objective is to seek other's to understand and comprehend the righteousness that comes from God and is given to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. This gospel is considered "tasteless" (Gk. word is actually "moros" from which we get our English word moronic), but it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes.
The great, practical outcome of having a Kingdom mentality can be seen in the writings of one of our SBC missionaries who posted about the practical effects of working in foreign lands, in dark regions of the world, with a Kingdom mentality.
When we as a convention understand everything is about Christ's kingdom and not our denominational fiefdom, we will see true revival in the SBC.
In His Grace,
Wade
13 comments:
Dear Wade,
I agree completely that we should focus on advancing the Kingdom, not our denomination.
Our missionaries are all drawn from the members of Southern Baptist churches. They also pledge to minister according to our Baptist beliefs, as expressed in our 2000 BFM. So, then, they will teach new believers the central truths of the Bible as we Baptists understand them.
If they cooperate with missionaries from other groups, who teach the same on core beliefs, but differently on periferal matters, so be it!
Love in Christ,
Jeff
I have been so encouraged to read the comments of so many M's and pastors who feel this way! While I attend a SBC, I went to a Church of God University and my wife went to a Presbyterian high school and some of our greatest friends we have met on the mission field are Mennonites M's! I love my southern baptist church and my pastor, and I am proud to be a member of it- but it is more important to me to be labeled a "Christian who is a member of a SBC" than to just say "I am a Baptist."
Thank you Wade for taking the stand you have and having the courage to do what you have done.
My question as a young, missions-minded Southern Baptist church member is this-- Are most of the trustees of the IMB not people with considerable overseas missions experience? I dont know the bylaws for becoming a trustee, but it just seems like the people who are forming policy on church planting and other important issues that affect the day-to-day lives of the missionaries would be required to really know what it is like to live in a different culture and work in the amazing, selfless act as our missionaries do. Is this not a priority?
Hi Wade:
Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."(NIV)
Matthew 28:18-19: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."" (NIV)
Jesus said we were to be "witnesses" in all those foreign places. He told us we could go do that because HE had all power. I don't notice He gave US that power.
He also said we should make discples in all nations. I presume, since it was Jesus doing the talking, He was referring to His disciples, not ours.
We're supposed to teach others what Jesus commanded. No what we command, unless it is what Jesus commanded.
We're supposed to baptize folks in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since "name" is singular (per Mr. Strong) and He mentioned 3 different persons, I'm assuming the secondary meaning, authority, applies here.
Seems like a pretty good plan, to me.
I understand a missionary couple has been asked to resign, under threat of dismissal, as they "partnered" with a couple from another denomination in the formation of a "baptistic" church.
If the above is true, then the inescapable conclusion, for me, is that the IMB is requiring that missionaries BE witnesses for the SBC/IMB, and that they make disciples OF the SBC/IMB.
Am I missing something here?
p.s. and that doesn't even come CLOSE to touching on the baptism/tongues issue. Maybe this is indicative of much deeper problems.
p.p.s: What was that, again, about WWJD?
Matt,
I would say all the trustees are VERY missions minded.
It is a matter of missiology and vision. Do we, as trustees, estalish the vision for the IMB, or do we allow the IMB President and administration to set the vision and then we as trustees hold them accountable for the implementation of it?
I believe it is the latter.
I also believe Dr. Rankin is eminently qualified to set the vision for the IMB and we as trustees should support him.
I completely agree that Dr. Rankin is eminently qualified...and I think this validates my question. Dr. Rankin, with all of his experience, spoke out against the new policies as stated on your blog.
"Dr. Rankin spoke candidly to his staff of the recent trustee approved policies on tongues and baptism and the administration's opposition, as well as his own personal opposition, to those same policies. However, he beautifully articulated his belief that God's grace is given to those Christians who submit to the authority that is placed over them by God. God is on His throne, and even if the authority He places over us acts unreasonable, submission to that authority brings grace. Dr. Rankin stated that though he opposed the implementation of the new policies, and saw no empirical evidence that they were needed, he still would follow Scripture and graciously submit to the authority of the board."
This to me sounds like the trustees trying to establish the vision and the administration and Dr. Rankin having to support the trustees (and doing so very graciously)-- the exact opposite of what you stated as the role of the 2 bodies.
Wade, You are on the right track and I agree. Denominations are fine to serve a purpose not for control. However my concern is beware of the road to compromise which has polluted many a denomination and Church. Jeff says "if they cooperate with missionaries from other groups,who teach the same core beliefs, but differently on periferal matters, so be it!"
I would need explanation of "periferal matters" thats rather vague in that large "circle" that engulfs us.
Wade,
Super post. I wonder if my associational DOM would get in trouble if outside SBCr's knew we had monthly men's prayer breakfasts that he organized with the local rural SBC, AOG, freewill and independent baptist, and community churches in our county. The honor of hosting it rotates from church to church participating. Usual attendance is anywhere from 15-35 men. Not bad for a rural county. We had over 50 once when we hosted it. What a blessing it is to just gather in Jesus Name, share our prayer requests and pray together in unity. I don't get to attend as much as I would like. The spirit of cooperation is so good. I have never seen an argument or even a theological discussion, just prayer for our various needs and the Lord's work in our county. I can understand when the M said that no one asks what denomination you are--its all about Christ.
My sending church, UBC, used to share a joint 5th Sunday evening service with the AOG on the same block (I assume they still do). The fellowship was great. We swapped off the preaching and hosting chores. Both pastors are missions minded. Nobody got into prosletizing, no pentecostal or SBC agendas, just worship and emphasis on the fundamental foundation---Jesus Christ.
We just want to serve King Jesus as best as we understand how--all of us in all these denominations that cooperate together that I have been associated with. I'm sure each GCC denomination has their duds, but also many who love the Lord as we do.
It's all about Jesus.
Greg
Wade,
My prayers are with you and all of the missionaries around the world that are on the front line for GOD’s KINGDOM. Jesus did not speak of the CHURCH in any other name, than MY CHURCH.
Thank you for taking a stand for JESUS CHRIST.
A Baptist I think! Or better yet A Christian.
THIS IS WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY ABOUT UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Joh 17:20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Joh 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Joh 17:22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
Joh 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Wade,
My prayers are with you and all of the missionaries around the world that are on the front line for GOD’s KINGDOM. Jesus did not speak of the CHURCH in any other name, than MY CHURCH.
Thank you for taking a stand for JESUS CHRIST.
A Baptist I think! Or better yet A Christian.
THIS IS WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY ABOUT UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Joh 17:20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Joh 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Joh 17:22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
Joh 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
One further observation as to baptism. I've heard more times than I can count, that Baptism, scripturally by immersion, is our way of "identifying with Christ". I don't begin to know what that means, for a couple reasons.
One is that John baptized people when they didn't know who they were "identifying" with.
Second, we're only "identifying with" Jesus to the people who are there at the time. Anyone else, anywhere else, we wouldn't be "identified", to them.
So I guess it is just that baptists believe baptism is the appropriate response, upon our salvation. Good.
Perhaps that rationale for baptism is why an unfortunate percentage of baptists (and others .. I been Methodist, too, and 3 kinds of Presbyterian) don't identify with Jesus, that I can see, elsewhere.
I don't buy "identify with". I buy obedience, period.
Of the believer.
I baptized a guy in a pool at a hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, once. I don't know if I did it right or not. He seemed to appreciate it, and the mission team members watching jumped up and down and high-fived and shouted a lot. I guess they liked it.
I think we need to come up with an easier way to spell "Pharisee".
I'm having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning and would covet you guys' prayers. Mostly for the nurses; they'll have to put up with me for 5 or 6 days.
The doctor is as fine a Christian as I've ever met. It's all over his office.
See you folks later.
PS: Hello, Hiram Smith. Likewise. I'll be at Greensboro, and if you're not, well, Birmingham's not that far from the Panhandle.
Hiram,
By my experience I make this declaration. There is a time for truth and there is a time for grace.
Jesus Himself said "don't cast your pearls before swine."
The wise man will never compromise the truth, but he will also no when grace is needed.
Appreciate your comments.
Bro Wade,
I call you brother because we are kindred spirits. I don't understand the desire/need to build the SBC. I believe it is this mentality that has produced a generation of "consumer christians" who go wherever the wind blows them.
We are not out to compete for a limited number of resources (i.e., Christians looking for a church home). Instead, we are to win the lost for Christ. If spiritual awakening were to happen here and the number of lost people coming to know Christ was equivalent to historic awakenings, there are not enough seats in every church (SBC/non-SBC) that is here to seat them all at the same time.
If we read carefully Matthew 9:35-38, we see that we are to pray for more laborers in the harvest. Where do the laborers come from? The harvest. We have to get out of this ecclesiological mindset and start seeing a lost and dying world!
Sorry to rant. Thank you, Bro Wade, for giving voice to what so many of us are feeling.
Tony
This Okie praises God for the grace and truth He has ministered through you, Wade. As irrefutable evidence of this is the account and witness you gave us with reference to the proceedings of the IMB BoT in the January, 2006 meeting in Richmond.
Thanks to Scott Bridwell, for obtaining a copy of the minutes of the aforementioned IMB BoT meeting, including the record of the motion to recommend the removal of Wade Burleson from the IMB BoT. While there is little, if any, "grace" in this segment of the minutes, there is sufficient prima facie evidence as to the "truth" of what transpired that day. Any objective reading of these minutes fully validate Wade's account of this episode to the letter! See the following for the relevant minutes regarding the aforementioned motion:
The chairman read into the record action taken at the Executive Session on Tuesday Afternoon January 10. Motion made by Jerry Corbaley and seconded
I move that the trustees request the Southern Baptist Convention remove Wad Burleson from the International Mission Board as soon as possible;
That the trustees reprimand him for gossip and slander that hurts the work of the board;
That the chairman make public the nature of the reprimand in the manner of the chairman's choosing;
And that Mr. Burleson be removed from all trustee committees until such time as the Southern Baptist Convention rules.
Motion carried by a 2/3 majority vote.
(This action was rescinded without objection at the March 22, 2006 meeting.)
Request by Wade Burleson to read into record his response was ruled out of order by the chairman.
Motion was made by Lonnie Wascom and seconded to move into Executive Session. Motion carried.
Following Executive session the meeting adjourned with Church McAlister, trustee from Arkansas leading prayer.
As an aside, nowhere do we find the mention of any prayers concerning the death of "principled dissent" among the Trustees of the BoT.
Moreover, while the March meeting in Tampa, provided the opportunity for the BoT to rescind its ill-conceived motion passed in January, the BoT was significantly silent in failing to apologize for slandering one of its own. Yes, "slander" was committed in that the BoT never produced even a modicum of evidence for the original allegations of "gossip and slander", or the subsequent allegations of "loss of trust" and "resistance to accountability" for that matter.
Furthermore, no one in the BoT leadership has had the integrity, as yet, to step forward and offer an unconditional apology for the false charges that were levied against Wade Burleson in January. Rather, the unrepentant BoT leadership rammed through a major revision of their policy guidelines, concocted (reportedly in the works for two years. . .more likely, developed in two months or less) to further restrict "dissent", principled or otherwise, in forbidding any Trustee to voice disagreement with any policy after the BoT has formally adopted the said policy.
The question is, "Now, that the IMB BoT has taped its Trustees' mouths shut, will there be a sufficient number SBC Messengers who have the resolve to hold the IMB BoT accountable for the injustices it has perpetrated; or, will the Messengers go out quietly into the night?"
Thousands of missionaries are prayerfully watching. Thousands of younger (though their chronological ages may range from 18 to 80) pastors who lead flocks in SBC churches throughout the United States, churches supplying significant financial support to the IMB, are on "first alert" to this crisis and prayerfully focused on what is happening.
However, there is Another to whom we will all be ultimately accountable in this matter. No executive session, secret caucus, or covert strategy will escape His full scrutiny. Never before was the prayer, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) more relevant to the Southern Baptist Convention of churches.
In His Grace and Peace,
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