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Wednesday September 19, 2007 ~ 6 Comments
I had the privilege of attending the SBC Executive Committee meeting this week. I think it is essential that we, as denominational servants, are under the accountability of lay people and pastors from churches across the United States. I don't consider that a burden, but I see it as a mark that we serve the churches and not the other way around. People have joked with me about running for SBC office, but I think it is a bad idea. First, because I would lose-- big time. Second, and more importantly, in our current SBC environment it is important for denominational employees to be accountable to our churches-- not, for example, appointing trustees that, well, oversee us.
Frank Page spoke soon after Jerry Rankin prayed for (while other entities gather around) Paige and Dorothy Patterson. I was blessed to see Jerry Rankin, who has been attacked so many times, leading the group prayer for Paige and Dorothy Patterson, who have also come under attack. Frank shared the heart of so many in our denomination today calling for "A unified focus" when he added: It gave me great hope to know that even among that group of wonderful servants of God, that we have made a covenant ... that we will lift up one another and not tear down one another," Page said. "It is not just enough for our entities and their staffs to make a pledge that we will not attack one another. I have called on Southern Baptists, whether it be in blogs or in hallway conversations or in telephone conversations or in hushed tones ... to make a covenant that we will not attack one another, but we will lift high the name of Jesus and we will encourage one another. In light of the recent cross agency sniping and growing unrest, this is good news indeed. I have shared my concern about this very issue here. You can read the whole article here. Posted on September 19, 2007 at 8:35 PM ~ 6 Comments Tagged with: exectutive, politics, sbc Subscribe via RSS or Follow us on Twitter
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Ed,
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am ever hopeful for promising days in the future. With that said, allow me to state that the SBC is blessed to have you. Your driving passion to plant churches and love for the bride of Christ is compelling and at the same time convicting. May God be pleased to grant our convention a heart of repentance and renewal.
Oh, now I understand.
I thought the "Good News for the SBC" you were speaking of was that you would not be running for office.
Timmy, thanks so much for your kind words.
Larry, thanks so much for pointing out that both of these facts is really good news for the SBC. Grin. And, thanks for the help on the new book... you are a blessing!
It makes me sad to see the way Christians react to each other so many times. We are not unified and therefore do not glorify God with one heart and mouth. How we must be confusing the world!
I would like to ask you a question, and although I do not feel that this may be the appropriate place, I don't know of any other way to contact you. I have known for several years that God has given me a heart for relevant church planting. Over the past four years I have worked in two mega churches in Houston. Neither place wanted to give me an opportunity to work in church planting because I don't have "enough experience" but neither place wants to give me a chance to gain more experience because I am a woman. (Their words, not mine)
Very good news in deed, not only in words.
Ed, would send you an email, if I remembered what it was! Noting the SBC in your blog today, and my passion for the rural, small town church setting, it reminded me of a question: Is there anyone, in the SBC or otherwise, who is speaking to rural churches about how they can adapt to the emerging church format? Most of the folk I know either are scared to death of it, or they think they can outrun it. They'd do better outrunning a tornado! Your thoughts?