December 8, 1999
COMMENTARY:
"Ich bin ein Texas Baptist"
___By Duke K. McCall
___I have read the Baptist Standard weekly for 56 years, but the most exciting edition was your recent report on the El Paso sessions of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. I learned again that Southern Baptists are not a herd of sheep to be led around by the nose! They do care about our corporate life made of independent Baptist churches. They may make mistakes, but they will make their own while trying to follow God. They read the Bible for themselves and will let no bishop tell them what it says. Thank God!
___ "Ich bin ein Texas Baptist." I am trying to identify with Texas Baptists as President Jon Kennedy identified with Berliners during the Cold War. I supplied for George W. Truett in 1944 during the last eight months of his life. I got my first honorary doctor's degree from Gov. Pat Neff during the Baylor University Centennial in 1945. Part of my salary was paid by Texas Baptists from 1943 to 1981 in the three Southern Baptist jobs I held. Please let that qualify me as a Texas Baptist who endorses and rejoices in actions of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1999.
___I have been predicting a conservative response to the 1980s revolution within the Southern Baptist Convention. Now past 85, I thought I would not live to see Baptists revert to the principles and spirit that made them such a powerful instrument of world evangelism.
___Who was the genius who thought of endorsing the 1963 Baptist Faith & Message statement? The statement was an excellent effort by Herschel Hobbs and his committee to anchor Baptists in the middle of their heritage. It was not adopted against anyone or to support any party line. What a wonderful idea to adopt that statement as the norm for all of us in the next millennium. It avoids controversies and affirms essentials. I vote "Yes" with my Texas brothers and sisters.
___ How gracious to open the door for all who want to walk with you. That was the old Baptist pattern to raise a Christian standard and invite all who agreed to join in sharing the good news. Nobody excluded; nobody coerced to agree!
___ You also decided to examine what you suppor--mission boards and theological seminaries. That ought to be done periodically. Time does make ancient good uncouth. Further, some new enterprises do not warrant support. Good stewards always assess the impact of their gifts on the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptists claim the right to direct their gifts to the best avenue for Christian witness and ministry. Choose with wisdom and love.
___ The BGCT is looking to a new millennium. Good! Forget those of us who in the past did our best, but it was not enough. Some of the things we did, we know to do better now. Give us all credit for trying in the yesterdays, but move ahead with Christ. He is the only leader who never misleads--whose character contains no flaws.
___ The rest of us on all sides of every issue tried to provide God with the flawed human stuff that he was willing to accept and use to his glory. Now, in the 21st century, it is your turn. Texas Baptists, lead on!
___ Duke McCall, now retired, was president of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
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