EDITORIAL:
Be a Baptist: Study issues & vote
___Now is the time for Baptists to be Baptists. We talk about soul competency, priesthood of all believers and the autonomy of the local church. These doctrines never are more important than when Baptists must make decisions. And Texas Baptists are preparing to make some of the most important decisions in our history.
___Late next month, messengers to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session will consider two crucial budgetary decisions whose implications reach far beyond money. Messengers will vote on a Seminary Study Committee proposal to reallocate $4.3 million from the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries to theological education provided by three Texas Baptist schools. They also will decide on an Administrative Committee recommendation to shift $1.1 million from the SBC Executive Committee and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission to BGCT Hispanic missions, human welfare ministries and moral concerns. The BGCT Executive Board overwhelmingly approved both recommendations last week, but to take effect, they must be ratified at the annual session.
___If the recommendations are approved, they will channel much-needed funds into vital BGCT ministries. Beyond that, however, their approval will confirm the rift between the state and national conventions. Votes cast for the recommendations will indicate displeasure with how the SBC trains ministers, the political nature of its operations, and the way it undermines traditional Baptist support for religious liberty.
___Some Baptists, wishing this conflict did not exist, have characterized it as "a spitting war between boys." Unfortunately, some infighting has been rough and raucous. However, such a characterization is flawed. It overlooks profound theological and philosophical differences between the two conventions. The SBC, as shaped by its current leaders, has based the changes that have taken place during the past 20 years upon strongly held beliefs that reflect their views of God and humanity. Likewise, Texas Baptists and others who have opposed this movement have responded passionately because they believe their own theological understandings reflect true Baptist thinking.
___Now that these funding/relationship issues are placed on the agenda of the BGCT annual session, Texas Baptists must decide how they feel. We will vote twice. Messengers to the annual session will vote on the recommendations. Then churches, as they channel their Cooperative Program contributions, will vote with their pocketbooks.
___"We've given a lot of lip service over the years to autonomy. Now we're fixing to practice it," Ron Horton, director of missions for Creath-Brazos Baptist Association, said at a DOMs' meeting with SBC leaders.
___He's on target. And to practice autonomy, Texas Baptists need to be informed. Before they vote, all messengers should do some research: Read and compare the 1925, 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith & Message statements. Listen to discussion regarding proposed amendments to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. Read and study the Seminary Study Committee's report and recommendations. Examine the chart explaining the proposed funding changes. Listen to an explanation of the overwhelming mission needs in Texas provided by Texas Woman's Missionary Union President Jeane Law. All these materials are available in the "Baptist Decision 2000" section of the Baptist Standard's website, www.baptiststandard.com. If you aren't on the Internet, find a friend who is and access these materials.
___Now is the time for Baptists to base decisions on beliefs. "For many years, our churches gave (to the Cooperative Program) out of convenience. Now we're going to give out of conviction," Olin Boles, director of missions for Gulf Coast Baptist Association predicted. Conviction is the Baptist way. Study the issues; then vote and act on your convictions.
___And as you do, think clearly. Do not assume the "label" on the convention says all that needs to be said. Many Baptists claim loyalty to a Southern Baptist Convention that no longer exists. The convention that nurtured them, empowered them and utilized their resources decades ago is not the same convention that has been re-created during the past 20 years. Study the materials and think about Baptist principles, not Baptist labels. Pray, asking God to guide both your mind and your heart.
___Then go to the BGCT and vote your convictions.
___That's the Baptist way.
___ Marv Knox
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
The Baptist Standard
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