August 14, 2000
TOGETHER:
Constitution directs Texas Baptists to work together
___Most Americans don't read constitutions. Constitutions never have been interesting reading for me either.
___But now that I have to be familiar with the constitution of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, I have a new appreciation for constitutions. They are designed tomake sure the purposes of the organization are clear, the method of election of officers is plain, the responsibilities of the organization to its members are spelled out and the limitations on the exercise of power are detailed.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___Years ago, a difficulty developed in a new church because the pastor and people never got around to developing a constitution. As long as things went along harmoniously, all seemed well. But a problem reared its head, and, since there was no definitive way to go about handling it, the problem escalated into a disaster for the church and its public witness.
___A good constitution protects both members and leaders from unfair behavior on the part of others. It helps to ensure that the purposes for which the church, convention or organization was brought into being are not bent out of shape because of careless or dishonest actions. It provides guidance for leaders and accountability when problems arise.
___This past week, I have had occasion to read again the constitution of the BGCT. Two things jumped off the page. First, this constitution protects local churches and individual Christians from any attempts to control them. Second, the purposes for which this convention was organized still are very much at the heart of what we do.
___Here is the wonderful language that guides our convention:
___The nature: "This body is and always shall remain, only and solely a medium through which Baptist churches may work harmoniously in cooperation with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in this constitution. It has not, to any degree, and shall never have any ecclesiastical authority. It shall not have and shall never attempt to exercise a single attribute of power or authority over any church, or over the messengers of the churches in such wise as to limit the sovereignty of the churches, but shall recognize the sovereignty of the churches under the one Sovereign, Jesus Christ our Lord."
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___This calls us all to work together to do the work of God in our great state. It begs us to work together to promote cooperation and harmony. The ideas grow right out of Scripture: "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians14:40). "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. ... Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. ... Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:27-28; 2:2-5).
___We are loved.
___
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