This past week the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention was held in Nashville. Cole and I were able to attend along with our wives. We had an enjoyable time together – but it was an exhausting 3-days! Before sharing a few of my reflections, remember that nothing happening in Nashville this week is more important than what the Lord is doing through Crestview every week. The day-to-day advancement of the gospel is happening in our church and multitudes of other faithful local churches around the world. Be encouraged! If you want more details about the week, please read: SBC 2021 Annual Meeting Wrap-up.
Now for a few of my reflections on the week:
We are Great Commission Baptists
The messengers at the SBC were unified around what is most important. This might not make the headlines and might not appear on social media. There is great unity in partnering among churches to obey the great commission. Monday night, we commissioned 64 international missionary families through the International Mission Board. We support almost 4,000 field personnel serving in many of the most unreached places on the planet. Through the North American Mission Board, 8,400 churches have been planted since 2010, almost 17% of all SBC churches. 54% of all Canadian Baptist churches have been started since 2010. The SBC family is broad, diverse, multi-ethnic, theologically sound, and driven by the commission. This is why we are seeing greater use of the official SBC moniker: Great Commission Baptists. It genuinely reflects who we are.
J.D. Greear was a model of leadership
As presiding SBC President, the pastor of The Summit Church in NC did an expert job leading a very busy, complicated, and at times contentious convention. He was a model of leadership, grace, and consistent humor. His sermon on Tuesday morning was on point and should be read by all. He identifies the strengths of the SBC and diagnoses problems that exist in the convention as well.
Ed Litton elected SBC President
I estimate that each of the 4 candidates is a good, orthodox man and could have served well. Ed Litton, the pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, AL, was elected president (usually a 2-year term). For those who are not familiar with SBC elections, it is common to have run-offs and for elections to be close. Let’s pray for Litton to lead well.
There are concerns with the SBC Executive Committee
There were several decisions made that reflected concerns with the SBC Executive Committee. Messengers regularly supported decisions to limit the expansion of EC authority. In an unprecedented move, messengers voted to have an independent investigation of the EC’s handling of sexual abuse cases. We should pray for the truth to be made known so that any concerns can be addressed.
Non-binding Resolutions Approved
Resolutions are non-binding statements made by the messengers of a convention. They are not binding on any SBC church. Resolutions were approved on Unity, the Hyde Amendment, the Equality Act, Abortion, and others. Resolution #2 on the Sufficiency of Scripture for Race and Reconciliation addressed concerns directly related to Critical Race Theory. The resolution condemned “any theory or worldview that denies that racism, oppression, or discrimination is rooted, ultimately, in anything other than sin.” It received almost unanimous support from the convention.
In another unprecedented move, there were motions made to rescind several resolutions made by past conventions (Birmingham Resolution #9 among others). These were ruled out of order because it is impossible to erase non-binding, historical statements made by past conventions.
After spending three days with our larger family of Great Commission Baptists, I believe we are unified around what is most important. There are voices of discontent and social media gives everyone a microphone. So, be discerning. I was encouraged that even divisive issues were handled wisely and with great grace. I sat in the room and participated in all the business. It is phenomenal to see 15,000 people conduct a business meeting with decency and order. I was encouraged and proud of our convention.
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas