As some of you may have seen, in December 2007 there was quite a commotion caused about certain SBC churches mixing “beer with [their] Bible.” This was occurring in various ways, through Bible studies being hosted at bars, poker nights with BYOB notices, or simply just an open policy about a Christians right to brew and consume adult beverages. Many of these churches, it happened, also shared another common bond besides their affinity for alcohol: they were funded by the Acts 29 Church Planting Network.
For those of you who don’t know, Acts 29 is a loose association of church planters and church plant mentors who work together to plant churches with a commitment to “rock-solid theology and contextualizing the gospel.” The network was founded by controversial Seattle-based pastor Mark Driscoll and, though not large (particularly compared with the size of NAMB), is nonetheless increasingly influential in the area of young church planters. One distinctive trait that is not required of Acts 29 churches, but many seem to gravitate towards, is the idea of being theologically conservative and culturally liberal. This appears to be where the rub with the SBC came.
Following a report highlighting “Theology at the Bottleworks,” a theological discussion held in a bar with drinks available and hosted by Acts 29 and SBC affiliated The Journey out of St. Louis, MO, the Missouri Baptist Convention decided it was time to make some changes (see article in BP). In December of 2007 they passed a resolution stating that
“Effective Jan 1, The Acts 29 Network is an organization with which the MBC Exec[utive] [Board] Staff will not be working, supporting, or endorsing in any manner at anytime.”
AND
“While recognizing the autonomous nature of all areas of MBC life beyond that of the Executive Board Staff, the MBC Executive Board directs the Church Planting Department and other ministry departments to NOT provide [Cooperative Program] dollars toward those affiliated with the Acts 29 Network.”
Thus, as of January 1, 2008 it was decided that the MBC could no longer support any church plant who was also receiving support from the Acts 29 network.
Missouri Baptists & Acts 29: One Year Later
In the aftermath of the brief uproar surrounding these decisions there has not been much said, so this past week I contacted the MBC to see if they had any follow-up about how the implementation and enforcement of this policy went. I spoke with Jerry Field, State Director for Church Planting with the MBC and he informed me that there really had not been much to report since this motion was passed. He said that in the end only two existing churches had been affected by this, with one choosing to withdraw its membership from the MBC. Moreover, he reiterated that this was simply a decision about financial support and that Acts 29 churches are welcome in the MBC and will be treated the same as any other church in the state convention. Personally, I was encouraged to hear that this was not a bloody conflict in Missouri and that after much hoopla in the beginning things had settled out fairly nicely.
However, this still does not comfort me on the larger scale and I will tell you why. In my opinion, there is no reason why animosity should exist between any SBC entity and a network with the commitment to biblical fidelity like Acts 29. As time goes on I feel that people within the SBC are digging in on alcohol and other culturally conservative positions (homeschooling, entertainment, etc.) without taking into consideration to what extent the Bible actually speaks on these issues. This is not a call to antinomian Christian liberty, but I do believe that the SBC is doing itself a disservice, particularly in the area of planting and new works, by trying to export the culture of the Old South to the four corners of the United States and beyond. Awhile back the question was raised about whether having ‘Southern’ in our name hinders our work outside of the South, but I think the bigger issue is how our cultural ignorance and possible biblical legalism hinders our ability to be taken seriously in a culture that does not reflect the conservative neighborhoods of Nashville, TN.
Sure, the issue in Missouri seems to have passed without much damage, but my fear is that there is still an underlying tension between Acts 29 and the SBC which, if not treated with discernment and eyes to the Bible over our own preferences, may wind up in a group of energetic, young, biblically sound churches, something the SBC needs badly at this point, being black-balled from SBC life because they have not found the verse that says “Thou shalt not drink or listen to rock music.” If we stay in the South we’ll be fine, but if our desire is to see the Great Commission brought to all peoples everywhere we may need to step outside of our comfort zone a little, which is a step I have yet to see many in the SBC willing to take.
et’s pick a name that has God’s love for the Nations in mind!
At the end of some posts on SBC Voices, we suggest related posts from other Southern Baptist websites and blogs. These will often include contrary points of view and should not be understood as endorsements.
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I wholeheartedly agree. Quoted you on my blog.
John Meches last blog post..Acts 29 and the SBC
I think you’ve stated well the concerns that many of us have.
Well put, you covered all bases, concerning the issue.
Todd,
I think you have written an excellent article addressing an important issue we face as a convention… There is one thing I would like to add.
You said: One distinctive trait that is not required of Acts 29 churches, but many seem to gravitate towards, is the idea of being theologically conservative and culturally liberal.
When “Theologically Conservative” and “Culturally Liberal” agree… it is a sure sign that extra-biblical (legalistic) standards have been used to define what is considered culturally conservative and what is considered culturally liberal. This is made O so clear when Southern Baptist leaders say things like; “We know the bible does not say drinking a glass of wine is a sin, BUT ______ (insert a 10,000 word essay on why it is not wise to drink a glass of wine).
Grace Always
Greg Alford;
Excellent commentary and addum.
“This is not a call to antinomian Christian liberty” is the most disingenuous claim made in this little blog. Be honest, sir. From the perspective of the Bible-believing churches of the SBC, you have issued a call to antinomian Christian liberty reminiscent of calls made by liberals in yesteryear and by the emergent church and Calvinists today. This raises the issue of how or where you learned to (mis)read the Bible such that one can be culturally liberal yet theologically “conservative”.
To John 3:16,
Thanks for a perfect illustration of everything that was and is wrong with the fundamentalist movement in the SBC. Anyone or any church that doesn’t work from your pre-approved list of rules certainly can’t be ‘Bible-believing’. Please stop, you’re embarrassing us.
Signed,
A non-alcohol drinking, conservative, inerrantist, suit-wearing (On Sunday morning, anyway), traditional SBC church pastor.
it should not have been a big deal to start with. thanks.
andrews last blog post..Missional Church ala 1955
Acts 29 doesn’t require their plants to have beer parties; they just–like the vast majority of American evangelicals–don’t have laws against moderate drinking. It seems clear to me the MBC was just embarrassed by the news story, probably received angry calls from prominent MBC members, and had to act. A complete disassociation with Acts 29 is immature and legalistic.
By the way, LifeWay Christian Stores will sell you a copy of “The Shack,” even though it teaches the Bible and the Church are untrustworthy and corrupted. But, LifeWay has rules against alcohol. The SBC really has some screwed up priorities.
When I was attending NOBTS, I wrote a paper describing why the SBC prohibition on alcohol was wrong. I got an A on the paper but was also told by a few professors that unless I changed my mind, finding a job in an SBC church would be very difficult. I never found out how difficult it would have been though because I earned my doctorate at a state university and went into academia.
my old paper: http://www.brucesabin.com/alcohol
I am currently in the great state of Missouri visiting a few of our Acts 29 churches–one of whom is SBC. We just had a 45 minute conversation about this apparent ongoing issue. This teetotaling pastor’s concern was that pastors are being forced to choose which organization to affiliate in spite of the BF&M statement that allows cooperation (Article XIV) and promotes autonomy of the local church (Article VI).
Acts 29 does not serve as an authority over any church and allows its local leadership to determine how it regulates matters of christian liberty.
We love our SBC brothers and their passion for missions. We would be encouraged to continue to cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom.
Scott Thomas
Acts 29 Director
Scott Thomass last blog post..Puritan Porn & Church Planting Fever, part 3
Great article. Thanks for the follow up. We are planting Vintage Church with the LBC in New Orleans and we are currently in the candidate phase of becoming part of Acts 29. Our experience with A29 has been great.
About the situation in MO: I have gotten to know Darrin Patrick (pastor of The Journey in St. Louis). Before we decided to join up with A29, I talked with him about the controversy. He admitted that there were some tough times but that he was encouraged about the future. Darrin has great respect for the SBC and has no desire to leave. He encouraged us to stay with the LBC and join up with the network.
About the A29 movement: A29 has no desire to be a denomination. Driscoll reiterated in Dallas last fall about the fact that they are a network and a movement. When I have received any resistance by my SBC friends for partnering with A29, all I had to tell them was that A29 is extremely similar to the “Purpose-Driven Movement” in function and purpose. This has helped a lot of my older-generational friends. A29 desires for each partnering church to not only sustain their denominational identity, but to also respect and follow their rules and convictions. Do most of the A29 churches endorse the freedom to drink alcohol? Of course. However, A29 encourages those planters who are planting through a denomination that is against this freedom to abide by those rules and regulations. Here is the official response by A29 at the end of their Alcohol statement online:
“In conclusion, there are different views on alcohol in our network and even on our board. We recognize that this is an issue where Christians can and do disagree, so we have no position on alcohol other than that people should have their conscience captive to the word of God, submit to the leadership of their church or denomination, and do everything for God’s glory.”
My conclusion: I am not burdened by this battle, but by the fact that the SBC is a dying denomination that needs a major reformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is no secret. Even the most hardcore old-schoolers would agree with this. Something radical has to be done. Instead of attacking a Bible-based Network that is making an strong impact around the world, we should be focusing on the fact that our own churches are failing in making an impact. Our church pursued partnership with A29 because we have a desire to grow a vibrant church in the heart of New Orleans that is making disciples. In an urban context, these guys are the leading voice. We would have loved to learn from an SBC entity or church, but I am not aware of any that provide the brotherhood and resource (in particular for Urban Church Planting) I would love to hear any recommendations within the SBC circles.
To my fellow young SBC church planters…don’t jump ship. The theological, cooperative, and missional conviction of the SBC is solid. There is a great need for a reformation. We can’t do anything about those who resist change and create conflict over things that don’t really matter. Focus on planting a church that glorifies God. Focus on reaching the least and the lost. Trust me, nothing speaks louder than the transformation of a community by the Gospel. Launch your church, seek out Godly counsel from the SBC and other Biblical entities, evangelize your community, and then have a rocking baptism celebration. Reality is…even if you baptize 5 people it will probably be more baptisms than most of the churches in your association in years.
I want to share with you guys where my heart is in writing this piece. I am a 23 year old Southern Baptist who over the last year and a half has been moving towards a call into urban church planting and pastoring. During this time I have prayerfully considered the options on how to go about fulfilling such a task. My conclusion has been to first, go to seminary to receive further training in the Word and practical matters, and second, to try and hook into the SBC for assistance in getting a plant started (through a program such as The Nehemiah Project or what not). I think trying to plant with the SBC is a wonderful option because of the years of experience they have in supporting works and the resources they have to back the people on the field. That said, I have a strong gravitation towards Acts 29 because, missiologically and soteriologically, I feel closer to where they are, and so I would strongly consider trying to affiliate with them as well. Therefore, I personally have a vested interest in seeing a good working relationship exist between the SBC and A29 if nothing for no other reason than my own selfishness in the plans I am pursuing.
And, just as a point of information, I do not believe abstinence is what the Bible portrays, nor is it particularly my conviction for myself, but it is something that I practice because of my current context (in the American South).
Todd Buruss last blog post..“Contextualizing” is Not a Dirty Word- Surveying Contextualization in the Acts of the Apostles
Todd,
Great last word. I am also looking into urban church planting and would like very much to be able to plant with the SBC and Acts 29. I hold the same position as you when it comes to drinking and I think it is crazy that this issue causes the tension that is did/does between Acts 29 and the SBC…
I love both the SBC and Acts 29 and I surely hope that I am able to participate with both when it comes time for me to church plant.
Matt Svobodas last blog post..How Does Rob Bell Approach Preaching and Teaching?
I led First Calvary Baptist Church in Kansas City, an urban congregation, 160 years old and formerly in decline, to merge with the The Journey, the church Darrin Patrick pastors in St. Louis. The Journey deployed church planter Kevin Cawley to re-plant First Calvary as Redeemer Fellowship. The church has tripled in size now. They preach the gospel, reach out to the poor, are theologically solid and have my utter admiration.
Yes, these younger ACTS29 leaders could probably learn a few things from us older SBC types, but these guys brings much to the table that the SBC needs as well. Too many have hastily and wrongly lumped people like Darrin Patrick and other ACTS29 pastors in with streams of the emerging church movement that despize doctrine, distort the gospel, and have a bad conscience for proselytizing. Big mistake. Some of these guys bring togehter a truly exciting combination of deep commitment to the Bible, advance of the gospel and church planting among some of the most resistant population groups in North America. We ought to be supporting them and thanking God for raising them up among us. And some of are.
At the State Convention following the implementation of the restriction against ACTS29 in Missouri, voters overwhelmingly rejected the slate of officers associated with the anti-ACTS29 group. Good for Missouri Baptists. I pray that the sanity continues there.
Mark DeVines last blog post..How Big is the Emerging Church?
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