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?

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?

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

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.

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

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

andrews last blog post..Missional Church ala 1955

Signed,
A non-alcohol drinking, conservative, inerrantist, suit-wearing (On Sunday morning, anyway), traditional SBC church pastor.