No… I don’t have any predictions. But I am thinking a lot of you all do!
What are some predictions that you all have about the SBC for this year?
Any predictions on what comes of the GCR? Or what the GCRTF reports? President predictions? New theological arguments that arise? Any predictions with our seminaries? Anything!
The SBC is too big for nothing exciting to happen… There will be A LOT that goes on this year- what do you all predict that those things will be?
{ 27 comments }
I predict Dr. Al Mohler will run for SBC Prez.
I predict someone will make a motion in Orlando regarding banning the Southern Baptist-published Holman Christian Standard Bible or any thing written in modern English…
I don’t think Dr. Mohler will run. With the GCR Task Force, in all probability, about to suggest big changes in the SBC, I do not think having he will run, if only so people can’t complain about an entity president being SBC president, as some were concerned with this before Mohler dropped out a couple of years ago. (Note: I personally have no problem with it. I’m just saying.)
That said, it would not shock me in the least to see Ronnie Floyd’s name put up for nomination since a) he has run before, and b) he is one of the faces of the GCR, being chairman of the task force, and c) his election would be seen by many as a way to ensure that the recommendations of the GCRTF are seen through.
I’m not against this, nor am I endorsing this course of action (at least not until I see what it is, exactly, the Task Force recommends).
Conditions will grow more chaotic as the social, financial, political, educational, industrial order begins to break down and collapse under the impact of the reality that there are no jobs to be had due to the impact of automation, computerization, and robotics (also due to the fact that the jobs were shipped to other nations on purpose and according to a plan that had been made as far back as 1906(?)) – unless certain forces gel that differ with the powers that be. Jobs per force must be make-work, basically worthless and meaningless repetitive activities, There is no need for workers of hardly any kind today, and some people think of them as useless eaters consuming the resources of the”some people” (Has any one ever read H.G. Wells Open Conspiracy? or did anyone watch Glenn Beck’s special on dictators on Fox where Goerge B. Shaw was presented from long ago talking about getting rid of the useless eaters which is what the dictators of Germany and Russia and elsewhere were all about?). C.S. Lewis unknowingly or perhaps knowingly suggested the answer in his sci/fi novel, That Hideous Strength, where he describes the bad guys as PULLING DOWN DEEP HEAVEN UPON THEIR HEADS, and in the novel deep heaven comes down to earth. Lewis was really describing what I found to be the reality of the First and Second Great Awakenings, namely, the Divine Presence coming down in such overwhelmingly winsome reality as to melt sinful hearts with fear and joy. Could this be the stone cut of the mountain without human hands striking the old image in its feet and utterly destroying it as Daniel prophesied? And does not the Bible say, when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Lord will lift up a standard against him (a counter flood, a greater flood – like in where sin abounded, grace superabounded)? More could be said as to the matter of the right theology and the spirit of humility produced by both the truth and the Presence and along with the humility evoking and provoking a glad devotion. But the matter of prayer and understanding must be attended to first. The promises recorded in Jonathan Edwards’ Humble Attempt and William Carey’s Thoughts on Missions need to be studied and then pleaded in prayer until God comes and rains righteousness upon us, until the heavens drop down as Isaiah and the Holy Spirit of God who inspired him to write those words pleaded (Isa.45:8). God grant that we shall do as much by His grace and for His glory.
Here’s a prediction for a new theological argument. It explores the relationship between changing the name of the SBC in order to reach the lost with classic reformed soteriology. Assuming God does not elect one set of souls if we call ourselves the SBC and another set of souls if we call ourselves by a different name, the question becomes: “Why should we change our name in order to reach the lost since God is going to save the very same souls either way?”
Someone from Southwestern or New Orleans will take a potshot at someone from Southern or Southeastern over soteriology.
and vice versa.
If Ronnie Floyd runs, I predict he will not win. Too many people remember the 0.29% CP and the fire engine baptistry.
Was that where the fire engine baptistry came from? I always thought it was just an SBC urban legend that one existed!
Someone with a lot of time on their hands needs to make a mock web site with “proposition bets” (akin to what Vegas does with the Super Bowl for things like “Will there be a safety?” or “Who will score the first TD?”) for what the GCRTF will propose and what the SBC will adopt.
For example, what are the odds changing the name of the SBC will be a recommendation. I say 10:1.
Matt,
Great idea. I agree with you about the name change. Peter Lumpkins did a good job documenting the history of the name change and why it isn’t a good idea.
Les
I think the toughest part about any name change happening is the simple fact that there is no clear frontrunner of a name to change to. I haven’t really heard one I’ve liked enough to really rally for, and I’m a Missourian who doesn’t really like “Southern” in the name right now. I’d assume people who are more liking of the title “Southern” than me haven’t found a likeable alternative either!
although “THE Baptist Convention” seems just cocky enough to work!
When there is an express train, a Big Boy from the era of steam, roaring own the track and nearly upon you, a name change is hardly a matter of importance. That Big boy is the train of Divine Promises due for fulfillment upon being pleaded for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Father begins to exercise His options in souls, SWBTS & NOBTS will have not time or desire to take pot shots at SBTS. They will be too busy crying for the same Blessing to be bestowed upon them. Why aren’t we all following the example of William Carey in pleading the promises recorded in Jonathan Edwards’ Humble Attempt for the spread of the Gospel among all nations and among those from those natins now living among us?
I believe that a pastor from the state for Florida will be elected SBC president.
The name change is good, quick but has to be backed up with actions that include a lot of Baptists in all areas of the country. Jealously will dream up ideas that say “it’s impossible” when the only thing not possible is for them to quit complaining. Ronnie Floyd in an article in the Baptist Press said that he already has a full time job with his church and says that the amount of work yet to do in the time available is a problem. Johnny Hunt’s term is up although he could do whatever he wants wherever. It’s a good time to hire somebody that needs a good job, pay them well , get rid of all this secrecy, give this person the Authority to act and make him responsible to a board who are directly elected by the people in the churchs. With the electronics available today an entire church could vote in an hour. Need a new constitution written simply to conduct business quickly & efficiently even in a “T” shirt & jeans. If it’s not profitable – change it or eliminate it and lets rock and roll. If we kid each other or spend too much time on goofy solutions that only extend the problem then we lose. Will they do it? Changing the by-laws etc would be first and I don’t see any evidence of that or that we are going to be asked our opinion. Oh! some are bothered about making written reports. I bet you have an idea to solve that. We’re not short of talent just the fortitude to “Make It Happen”. I can envision a vote being taken in church and that result forwarded by email to whoever and results known by everybody in 4 hours with the touch of a button. General Motors closed down in a day , why do we need a year to get ready for whatever? Good luck Folks.
I have four predictions:
1) After new leaders are announced for IMB, NAMB, and EC, conspiracy theorists will attempt to undermine all three with apocryphal stories of back-room deals with the GCR Task Force.
2) The GCR Task Force report will convince almost everyone of the need for change and almost no one of any specific steps that should be taken. Very little change will occur, if any.
3) Numerous motions will come to the convention floor in objection to the line-up of preachers at the pastor’s conference. These motions will suggest that Calvinists and non-SBCers should never again be invited to preach. They will be ruled out of order or voted down because the high quality of the preaching was obvious to everyone.
4) Someone from Florida who delivers a sermon at the pastor’s conference will be elected president. This narrows down the field to Ken Whitten and David Uth. My prediction is Whitten.
Dan,
Reluctantly, I think you’re probably correct on numbers 2 and 4. I would lean toward Whitten also. However, if Mohler runs, it’s all over.
Les
From Florida, I would venture a guess, either Ted Traylor or Mac Brunson. Of those two – Brunson.
Les,
Off topic, I know, but I hope the GCRTF addresses the average church of 80. I sure don’t see the average size SBC church represented in the Pastors Conference.
Many airlines including North Central, Allegheny, Mohawk got rid of their name so they could attract people in other areas. Same with SBC.
I believe that many in the SBC are going to become sick of non-SBC pastors preaching in our pastor’s conference. I also think that they are going to become sick of hearing about 20 year old pastors wanting out. I lastly predict that they are going to be upset to hear that the GCR task force makes no big recommendations. Same old IMB, NAMB, seminaries, and name. All the while having flown the group literally all over the country for meetings. Ugh. Maybe my church can spend CP money more wisely at home.
Anyone know where the process is and when we will have new mission board prez announcements.
Aaron,
It’s up to the Board of Trustees of the individual agencies. We can recommend all we want, but it is ultimately up to them. Each individual board will have their own meetings and time schedule.
They need a lot of prayer from us.
David R. Brumbelow
I predict that almost every Baptist Church and possibly the SBC will make taking a “back=ground check” a condition of employment. There is no other single field besides religion that is responsible for more adverse publicity.
Jack,
Your prediction about the pastors’ conference is already right, and I fear your prediction regarding the Task Force’s recommendations will be correct as well.
This jack believes in the other Jack’s observations. One Big difference between he and I is that I am not a Pastor . It’s time you guys claim your territory and I would hope consideration be given for “Pastors” at the Pastors Conference be actively employed as Pastors IN a Southern Baptist Church with a degree that can go across state lines and be legal. I predict that if more Pastors and congregants voice their displeasure that meaningful change will occur.
I predict that Richard Land will get a much deserved rest from spending a lot of money and not getting much done. Wrenching that no Pastor,none, has been persecuted or prosecuted from preaching about homosexuality or hate crimes, and he won’t have to apologise on behalf of the SBC or you or I for insulting remarks directed at the Jews, Democrats or anybody else. We don’t need more friends.
I predict there will be disagreement.
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