Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I would probably just tell them that they can’t have their cake and eat it too even though that’d be nice. I think it’s an accountability structure that’s put into effect for good reason. Such a person just would need to decide which is more important to them, staying in the program or leaving the SBC for whatever reason.

I appreciate this response. It seems you understand that if you would no longer be part of the SBC you would not be able to participate in an SBC program.

What would you say to someone who has no intention of staying in the SBC, but wants to stay in an SBC program?

Thanks

I think I can add a relevant bit of discussion to this post. I am a C.A.I. (Certified Apologetics Instructor) for NAMB. This is very much like the Evangelism Expert or E.E. as you put it. Currently I am serving as a youth pastor in an SBC church, but I am wanting to move to go to seminary after I finish my undergraduate in May. I have a job opportunity in Louisville that I am pursuing right now (15 minutes from SBTS), but it is a non-SBC church. It is Baptist and they have considered joining the SBC but haven’t yet. I will have to lay down my credentials if I get this job and I am rather sad about that but, at the same time, I also understand why.

I wish there were a way that I could keep my credentials as my belief system wont be changing as I move to a new church (to go to an SBC seminary) but I understand that if my church doesn’t support the CP then I don’t necessarily have any claim to support from NAMB. Perhaps there should be a way that I can affirm my adherence to SBC doctrine and even support the CP personally with a monthly financial gift? I don’t know if there would be a solution, but I am sympathetic to the idea of wanting to continue serving as a C.A.I. but also to the idea that NAMB, IMB and any other SBC institutions should only support those in their own churches.

So there you are, I am (or may become) a real life example of the problem you are talking about.

I believe Tom also understands. I appreciate the input.

I would wonder a little, however, why a non-SBC guy would want to go to SBC churches to present an SBC program.

I don’t really have a problem with using non-SBC programs or people in certain situations in the local church as long as they agree on the essentials. After all, there is only one true church and all believers are part of it no matter what denominational label we place on ourselves.

With that said, it seems to me that if someone sees value in SBC programs and wants to take advantage of them, knowing that this requires membership or regular attendance in an SBC church, that he would want to be a part the organization that created the programs. If he has a change of heart and can no longer support the organization (the SBC), then he should not participate in the programs without acknowledging this to all the appropriate people and submitting himself to whatever the rules or guidelines require. Anything less seems a bit dishonest. Also, I would think that any pastor would want to know this information before agreeing to bring this person to his church.

I hope this all makes sense.

would wonder a little, however, why a non-SBC guy would want to go to SBC churches to present an SBC program.

The person is not paid directly by CP, NAMB, etc., but is put forth within a program directly aimed at and created for SBC churches. The person gets to use SBC/CP resources to promote himself within SBC churches while refusing to participate in SBC life in general. This includes honorariums paid by SBC churches.

IOW, as far as a pastor would know the person “looks” SBC when coming into the local church. They get whatever benefits because of the SBC, yet purposely neglect joining and giving to the CP and/or a local SBC church.

I’m really sorry if this seems vague. Try not to over think it. I will think of how to clarify.

On the other hand, if the guy is open about not being SBC, is not anti-SBC, is not getting paid by the CP, and lets the pastor know ahead of time – I would have no problem with it.

I have had non SBC folks preach, sing, and speak in my church.
I would wonder a little, however, why a non-SBC guy would want to go to SBC churches to present an SBC program.
David R. Brumbelow

Let’s say NAMB has a program called Evangelism Expert or EE for short. Each EE goes through training to become and EE and must meet the SBC requirements in the post. Once complete, the EE is promoted and facilitated by NAMB.

Each EE along with the NAMB works to partner with local SBC churches through state and the national convention. The partnering consists of each EE going into local churches and teaching/training others on evangelism giving one or two hour seminars.

In turn, the EE gets an honorarium (though not necessarily required) from the church in which he teaches. The EE mainly (or only) focuses on SBC churches.

Apply the EE’s situation from the original post. He leaves his SBC church for whatever reason with no intention of returning to any SBC church, etc. He still wants to be an EE, etc.

Now apply the post to this scenario. Does it make more sense?

Would you prefer that I updated the post with this info?