Wow, what an amazing day at the SBC yesterday! In the morning I started with mixed emotions. On the one hand I felt positive about the direction of our denomination. I was thankful for both the substantive Executive Committee Report on Racial Reconciliation, and for my friend Alan Cross who brought the task force motion to the floor last year and followed through throughout the year. On the other, I was frustrated by what some of what I saw in the report, namely, the slowness of the progress we’d made toward shared leadership with our non-Anglo brothers. While the report had several helpful recommendations, they were in no way binding on the Convention nor was there any way to make them so. Even if the recommendations were followed, it could be another 10-15 years before we really saw a leadership reflective of the diversity of our denomination. I remembered what I’ve heard from so many of my friends about their own frustrations of not feeling truly welcome in our Convention because our sentiment was slow to result in real change. I whipped out a quick post from my iphone calling for what have blogged in the past — for decisive, deliberate, aggressive action to make shared leadership and racial reconciliation an urgent priority in our Convention. I did not expect what I would see the rest of the day.
Yesterday, we saw real evidence of a genuine and earnest desire for racial reconciliation, shared leadership, and true partnership across racial and ethnic lines. Our President, Ronnie Floyd, has led the way this year in moving us exponentially forward in this area. I knew that he had intentionally appointed a diverse committee on committees. What I did not expect was a report from the committee on committees and nominations that resulted in 16% of newly elected trustees and 27% of the committee on nominations being non-Anglo, a representative reflection of the diversity of our churches. Well done!
Further, the theme of racial/ethnic unity was not a theme touched on and then moved on to other things. It was a prevalent theme throughout the day in the presentations and actions we took. We passed another substantive resolution on Racial Reconciliation. We heard from the executive committee about their commitment to shared leadership. We saw many faces of Convention leadership and platform personnel that were non-White. And then, in a very powerful prayer service (hard to overstate what am awesome service that was), we spent extended time in prayer as a Convention and in small groups to repent of racism and racial division, and to pray for unity, peace, and partnership together for the gospel. Today, we will vote to commend the EC’s report and its recommendations in a motion made by Alan Cross.
Yes, the annual meeting and the progress toward a diverse partnering Convention was not at all what I expected. We saw the kind of decisive, deliberate, aggressive action I assumed that we would not but hoped that we would. What I lamented that we could not require from our leaders, they did anyway. Again, well done!
Surely, there is more progress to be made. Over the next few years we will still need to see non-Anglo brothers elected and appointed to Executive Leadership as State Executive Directors, Entity Heads, and Presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention. The progress made this year must be sustained over the long term so that leadership is shared at every level consistently. We will still need to listen to one another, especially us White Christians listening to the hearts of our non-Anglo brothers on the issues of racial justice and systemic problems in both nation at large and our own Convention. We will still need to strive for true friendships and partnerships among believers and churches at the local church level. But if yesterday was any indication, our heart is there and we are beginning to put action behind our sentiment.
I am greatly encouraged! It’s a new day. Let this trend continue and let us all do our part to truly be one people of God and together make Christ known.
It was amazing. I went to the “Many Faces” meeting last night after the prayer meeting with hundreds of Koreans, African Americans, Filipinos, Hispanics, Native Americans, and others celebrating working together. It was beautiful. Frank Page, Sing Oldham, Ken Weathersby, and others at the EC have worked hard on this for several years. It is just that NOW is the time that it is all coming to the surface. Things that stated in 2009 and 2011 have been worked on by Dr. Page and the EC and the multiethnic councils and are now reaching some critical mass. Ronnie Floyd took… Read more »
And thank you, Alan, for the role you have played in this as well!
It was one of the brighter, more hopeful days I remember.
Yes! Very well done!
It would be nice if any of it meant anything. In a year from now, or less, we will still be talking about ethnic unity and how can we get there.
I find your lack of faith disturbing. (Cue Vader force choke)
Great progress has already been made. More will be made. Watch and see, Thomas
Ah yes, the establishment of quotas will usher in an age of perfect blending and balance…..lion will lie down with the lamb and all that…..
certainly cynicism and sarcasm, standing back and taking potshots at those who are trying to do something real – that will accomplish much more.
Dave:
Maybe we’re just different because in our respective gropings for “truth” I prefer the balance of cynicism as opposed to your preference for the nebulous substance of pious platitudes and sacred shibboleths.
As an SBC pastor, seems you more than anybody should be acutely aware of the fact that you’re. dealing with an extremely cynical generation.
I’m not taking things personal here.
You can choose to do so if you wish.
“Cynicism: “an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.”
Perhaps a biblical approach rather than a worldly one would be better Scott.
“the balance of cynicism” in Scott’s comment above… I believe that’s the first time I’ve ever heard the phrase. Rightly so as it makes little sense.
Cynicism would be the “balance” between which two extremes?
Cynicism and sarcasm I believe are the extremes. Since I’m a master at each I can speak with profound expertise.
Scott, I’m squarely and strongly against forced quotas – no forced quotas are being implemented – this is happening because of the work of the Spirit and because it is so – it will not only last but will be God honoring.
We’ve had different approaches for the same goal – but I for one am appreciative of Alan’s work – and that of others – I think they’ve honored God and worked diligently to bring Gods heart for the nations to the fore!
Perhaps Tarheel perhaps.
Or perhaps it’s another “spirit” at work with a more earthly than heavenly agenda. We shall see.
No one is calling for quotas and no one wants them. We do want intentionality and accountability.
Who’s “We”?
“intentionality” and “accountability” sounds a lot like “quota” to me.
Scott, do you not desire ethnic diversity in the leadership of the SBC?
Quotas? Don’t think I’ve seen anyone advocating that. Especially after I looked up the definition of quota.
“we” is anyone who desires, calls for, and/or is working toward the goal of racial unity and shared leadership in the SBC. Feel free to count yourself as one of the “we” is that applies to you. There is a significant difference between quotas and intentionality/accountability. To have quotas would mean we require that a certain specific number of trustees, appointees, entity heads, etc. be of a particular race/ethnicity or be non-Anglo. We would make a rule that there must be diversity in such appointments and would enforce that by Convention rules. Conversely, to ask for intentionality and accountability means… Read more »
We’re Baptists. We typically talk a lot before we think. Then, after we’ve talked and thinked (yes, I know), we finally act. It’s when we stop talking about things that we’ve forgotten about them and won’t ever get around to it.
So here’s to making progress on the Baptist Spectrum of Growth. We keep talking and more folks will progress to thinking and acting.
Doug, insightful.
Todd, you do realize, I suppose, that in advocating integrated churches you are also advocating mixed race marriages? Do you honestly want your child to be in a inter-racial marriage, to give you mixed race grandchildren? If not, why are you and your ilk pushing this radical social agenda on the church? The white race built Western Civilization, and you really want to destroy the race that God used for that purpose?
I don’t know about my “ilk”, but as for me, you speak out of ignorance. I live in a multi-ethnic community and my kids attend a minority-majority school. I am happy to have kids of all races in my home and in relationship with my children, including dating relationships. I have told my children that I will give my blessing to a marriage to someone black or white or any other race/ethnicity. I only ask that they find a mate who loves Jesus more than they love them. The gospel does not uphold barriers between the races but breaks them… Read more »
Todd, amen.
My daughter did just that. I have two beautiful grandchildren who are mixed. Ironically, one has the brown skin of my son-in-law, and the other has the white-skin of my daughter.
My son-in-law also ministers with me as an Associate Pastor of our church. I could not have asked for a better mate for my daughter if I had picked him myself–and, by the way, I tried that.
I think in our diverse society we have two choices: mixed races, or really mixed-up people. Sadly, some as evidenced above, fall into the latter category.
Great response, Todd.
I hope and pray that my children will marry who God has for them. No matter their race.
You realize God cursed Miriam for speaking against Moses’ wife because she was of a different race.
I pray God would break you of your racist heart.
Ignorance knows no boundaries!!!!
Tommy, These statements that you make sound just like something that a KKK member would say. Are you a member of the KKK? Or, of the Skinheads? Red and Yellow, Black and White, ALL are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world; Dude! Did you know that Moses was married to a Black woman? And, when Miriam and Aaron mocked and ridiculed her and him, that God gave Miriam leprosy, because of their sin? And, Moses had to pray, and ask God to heal her? Did you know that? God teaches us to love everybody… Read more »
Ryan,
I didn’t read your comment, until I had written mine. We were on the same wave length.
David
I am thankful for that my brother.
Although we may differ on some secondary issues, I am glad to unite with you on things that matter. Much love Vol.
Volfan,
I love you man!!!!!
What a great response to Mr. Tommy Davis.
Unfortunately, his kind of thinking produces what we just experienced in Charleston.
Sadly, you’re right, Dwight. This kind of stuff must stop!
Ryan, God bless you, Bro. I believe most of our disagreements in the past have been over minor issues. Love you, Bro.
David
Somebody please identify for me the current “Christian” pastors or local clerics in America declaring/teaching segregation or subjection of race in this country on the basis of either racial superiority or past historical injustices.
Conversely, we have a lot of clerics more than willing to point the collective finger at their own parishoners/members for harboring “systemic racism”.
What makes us think the collective sentiment of church members and parishoners is that markedly different from those who lead them in the church?
Attitude of superiority and marked distinction between clergy and laity is what needs to be removed IMbaptistO.
With all due respect Dwight: How do we know that the incident in Charleston was not the reaction of a young unstable loner with racist inclinations brought on my heightened sensitivity in media, politics and segments of the church to ongoing declarations of “systemic white racism rampant in the institutions and soul” of America? Politics, media and public sectarian sentiment are neutral in their ability to trigger or influence such insane incidents? Was it really just the racist ideals this young lunatic toyed with that caused him to open fire at a prayer meeting of black Christians or was he… Read more »
Mixed “race” marriages are an impossibility as there is only one human race comprised of multiple ethnicities. Black people and white people are not different races. Your thinking is wrong and sinful and has led you to this God dishonoring conclusion. Repent.
Amen, Nick!
I was sitting with Todd when this racist and despicable comment showed up. Normally we don’t publish this kind is comment but I gave Todd the option. I’m glad he took it.
I know that none of our regular voices are racist even if we disagree on approaches. But this man proves that there are still out and out old school evil – hearted racists among us.
The job is not done.
Yeah, sadly it’s ingrained in culture…
We have a “church” around here (really a cult in a compound) that teaches whites are the true Jews and the descendants of Adam. God made other races from other people at the same time as Adam.
Forget mixed marriages, they don’t even think people of other ethnicities need evangelized because they’re not affected by Adam.
And they claim to read the bible week in and week out. O.o
Amazing how blind a heart in sin can be.
Tommy,
Hit an altar and repent.
Tommy, are you a pastor? If so, is your church an SBC church?
I would like to know the answer to this question. If we are going to have a zero tolerance policy regarding clear acceptance of homosexuality, we should have a zero tolerance policy regarding clear racism.
Tommy’s comment has been roundly condemned and rightly so. Particularly liked Todd, David, and Nick’s responses. Just wanted to add my comment as one more who finds it hard to believe he would think such evil things, much less publish them.
Tommy,
God is color blind he sees people not color, there is no Scriptural support for only marrying within ones birth group. There is no place in Christianity for segregation.
wilbur
Better to try and fail than to not try. I don’t see the problem with that.
I think there are extremes on both sides of the issue of race. First, there is not one thing wrong with being black, God made black people. There is not one thing wrong with being white, God made white people. The same holds true of all the races of this world. God made all races. There is not one thing wrong with one being proud of their race. Here is where the problem comes into play. Hatred for those of different races is a world wide problem. This calls for repentance on the part of the one who holds hatred… Read more »
Eight times you use the word, “I.”
You are consistent. You paint preachers with broad ugly brush. You castigate preachers regularly and consistently.
This leads me to wax poetic:
To live above with saints I loved,
Oh, that will be glory!
To live below with saints I know . . .
Well, that’s a different story.
Jack,
I see how you act when your toes are stepped on.
Jess, you never stepped on my toes. Nothing you said applies to me or to any pastor I know, or to any pastor I have ever known in 40 years of ministry.
When we are at Convention we make decisions about the Convention as a whole and our partnership as a denomination. The changes made at the Convention level are a needed part and we are on our way to being a denomination diverse not only in our membership, but in our leadership. You are right that what goes on at the national level does not mean there is no racism at the local church level, and for that, we will need to continue to preach, teach, and lead our people to biblical repentance and unity. But to suggest that our actions… Read more »
Todd, The only thing that would not make what goes on at the convention meaningless, is if it’s carried out in the churches. I’m sorry, I know people too well, there will always be prejudice. There was prejudice when Jesus walked this earth, and there will be prejudice when he returns. Different denominations still fight with one another, and will continue to do so until the Lord returns. I’m just being real, look how many on voices put the Catholics down. Look how the Church of Christ puts the Baptist down, not to mention the Mormons and the JW’s. Do… Read more »
I believe in the power of the gospel to break down barriers and I see God at work in our churches and denomination. I will rejoice when we make progress toward unity as we continue to pursue the heavenly vision of One People of God and pray God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
“On Earth as it is in Heaven”? THERE WON’T BE A RACE ISSUE IN HEAVEN. However, a lot of well-meaning people tend to make it a source of continual problems and agitation down here. I know why the professional race baiters (on both sides) do what they do. Don’t understand for the life of me why preachers (white and black) want to follow the same lead unless it’s to build profile, sell books or to gain notoriety. These egomaniacs can try to establish the heavenly social order here on earth if they like with their quotas, percentages, revised histories and… Read more »
Um…Jess…Do you realize that you spoke Of denominations fighting (by which I assume you mean disagreeing) and then for examples you named off seperate religions rather than denominations of Christianity.
Jess,
Who are the many on voices who has said “send immigrants back”.
Tarheel,
Thank you for proving my point for me in everything you say.
Jess,
Your absolute idiocy is astounding. I only wonder if you really believe the stupid things you say or you’re just playing us – that’s the only question.
I’ve never said anything if the kind – never – ever!
Todd is absolutely correct about the annual SBC meeting (4-5000 messengers), by rule and order, dictating publicly and organizationally the position of “15 million” Southern Baptists. Todd is also absolutely correct about “changes at the convention level” being “needed” as perceived through the rationales and and collective spiritual filter of those 4-5000 folks. Problem is, what 4-5000 folks view as “needed” does not often play out well when it’s actually served up at the local level among “15 million” folk. Theory and hypothesis impaled on the horns of reality. And this is where the congregants of preachers become labeled collectively… Read more »
I am sensing a bit of cynicism from the liberal use of quotation marks in your comment. I do not share it with you. And, my desire and striving for unity and fellowship across racial/ethnic barriers is a direct result of the preaching of the gospel of Christ, not a distraction from it.
The gospel of Christ indeed should inform our doctrine, views, ideaology, politics and engagement with the culture. If it does not, then whatever you are preaching, it isn’t Christ.
And vice versa, there’s a flip side to that coin. Whatever you are saying to your congregants about “the culture” Pastor Todd, based on your “biblically enlightened” ideals and views….may or may not be true at places where the rubber of reality meets the road. Hypothesis: “Systemic white racism exists and pervades American culture. Interpretation of data: the racist inclinations of a lone psycho killer in a historically black church can be traced to the killer’s identification with racist ideals, a confederate flag and some patches from South Africa favoring apartheid. Conclusion: systemic white racism must be addressed in predominately… Read more »
Tarheel,
I will no longer lower myself to carry on a conversation with you. Please grow up, if you have any comments or solutions please state them. The truth will make me change my opinion about things, but not the childish antics you engage in. My friend you always talk and never say anything, please don’t act so stupid, and please don’t engage me here on Voices unless you have something constructive to say. Thank you.
Never?
Guess I can count on that as much as one can count on the numerous threats you make to never post on Voices again – yet – here you are.
Tarheel,
You can’t run me off from Voices. All I ask is for you to conduct yourself like a Christian, and not as a child.
Tarheel,
I would love to sit down with you and discuss this over coffee.
I want to thank the Christians in Charleston, SC for showing the world how to fight evil and hatred with love. There was no rioting, looting, burning down buildings, attacks on Cops, or any mayhem, whatsoever….none that I heard….but instead, they worshiped the Lord, together. They came together and promoted love, instead of hatred! Way to go, Charleston, SC….a Southern city, BTW.
David
https://www.facebook.com/foxandfriends/videos/884340338320230/
Todd Benkert, I agree with your post. I just hope the same spirit is carried out in the local congregations. I am a little puzzled when it comes to the racism issue, in some states in order to vote many black people have to travel many miles and stand in lines 4 to 6 hours long. This is voter suppression pure and simple. Conservatives yell cut food stamps for the poor, this includes blacks and whites, but I think the intent is aimed mostly at the black community. In many areas of this country there are no jobs to be… Read more »
Todd, I would like to add one more little thing to prove my point. In the 50’s and 60’s there were groups called Citizens Councils who supported segregation, they were a white group, Now, because of all the conflict they changed their name to Council of Conservative Citizens. Same group, but different name. I might add that they have donated money to all the top Republican Presidential candidates now running for the nomination. This is what I mean by saying one thing and voting another. It is a sad time in America. Politics in the name of Jesus. People will… Read more »