Yesterday, at the meeting of the Executive Committee, a significant event took place. Every SBC agency head and seminary president along with state executive directors and ethnic fellowship leaders signed a document called the “Affirmation of Unity and Cooperation.” Here is the text in full.
Affirmation of Unity and Cooperation
We the undersigned affirm our commitment to cooperative ministry as a testimony of our unity in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The passion which drives our unity is twofold: to clarify our evangelistic fervor for the souls of men and women across the nation and around the world, and to magnify the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the past, we have identified our doctrinal heritage through adoption of the Baptist Faith and Message. In this confessional statement of faith, we affirmed our unswerving allegiance to the following:
— Belief in the Bible as God’s inerrant, infallible, authoritative, and sufficient Word;
— Belief in and commitment to the Person and work of the one true God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
— Belief in the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, accessible to everyone who believes, regardless of their heritage, race, ethnicity, language, or socio-economic station in life;
— Belief in the ecclesiological affirmations of believer’s baptism and the gathered church, each church being governed congregationally under the Lordship of Jesus Christ;
— Belief in our duty and privilege, consciously and cooperatively, to carry the message of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world;
— Belief in our core commitment that as members of New Testament churches we should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom.
As we look to the future, reflecting a conscious desire to walk in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ, we pledge the following:
1. We pledge to maintain a relationship of mutual trust, behaving ourselves trustworthily before one another and trusting one another as brothers and sisters indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. (Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 4:20- 32; 2 Peter 1:3-8)
2. We pledge to attribute the highest motives to those engaged in local church ministries and those engaged in denominational service in any level of Convention life—motives that originate within hearts truly desiring to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we also serve. (1 Samuel 2:3; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 7:1-5)
3. We pledge to affirm the value of cooperative ministry as the most effective and efficient means of reaching a lost world with the message of the Gospel. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Psalm 68:11; Acts 9:31; 1 Corinthians 16:1-23)
4. We pledge to embrace our brothers and sisters of every ethnicity, race, and language as equal partners in our collective ministries to engage all people groups with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 16:25-27; Revelation 7:9)
5. We pledge to continue to honor and affirm proportional giving through the Cooperative Program as the most effective means of mobilizing our churches and extending our outreach as Southern Baptists, enabling us to work together to evangelize the lost people of our world locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. (2 Corinthians 8:1-13; 9:1-15; Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 20:20-21; Romans 10:14-17)
We affirm these principles of cooperation this thirteenth day of June, 2011, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Perspectives
I find it encouraging that the leaders of our denomination are seeing the need to define the ground of our unity and stating their willingness to work together even in spite of our differences. Last year, Frank Page barely squeaked through to become the EC president. I was glad he was elected last year, but I am beginning to think that he may be a uniquely gifted man to lead the SBC in this difficult time.
1) I thought the first affirmation is important. They are essentially making a covenant of blessing to speak well of one another and to work together, committing to treat each other in a trustworthy manner.
2) I hope the spirit of pledge 2 will spread among Baptists, especially among bloggers. One of my complaints about bloggers is that we seem so quick to assign motives and negative intent to those we disagree with. The leaders of the SBC have covenanted to believe the best about each other.
In my blogging years, I have come to believe that there are a few bloggers who do not have good will, who actually embarrass the cause of Christ by the way they handle themselves on blogs – doing evil more than good. No, I will not name them and will delete, as I can, any comment in this post that attempts to identify someone.
The point is that sometimes a blogger with demonstrate himself to be ungodly in the way he communicates, or untrustworthy in his word, or unfaithful in his friendship or unguarded in his words. It happens. But my job is to believe the best about other bloggers until they absolutely prove to me beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are walking in the flesh.
We are altogether too quick to assume that others have ulterior motives or false intent in that which we do. This is a wonderful pledge for entity heads and leaders. It would be a wonderful pledge for bloggers as well!
3) They affirmed the value of cooperative ministries. This is significant because during the GCR debate there was a lot of rancor between GCRTF folks and some of the state convention heads. Then, when Kevin Ezell was nominated and went into office there was quite a bit of unease and harshness there. Of course, though both these men have retired, who can forget the exchange of intemperate words between Jerry Rankin and Morris Chapman leading up to the GCR vote last year.
But I have been told by someone in the know that the relationships between the states and the national entities (especially NAMB) is improving. As one man put it today, “The conversation between NAMB and the states is now a two-way conversation and that is very important.” Ezell is gaining respect for listening and for working with the states. Where last year at this time there was a lot of hand-wringing and even hostility toward the GCR in the Upper Midwest, now there is a growing sense of optimism about the working relationship that will be forged between NAMB and the states.
No, not all is rosy. That is not the point. The point I am making is that from my perspective, things are WAY better than they were last year. The “bloated bureaucracy” talk has been replaced by partnership and cooperation.
4) I knew something about this document a week or two ago, but pledge 4 was an unexpected blessing. That the leaders of the SBC chose to include the leaders of the various ethnic fellowship in this discussion, and the fact that this pledge was made to “embrace our brothers and sisters of every ethnicity, race, and language as equal partners in our collective ministries” is a needed and encouraging affirmation. There seems to be a growing sensitivity to the need to include ethnic Baptists as full and equal partners in SBC life.
5) The affirmation of CP giving as the most effective means of giving to missions was good as well. Again, much has been made of the fact that Ezell’s church was not very supportive of the CP and SBC Missions during his tenure.
But if you have listened to recent interviews, this could be a blessing in disguise. He is now understanding and appreciating what the CP and cooperative missions is doing. One could look at that cynically of course, but those who know Ezell seem to indicate that whatever faults he has, artifice and deceit do not seem to be among them. He seems to have turned around in his opinion of missions.
Maybe his experience can serve to educate some of those pastors who have been criticized for failing to involve themselves in the CP missions endeavor. Maybe. Hopefully.
Because the numbers we are hearing about CP, Lottie and such are not good news. The best way to reverse the financial trend for the SBC is for pastors and churches to gain a greater appreciation for the SBC and the genius and effectiveness of the Cooperative Program – and start giving more!
Anyway, I thought this document was significant and I thought that SBC Voices readers might want to peruse the document.
Dave, I agree that this statement was significant. Many of us disagree on areas such as Calvinism/Arminianism, Premillennialism/Amillennialism, and open/closed communion. But we agree on the essentials, and our cooperation much be zealously maintained for the cause of Great Commission fulfillment. Thanks for sharing.
Was this statement perhaps a pre-emptive attempt to avoid having to waste SBC money on another (!) committee related to the GCR?
I don’t think anyone thought that motion was going anywhere.
True. I did want to clarify that a) I think this statement was a great thing…a BIFF moment and b) it was probably worked on long before any news of that motion came out.
This statement is not going to make some people very happy.
“Every SBC agency head and seminary president along with state executive directors and ethnic fellowship leaders signed a document called the “Affirmation of Unity and Cooperation”
When you have to develop a statement for such a thing as “unity and cooperation”, it means it has to be manufactured because it does not exist. The last thing we need are more public bandaids and then closet maneuvering.
True unity and cooperation among believers is from the Holy Spirit. It is a spiritual unity. The SBC does not have it.
Maybe that’s why Page just said we need a spiritual revival. I suppose we all should wait to attack his speech until he is done with it dont you think?
Amen Smuschany. I am very pleased and encouraged so far with the result of this years meeting. And Frank is right, we do need a revival. May it be so Lord Jesus.
Cynicism and vituperation are not going to solve anything. Frank Page gives every evidence of integrity and and humility, and I believe that your character assassination of his motives is unwarranted.
Dave,
Thanks for getting the message out. I hope none of my comments disparages Frank Page’s character, even though I’m not ready yet to completely jump on board.
I do think that much of what he is saying (if given the best light) is quite encouraging–but is it enough? Also, are there outside forces in play behind the scenes (as in past battles in the SBC) that have not yet surfaced?
I’m skeptical, but hopefully not cynical. That’s where I’m coming from.
My comments were directed to Lydia. There is much that is wrong with the SBC, no one is denying that (that I know of). But if we assume, as Lydia seems to say, that all of our leaders are power-hungry, and deceptive and lack goodwill and intent, then we should just shut it down and walk away. I think she is wrong. I believe that Frank Page is a man of integrity and honor who will do the best he can to lead us well. I believe that Kevin Ezell is a man of integrity and honor who will do… Read more »
Dave:
I guess my question would be if someone is not as optimistic about the future of the SBC as you how is that cynicism on their parts. Maybe these folks are being realistic.
“Far more so than the sarcastic cynicism I have seen in several comments here. ”
Ok, ok, I will back off. Just remember, you might also be on the “conference high”.
When they dare to dialogue details in public and even dare to disagree with one another, like all families do, then let me know.
When they make the GCR meeting minutes public in whole form, then you will know they are serious about transparency and unity. That is the elephant in the room.
Lydia: On your point concerning the minutes, I have to agree. That would be a good first step. To unseal the minutes today, not fifteen years from now. Good grief, I may not be able to read the minutes let alone comprehend them, I would be…..well that’s not important. 🙂
“Cynicism and vituperation are not going to solve anything. Frank Page gives every evidence of integrity and and humility, and I believe that your character assassination of his motives is unwarranted.” Dave, I am very familiar with the “trust positive intentions” mantra. I am not questioning his motives, I am questioning why they need such a document. Are you saying that true unity is provided for in a document that does not spell out method? Or is true unity from believers on their knees seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all things corporate. If you read down a bit you… Read more »
Lydia:
All of this is mighty confusing to me:
June 2010 SBC–Records are sealed for 15 years
June 2011 SBC–There is a pledge for unity and cooperation
Where is any accountability for this pledge of cooperation?
What happens to anyone if this pledge is not kept?
I will give my unsolicited view–this pledge is silly.
Tom: This pledge is a good thing in my eyes. The whole meeting was good and promising. We have to begin somewhere, we have to begin here, today. I am hopeful. I liked what I saw and heard. The emphasis was more on Christ and the passing of the inclusion of those of different skin color(other than white), Fred Luter as VP etc. We need to let go of the past and just wait and see the next year. If nothing changes, then we can address it. But I would rather take today, see the meeting tomorrow and move on.… Read more »
Debbie:
You said:”That would be a good first step. To unseal the minutes today, not fifteen years from now.”
As Baptists we are not to gamble, but if I was a betting man–I’m not–they will not unseal these records until the 15 years are up.
What is there to hide?
Good question. I don’t know.
Debbie:
You said to me and Lydia:”We need to let go of the past and just wait and see the next year.”
For me, you can call me cynical if you like, but I consider myself a realist.
I am sick and tired of the cop out of let’s just let go of the past and just wait and see the next year.
That phrase has worn out its welcome for me, it I believe was even used last year at the SBC.
I love you and all the others in the Lord and truly hope your optimism bears fruit.
Tom: With the greatest of respect, you and Lydia were not the only ones hurt by past leadership. I understand your hesitancy, I even understand your pessimism. But I want the SBC to succeed. I wanted it last year, and the year before that and the year before that. I have prayed for a revival because we have needed it badly. 20 people showed up at the Hyatt Hotel. 20 people who called themselves Conservative Christians who are only Southern Baptist. That is way down from years past. Do I agree with everything? No. But this year I liked most… Read more »
I’m not a person who keeps in my pain and hurt. I am willing to forgive and move on for missions. If I am wrong, it won’t be the first time. I don’t want this to be the end, but the beginning. God is able.
Now if we could just pass a child data base. But change takes time, but that is an area of huge concern to me right now.
My question would be–why now? How will the signing of this pledge really change things in the SBC?
tom: why not now? Now is the time.
Debbie:
I am very sorry to say I’ve seen all these pledges and resolutions and very little comes from them.
I really hope I am wrong, but simply believe the SBC will not ever reach the levels of cooperation and trust that once existed.
I hear where you are coming from Tom and I agree, I have seen manifestos, pledges, resolutions that are forgotten about now. But this is a positive start, and it is making a statement, even if that statement is just for today.
‘positive’ is good . . .
it reveals a ‘trusting’ that ‘all will be well’ in time,
it is a sign of the faith and hope that was needed to be able to move forward
good sign 🙂
Debbie,
I agree, it looks like a positive start. I think we can be cautiously optimistic.
Tom, because we are dying and this is a public gesture meant to send another message and to shut up dissent. Now, if you question or are not positive enough, you are not about “unity and cooperation”. I do not see it any different than the covenants some churches have new members sign that says they won’t critisize leadership. Then, they get to decide what is “critisizing”.
No one is going to be against the general statements in this document…the devil is in the details of HOW these things are to be done.
Yep, we are dying, something that was predicted several years back and dismissed. Now we are seeing it as a fact and unless things change, we are going to continue to see it. Leadership now knows that. I am encouraged by what I have seen in the morning session.
But I would disagree with you on the intent Lydia.
“But I would disagree with you on the intent Lydia
I said nothing about “intent”. That would be silly as we can only judge actions/non actions.
I was referring to my personal experience in seeing how these “covenant” type documents are used and the SBC track record over the last 20 or so years. Not long ago, we had records sealed for 15 years.
What is the dissent that you wish to be expressed? And what remedies do you propose that would address your dissent? Until the dissenters actually start – you know – formally dissenting by laying out their grievances and the actions that they wish to see taken to remedy them, what can be done? “The last thing we need are more public bandaids and then closet maneuvering.”
Maybe so, but what is the next to last thing that we need? The discontented dissenters need to start laying out their grievances and their action plans to resolve them.
‘The discontented dissenters need to start laying out their grievances and their action plans to resolve them.
”
But now that would be divisive and uncooperative. :o)
Good grief, LYDIA, you would think you had never heard of ‘dialoguing’ . .
people CAN disagree, see things differently, have different opinions about a fact, or accept or reject theories that are ‘out there’ for consumption . . .
and they can share their ideas in civility, and they can see through one another’s eyes that way . . . it fosters understanding and respect
unless, of course, understanding and respect is not what is sought
“”No one is going to be against the general statements in this document…the devil is in the details of HOW these things are to be done.””
This is a very astute observation, Lydia. This is why some of us always feel a bit confused when listening to the “leaders” speak. There plans sound so “godly” and naturally elicit a hardy Amen–but then come the details throughout the year.
Very good point.
Good grief, LYDIA, you would think you had never heard of ‘dialoguing’ . . people CAN disagree, see things differently, have different opinions about a fact, or accept or reject theories that are ‘out there’ for consumption . . . and they can share their ideas in civility, and they can see through one another’s eyes that way . . . it fosters understanding and respect unless, of course, understanding and respect is not what is sought” I LOVE dialogue. That is why I am here. Are you saying my part of the dialogue is not welcome because you do… Read more »
Tom, I think the idea that the SBC was a haven of cooperation in days gone by is perhaps a little bit contrary to reality. There have always been struggles and vision-conflicts and such in the SBC.
The idea that all was well before the CR is just not reality, in my opinion.
Dave:
We will just have to disagree on this one.
You said to me:”The idea that all was well before the CR is just not reality, in my opinion.”
Please show me where I said that.
Also were did I mention the letters c and them r?
Dave, You seem to think that Ezell has had an epiphany and gone from contempt for the CP to full embrace. That may be true, I don’t know. What I do know is I’ve not seen anything that suggests I should have that same epiphany. What’s he know that I don’t know? And, why can’t he tell me–or won’t he tell me? I’m still skeptical, especially when one ministry of one mega-church pastor has received over $200-300 thousand dollars for his church’s church-planting work. It is news like that that tells me–yes, there is change going on, but what kind… Read more »
Frank L.: I have no idea what you are talking about, but you sure do seem to have a bee in your bonnet over this Johnny Hunt/NAMB connection that you keep alluding to. (Of course, I’ve noticed that many commenters on this site have a tendency to twist almost every discussion in the direction of their own pet agendas. So at least you’re not alone in that.)
David, I have no agenda. I show my support for CP and Annie and Lottie with the checkbook, out giving most megachurch pastors in per capita giving by a long shot. I have no bee in my bonnet. I do have some suspicion. Why is a former President’s church planting ministry given office space and hundreds of thousands of dollars in support from NAMB? I’d be for “positive and unified” behind that plan if I were him. The problem I have at the moment is trying to track down where over $300,000 has gone. So, this is a little bit… Read more »
I think the pledge is a good thing. First, I would like to say that I don’t think that there is as big a rift in the sbc as there was during the CR. At the local association here we have reformed guys and free will guys and they all seem to get along fine, they all get to preach at the pastor’s meetings. I’ve never seen them even argue about those matters. I’ve seen no GCR arguments either. Secondly, I know that men like Dr. Al Mohler are well respected in the convention, and I’m glad he took the… Read more »
Oh btw Debbie, for what it’s worth, I really appreciate your attitude about this pledge. You obviously love the convention and wish it to succeed. I think there are some out there who wish the sbc to fail, to me that’s a tragedy. I’m not at all pointing fingers but it was obvious that some relished the news that baptisms and membership numbers are down.
Thank you John. I do love the SBC and the missionaries we support, which is what we are supposed to be here for(feelings that I will never apologize for) and have always wanted and always will want the SBC to succeed.
“Tom: With the greatest of respect, you and Lydia were not the only ones hurt by past leadership” I do not know what you are talking about. I was never hurt by anyone in the SBC. I was not even back in the SBC until about 7 years ago. You are now grasping at straws I am just against hierarchical, back room leadership maneurvering in anything connected to Christendom. I do not think a document changes anything about how they operate. Now, if they publicly admit that sealing the records for GCR meetings was wrong and make them public, I… Read more »
I’m not grasping at straws Lydia, I’m simply answering a question.
“I’m not grasping at straws Lydia, I’m simply answering a question.”
What question were you answering to make an incorrect assumption?
You made an incorrect assumption based upon how your personality responds to things.
Right Lydia.
Lydia: This is getting tiresome. I am sorry I made an assumption that wasn’t true. I thought I remembered you sharing how leadership was when you were in a certain position and certain things you saw. I am sorry that I remembered incorrectly. But there is a great deal of cynicism that I believe you have that is not helpful right now. It doesn’t belong for a Christian to be cynical forever. I saw good things yesterday, an awful lot of good things happened. We have a ways to go but it was a great start. I choose to want… Read more »
Debbie, unlike you, my “feelings” have nothing to do with it.
(sarcasm) What in the world are you talking about, Lydia. The Debbie is one of the most logical, clear thinking people. Why, her research skills (i.e. ability to Google) are legendary. You mean you think The Debbie only feels issues, she doesn’t think about them? Perish the thought, I say!!!
(/sarcasm)
The one that defies logic is how twenty people meeting in a room is news enough for Baptist Press.