D.A. Horton is the lead pastor at Reach Fellowship in Long Beach, CA. His is a voice we need to hear. Read the whole thread.
Dear #SBC18, I’m deeply grieved how power & privilege inside our convention are used to build walls of self-preservation & systemic protection.
This results in allowing an erring person to avoid confessing wrongdoings which = the removal of bearing fruits of repentance. (1)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
When we shield someone w/ repeated public offenses from confession of wrongdoing, it not only allows them remain ensnared perhaps in the state of deception they’re in (because they fail to see their own faults), it also continues in the prevention of healing of victims (2).
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
But, giving an honorable title, housing arrangement, & compensation to @_PPatterson_ is beyond an insult to injury. Please consider the parallel of a Pastor started out living within the framework of 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5:1-11 but over time (3)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Began to cross lines with more than a couple witnesses yet, due to his strong start & early victories is consulted to go on “Sabbatical” quietly rather than being loved with a 1 Tim. 5 & Gal 6:1-2 approach. (4)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
To the thousands of #SBC Women & Non-SBC women who signed the petition. To the dear Sister who was raped but told to forgive her attacker. To the 16yr old young lady who was objectified. To the brother who was fired from SWBTS for tweeting an article. (5)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
I grieve with y’all. I do. (6)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
To the @swbts I’m hurt but, I’m man enough to admit I’m limited in my point of view and from my vantage point, I honestly feel like y’all missed an opportunity of redemption not only for the victims but Dr. Patterson as well. (7)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
As @bellevuepastor has called our entire convention to fast & pray between now and #SBC18, I humble myself to join in this effort. Because systematic change MUST happen. (8)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Systemic change won’t happen with a “thread” tweet but by SBC messengers learning the SBC System. The irony is, read: “A Hill on Which to Die” by Paul Pressler to LEARN & become familiar with the SBC system. (9)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Then, SBC Messengers NEED to mobilize and show up at #SBC18 and engage, not just compline online and watch from the sidelines! If the framework the @swbts Trustees paved the pathway for their decision, then those “board ends” need to be amended! That’s how change happens! (10)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Pulling out of the SBC does not allow systemic change to happen. Engaging in every level: local association, state convention, CP giving, & SBC messengers casting ballots. (11)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
God is at work and He's pulling down systemic strongholds in the SBC. Read @albertmohler's article, "The Wrath of God Poured Out", he kept it all the way ?! (12)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Where will the future leaders of the SBC come from? From our generation (Gen X, Millennials & Gen Z)! We HAVE to remain prayerful, dedicated to fasting, prophetic in standing for what's right and speaking out against what's wrong. (13)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
But we MUST couple these actions with; personal accountability, remaining teachable, learning from the mistakes of previous generations, and giving to the Cooperative Program! The older generations give b/c their dedicated to both missions & a system. (14)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
So, I'm praying for the SWBTS Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, and trustees. I'm praying for Dr. Patterson & His wife. I'm praying for the future of the #SBC & the purging God is doing. Its painful, its embarrassing, but its necessary. (15)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018
Lastly, there are many POC who are ready to leave the #SBC18 & family legit, if God leads you, follow Him & obey our Lord. For those who sense a leading to remain & engage, remember the race is not for the swift. Have a blessed evening fam. (16)
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018