• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

SBC Voices

  • Home
  • About
  • Team

Getting the job done in the wake of the IMB crisis: “I’m in – and so are you!”

October 17, 2015 by toddbenkert

The following is a message sent out to pastors from our Indiana Executive Director, Dr. Cecil Seagle. He has given me permission to repost it here. Dr. Seagle’s words are timely and needed — thankful for his clearing of the dust and his affirmation of the heart of our leaders during this heart-wrenching and difficult situation. He also provides a path forward. I am thankful for his leadership and guidance here.

 

SBC’s International Mission Board (IMB) is currently working through some very sticky financial issues.

I have waited to see what Dr. Platt would SAY & DO in the wake of a one year $21 million dollar – $ 210 million multiple year overspend.

While I am not privy to any IMB trustee/administrative conversations I have observed –
(1). A clear, broken-hearted acknowledgement of the current crisis that must be faced;
(2). The compelling urgency to live within budgetary means;
(3). And, the steps Dr. Platt has led trustees & administration to take to rectify the situation.

Would I do it differently?

Of course, but that’s not the issue – I am me & David Platt is the best David Platt in the world.

Are there essential steps that must be taken?

Yes, without a doubt –
(1). Balance the IMB budget.
(2). SBC, must teach, preach and demonstrate Biblical stewardship.
(3). Out of the increased tithes and offerings, let’s increase Cooperative Program giving through each SBC congregation & increase the CP amount going to the Executive Committee from State Conventions.
(4). Let’s stop talking IMB as an organization & speak of IMB MISSIONARIES AS REAL PEOPLE, CALLED OF GOD, SENT FROM OUR SBC CHURCHES & DEPLOYED by IMB.
(5). Let’s go back to Biblical reality – if Jesus did not die for the whole world & if our missionary calling is not an Acts 1:8 calling – to all places simultaneously – then we will never fix this.

Indiana Baptists have raised the percentage giving every year to national/international causes. I will visit with our Executive Board to find a way to increase this again in February 2016.

“Yammering” does not get it done. Brokenness, repentance, humility and prayer will bring us to obedience and a fresh call to make Jesus known. We are not at the end of the way. We can retool, rethink, surrender at a deeper level to His calling AND Go!!!

I AM IN – AND SO ARE YOU!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

About toddbenkert

Todd Benkert is founder and executive director of Hope’s Companion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping churches become healing communities for survivors of sexual abuse and other significant trauma.

20 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Books by Voices Authors

Disqualified-Cover
BrickWallsPicketFencesCover
Significant-Servants-Front-Cover
Disqualified-Cover

Most Viewed - Last 48 Hours

  • Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: What is a “Husband of One Wife?” by Dave Miller

  • The Most Horrible Person in the World by Dave Miller

  • Divorce and Remarriage in the OT: Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Establishing Grounds for Divorce by Dave Miller

  • Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: What Does the Bible Say? by Dave Miller

  • Famous Baptist Sermons: Payday Someday by RG Lee by Luke Holmes

Categories

  •   About SBC Voices
  •   Team
  •   Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
  • Team
wpDiscuz
%d