If you like turmoil, rancor, disasters, and train wrecks…you should be enjoying SBC life right now. But…a glimmer of optimism appears.
Is the Cooperation Group too little, too late?
Cooperation Group named by Barber. Our president, Texas cattle baron and beleaguered Cardinal fan, Bart Barber said:
“These declarations that churches are not in friendly cooperation and these appeals in response to those declarations represent a change in the fundamental processes by which we cooperate with one another,”
“Within our Convention exists a widespread sentiment that the terms of the agreement have changed, as evidenced by the unprecedented things that we are doing.”
I have long despaired that I would not see a non-megapastor as SBC president in my lifetime. We now have one whose task is far beyond any of the mega guys. Barber is the pastor of a church that is above average size but not a large or megachurch.
Churches are the drivers of the CP and they have been driving down their percentages for over a generation. If we are now changing the CP deal, it probably will not help.
Good idea to take a look.
We have a blue ribbon Cooperation Group. I love that Jared Wellman is willing to serve and stay engaged with Southern Baptists. There are some really good people in this group. Let’s see what they can do. The damage already done by The Amendment is considerable at this point, particularly towards racial and ethnic Southern Baptists, not to mention the largest majority in our churches, women.
Will the sex abuse measures materially affect abuse in churches or is it a complete waste?
The Executive Committee has been in complete disarray for some time. Finances have crashed, personnel misconduct has been disastrous, and the most important tasks have not been accomplished. It is fair to ponder if the EC can ever recover its credibility and standing among Southern Baptists. This is our primary leadership organization.
Was it necessary to go down this abuse road in this manner? I say that it wasn’t. Proponents say it’s too early to tell. “Wait and see” has been the operative (or ‘inoperative’) phrase for quite some time now.
I understand that the messenger body may do as it wishes. At times angry indignation leads to the poorest of decisions and votes by the most uninformed of voters.
The Executive Committee has made staff cuts in order to manage their finances and budget. (1) Which staff positions were cut, and (2) Would the EC kindly disclose which staff are fully or partly funded by other SBC entities?
Baptist Press reports that “The SBC Executive Committee has made staff adjustments today (Sept. 13) that eliminate five staff positions and two contractor positions, according to a statement.”
I suppose that the staff cuts will be evident soon. I see no reason not to explain staff funding.
What exactly does the GCR evaluation task force hope to accomplish?
Adkins to lead GCR evaluation task force
Jay Adkins is a great guy and has my support. He says,
“I see the purpose of the GCR Evaluation Task Force to be to examine all pertinent material regarding the Great Commission Resurgence Report and to execute an analysis of the impact of the stated goals on our cooperative effort,” Adkins said.
“We will seek to achieve this task by comparing the seven components and recommendations of the report with current statistical data available. Our goal is to present an evaluative report to the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis along with a brief list of the recommendations requested.”
I observe that four of the six members of the task force are on the payroll at one level or another. Only two are pastors. I presume no tendentiousness on the part of the ‘denominational’ employees. I’m just observing here. The group has my prayers and support.
An honest look might reveal some things I haven’t thought about.
Meanwhile, there is college football to watch and the MLB playoffs.
