The evening is culminating with dessert and a panel discussion.
Patterson – optimistic about the future of the church. History of Christianity is a rise and a fall. Just when you think things are dead, theres a 95 theses or a new missionary movement. We need to rejoice in what God is doing.
Allen: references to student Bellevue Baptist, Adrian Rogers, RG Lee, and the student had no idea who that was. To Dr. Mohler. How do we transition generation to generation?
Mohler: No one describes me a “young president” any more. The generational transition WILL take place. But will it take place so that there will be an SBC in the future? Will our convictions be passed on?
A leader is defined by the fact that he has followers. Do you have people who want to learn from you? Every single pastor needs to gather Timothys around him to pass on to the next generation truths and passions, etc. to a new generation.
Allen: Floyd’s staff “advance” (retreat) was passionate.
Floyd: hires young men with great potential. We need to find people who have a lot of potential. Give them both the opportunity to grow and the opportunity to fail. One advantage of a mulit-campus church is to move people constantly. INtentional development of next generation of leadership.
Allen: Dr. Page – are you encouraged or discouraged about the younger generation aaaand the CP?
Page: I’ve been discouraged at times, but I’m also encouraged. They are not going to do it just because they are supposed to, but they are doing it because they believe in it. I am more encouraged than discouraged.
Allen: Mohler/Pattersnon- both have been seminary presidents long time. How have the students changed over time as to denominational life?
Patterson – Often, younger students have little idea of denominational history and standing.
Mohler – describes his youth as training for a Baptist ministry. Students today are often recent converts, raised in non-Christian homes. Not products of nominal Christianity or cultural Christianity. Swimming against the tide. They are there to find biblical, exegetical, and theological ropes to hand on to for the service of Christ.
Allen: Floyd – What do you look for in a young leader?
Floyd – humility. someone who is teachable and willing to learn and grow. Work ethic. Too many do not want to work hard. Vision-someone who wants to change the world.
Allen: What about the change in state convention leadership?
Page: Today there is a need for connections. We do not have to deal with inerrancy issues today, which is a blessing. There’s a wonderful foundation.
Seeing a dramatic increase in increase among younger people in SBC life.
Patterson to Allen: Question – You have a vision for this seminary. Where did it come from in such a young man?
Allen – Two time graduate under Dr. Mohler. Influenced by Patterson and Pressler. Desire to wed theological educatin with the local church. Regional need for theological education.
Allen – Question for each panelist. Why should anyone care about being a stakeholder in the SBC?
Page – because we still have the ability to make the biggest difference in the world of any organization I know.
Floyd – This is no time to fly solo, and no time for a church to be alone. We need to be together with a family. We can be the family for churches that need that. Do you want to change the world and make a difference? As a part of the SBC, you can do that.
Mohler – You should not be concerned about “being a stakeholder in the SBC”, but you should be passionate about cooperation and the Great Commission and such things. We are Baptist by conviction and we understand we can do better together. Only by God’s grace do we get to something that works this well.
Patterson – It goes back to the Reformation. 5 basic movements. Radical reformation stood against them on 2 major points. Only regenerate should be baptized and the church should be free from government entanglement. If you are a Baptist, get in the pool with the rest of us. Come help us reach the world for Christ.
Allen – What will be the greatest challenge in the next generation of leaders?
Mohler? Courage.
Allen – How can seminaries maintain financial strength in these difficult days?
Patterson – What is happening now is sinful. We are charging students too much. We are separating ourselves from the backbone of the SBC. The poor man cannot attend the SBC seminaries.
