In the heat of the moment in St. Louis in 2016, Steve Gaines made a statement about nominating JD Greear at the Dallas convention in 2018. When JD’s announcement came a couple of days ago, it was observed that Ken Whitten and not Steve Gaines was going to make the nomination. Some speculated that perhaps Dr. Gaines was reneging on his commitment (whatever that was) or in some way betraying JD Greear.
There is an article in the Biblical Recorder (BRnow.org) that explains this. After careful consideration, Gaines and Greear have come to the opinion that it was not a good idea for the sitting president to nominate a candidate. According to the article:
Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., said after they discussed the matter, he thought such a move would be “imprudent” and “potentially dangerous.”
He is absolutely right. I do not believe there is any bylaw that would prevent the president from making a nomination, it is much better that it happen this way. I believe I have made my support for JD Greear’s candidacy plain (not left much doubt, have I?), but for Gaines to nominate him just wouldn’t be right. It would set a precedent that could cause problems down the road. Presidents should NOT nominate their successors.
I am glad that Steve Gaines is standing by his commitment but I am also glad he will not be making the nomination.
He is doing the right thing.
One more suggestion – Baptist Press is a good service, but BRnow.org is in the top tier of the Baptist papers. If you aren’t subscribed, you should consider it. Check them for news.
Thanks for the kind word, Dave! We appreciate you guys at SBC Voices.
Even when I get your name wrong?
“Gaines added that Greear would enjoy his “full support” if elected president at the 2018 annual meeting June 12-13 in Dallas, Texas.
“He is a wonderful pastor and preacher,” Gaines said of Greear. “He has preached for us at Bellevue and our people loved him. He is extremely evangelistic. The church he leads is growing and baptizing hundreds every year. I believe J.D. is a magnanimous, gifted leader who would seek to be a unifier among all the various groups within the SBC.”
Gaines also told the Recorder that, if Greear is elected this year and decided in due course to bid for a second term, he would be willing to nominate Greear for re-election in 2019.”