Dr Yeats: Interrelationships of the three levels of fellowship.
- The association was the primary point of fellowship and accountability.
- States gathered CP
- National SBC manages the entities of the SBC.
99% of churches affiliate at all 3 levels.
Dr. Chitwood: What drew you to Executive position?
Saw the value of that position in the kingdom strengthening and blessing the local churches.
Dr. Jordan: How have state conventions changed in 20 years?
They are leaner and more focused.
Dr. Richard: Birth of the SBTC
Great resistance from the BGCT to the CR and conservative SBs in 1992 to 1998 tried to engage but lost. So, they stated their differences – inerrancy, women in ministry, homosexuality, funding organizations opposed to SBC, and abortion. November of 1998, 120 churches joined and formed the convention.
In first 4 years they went to 1000. Growth continued at a slower rate.
- Chitwood – 2400 churches in Kentucky. Strong and growing.
- Lubinus – 125 churches are in Iowa.
- Yeats (Missouri) – 1900 churches
- Richards – 2510 churches.
- Jordan (Oklahoma) –
Reflect on the 50-50 Split idea
Richards – 55% going to the SBC and 45% staying at the SBTC. If every member tithes and every church gives 10%, then
Lubinus – Iowa was at 80-20. We went right to 50-50 and let the budget chips fall where they may.
Chitwood – IMB chair when missionary downturn began, so adopted a 10 year plan. Currently 46.5 % sent on. Reduced staffing and allocations, reorganized and became more effective.
Yeats – tried to become lean and focused. Have shared items. Also have 16% that is obligated to items like colleges, children’s home, and such (plus the rogue agencies). Plan to give the increases to the SBC.
Jordan – 40% SBC, 15% to institutions, rest to OK Bapt. Last week 6 positions weere cut. Collegiate ministry is among the biggest costs, but it is impactful. Children’s home. OBU. Falls Creek. Highest % per church to the CP.
What is unique contribution of state convention?
Jordan – states can sometimes do R&D that national SBC doesn’t do anymore.
YEats – we can deal with local issues of public policy and religious liberty. Capacity to convene the people of God.
How will state conventions look different in 5 years.
Richards – as long as we are entrepreneurial and responsive to churches, there will be a future.
Lubinus – we’ve seen the end of anti-denominationalism. People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Chitwood – they will not disappear, the need will grow. Must be lean and responsive. Confessional.
Yeats – Much more diverse. IN hiring practices and in everything else, we must cultivate racial diversity.
Jordan – Leaner. Greater desire to partner with entities at national level.
