| It seems that 2006 is going to be one of the most pivotal Conventions that Southern Baptist's have seen in years. Reasons such as newly enacted IMB policies, issues surrounding IMB trustee Wade Burleson, and a widely discussed presidential election, are proving to spark interest and concern among quite a spectrum of believers. We are seeing an emerging group of young leaders who are becoming interested in the future of the Convention, and the presence of many older leaders who were dramatically used to change the history of our Convention. There are pastors, church planters, missionaries and lay people weighing in on matters brought to the forefront for the first time, or maybe the first time in a long time. Although some in both camps may possess different ideas as to where we should be moving as a Convention, I pray that the end result might be one of unity for the sake of the Gospel. Although there are certain ideologies that our Convention has rightly separated over, I pray that none of the issues at hand are escalated to that level. As Southern Baptist's we have already gained a less than desirable reputation with outsiders and internal discord might likely serve to tarnish our image even more. However, sometimes conflict and disagreement can be profitable when both sides display love for one another and are committed to God and His Word no matter the cost. May our words be seasoned with grace and our actions bring glory to God. |
posted by Christie