I was unable to attend the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix this year. It was the first time that I’ve missed in the last six years. I always love attending the meeting but even more so I enjoy spending time with friends that I typically only see once or twice per year. But thanks to technology, I viewed the pastors conference and the convention meetings from my computer as often as my schedule allowed during the day. I realize that not being there doesn’t give you the full scope of what really took place, so my SBC reflections are from a screen.
Like many, I viewed the meetings, followed the twitter feed, and read the reports. It seems many of the messengers (messengers are those that represent their local church and cast votes at the annual meeting) sensed that this meeting was very spiritually significant. That’s hard to get through a computer screen. However, from my vantage point it did seem that convention leadership and various entities are developing a cohesiveness and focus that has been missing for quite some time. I am joyful and hopeful with the leadership of Frank Page, Kevin Ezell, and Tom Eliff. I believe these men prize Christ and His Kingdom above anything else.
Ethnicity is changing in the ranks of leadership. We are loosing our “lily whiteness.” That’s a good thing and sad that it has taken us this long to get to the spot. I look forward to Fred Luter being nominated as president at next year’s convention in New Orleans. I will be casting my ballot for him wholeheartedly.
I rejoice in the call and action that appears to be taking place in us taking responsibility to reach the nations and the 3800 unengaged unreached people groups around the globe. I’m grateful and supportive of the focus to plant more churches in North America and around the world. Southern Baptists have far to long promoted programs to reach people rather than plant churches that reach people.
But even with all the good things, there still seems to be something that is missing at our convention meetings and in our churches for that matter. Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church, in a blog post about his thoughts on the convention meeting said:
The one thing I heard very little about was spiritual awakening. It was mentioned but it did not rise to center stage. During the Great Commission Resurgence focus, the only thing I heard everyone agree on was the need for revival and repentance among our people. It seems we have moved the work of our hands ahead of the work of God’s Spirit. The need of the hour is brokenness, cleansing, repentance and then true vision comes. It is my opinion that a time of Solemn Assembly should be planned for New Orleans in 2012. That will not be the case, as it was not put forth at this convention.
Southern Baptists are on a downward slide. Baptisms are at a sixty year low. We need a mighty breakthrough of the Spirit of Almighty God. Without it we will have business as usual for another year.
I think he’s spot on. His words not only ring true for our convention but they also ring true for our local churches and each of us individually. May we as a convention, the local church, and individuals be broken and repentant so that His power will flow to accomplish His work to fulfill His vision for His glory.
Looking forward to and hopeful for the 2012 Southern Baptist Convention Meeting in New Orleans.
