EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 1 The Truth about the SBC & Texas A Message of Concern for Southern Baptists in Texas

Dear Texas Southern Baptist:

I wrote you out of great distress and write this letter to you in the spirit expressed by the apostle Paul when he said, (2 Corinthians 2:4, NIV). I anguish of heart ... not to grieve you, but to let you know the depth of my love for you In recent months, a group of Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) critics has been attempting to dissuade Southern Baptist churches in Texas from their longstanding, faithful, and generous support of Southern Baptist missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program. This is a cause for concern that merits your special prayers and attention. ch information you need to counter As a Southern Baptist leader, I am compelled to try to give you and your chur uitful work together as misinformation that could lead to decisions that would harm our very necessary and fr Southern Baptists. Our concern is not only for the health and success of the SBC but also for the health and success of our partner churches. These SBC critics have made statements like the Southern Baptist Convention is no longer Baptist and that it has adopted practices that are untrue to our Bible heritage. Some are suggesting that the theological education and/or ecipients of missions gifts from missions programs of the SBC are somehow corrupted and, therefore, not worthy r Southern Baptist churches in Texas. These assertions are false and the information in this document responds to these accusations. The truth of the matter is that the work of Southern Baptists, thanks to the grace of God and the faithfulness of the churches, is more effective than ever. By every objective measurement criterion, the Southern Baptist Convention has oss the United States proven that it is your faithful partner to carry out Great Commission ministries on your behalf acr and around the world. SBC ministries consistently train ministers, send missionaries, publish the gospel, and influence the world for Christ at levels unmatched by any other denomination. Some SBC critics have hinted at a new national convention to do these ministries. They want Southern Baptists to om institutions with a long, effective history, a current record of success, publicly stated confessional divert funding fr , commitments, efficient administration, and absolute accountability. What is needed is not a new convention; rather e and banding together to what is needed is the people called Southern Baptists confirming the authority of Scriptur reach the world for Christ. What are we asking you to do? uitful ■ Be informed. Don’t be misled by any who would encourage you to abandon your longstanding, fr partnership in the gospel with the Southern Baptist Convention. firm the partnership ■ Urge the Baptist General Convention of Texas to reject these anti-SBC sentiments and af between the BGCT and the SBC. ■ Challenge your Southern Baptist family in Texas to vigorously promote traditional support for the SBC Cooperative Program. ■ Pray for reconciliation. e is not to be unkind to anyone, We felt it was important for you to hear from our perspective. My heart’s desir ew must both bail water and try to especially fellow Baptists. But when someone is drilling holes in the boat, the cr ed. Thank repair the damage. Our common mission is too important to let untrue, damaging statements go unanswer you for taking the time to listen to our concerns and join us in praying God will give Southern Baptists divine wisdom ches greatly for Jesus’ sake. and guidance in these days. May God continue to use Southern Baptists and our chur

Sincerely yours in Christ, Morris H. Chapman, President Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention 2 BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE

Bibliolatry — A Fraudulent Accusation

malignant attempt to exploit Jesus to by Bill Merrell a charge would be bad enough. But Vice President for Convention Relations the situation may be even worse than devalue Scripture. In 1913, Mullins that! The truth is that those crying confronted such attempts in Freedom “bibliolatry” may be covering their and Authority in Religion, directing a eactions to the Baptist Faith and own aberrant view of Scripture. crushing barrage against those who Message Committee report to This was already a problem before would set Jesus against Scripture. In Rthe Southern Baptist Conven- Southern Baptists adopted their first a lengthy passage, Mullins presents a tion (SBC) in Orlando were of two confession of faith. In fact, for more closely reasoned argument against the very distinct kinds. The first was an than a hundred years, those who hold low view of Scripture many held in overwhelming affirmation and ap- a low view of Scripture have seized his day. proval by Southern Baptists. The other upon any pretext to challenge its au- In the passage cited, Mullins was another kind altogether — sus- thority. Their own biases against the employs language slightly unfamil- picious, resentful, and hostile. Bible stimulate them to irreverently iar to our minds, referring to Christ A particularly egregious example attempt the impossible — to use Jesus as “the life,” and to the Bible as “the of this hostility is seen in the assertion as a wedge between God and the literature.” that revisions to the Baptist Faith and Scriptures He Himself inspired. Ex- Mullins contends that human Message (BF&M) have placed the Bible hibiting sanctimonious fraud of the “reason could not be trusted to pre- over Jesus. Detractors erroneously ac- lowest order, and hoping to seize the serve the truth about Christ after the cuse Southern Baptists of being wor- high ground by appealing to the incarnation and completed revelation. shippers of the Bible — that we are “spirit of Jesus,” they undercut the au- … This is not to put the literature in “bibliolaters.” If that were true, every thority of whatever part of the Scrip- the place of the Redeemer, but only Southern Baptist ought to rise up as tures they wish to dodge or dismiss. to assert that the literature is a nec- one man and repudiate it! But that, in Let’s look at how Southern Bap- essary medium for the transmission fact, is not the case. tists have addressed this question. to us of a knowledge of him. Thus, What is behind this accusation? Is … the literature comes as the vehicle it just an expression of anti-SBC sen- 1925 — Mullins on Bibliolatry of objective truth about him and his timent, a ploy in which theological salvation. …” garb is draped over what is in reality Professor E.Y. Mullins was the He continues “the relations be- a political objection to the SBC and its primary architect of the 1925 BF&M. tween the literature and the life of statement? The duplicity behind such He was conversant with the which it is the expression must never The Baptist Faith and Message — Still Thoroughly Baptist!

Since the overwhelming ap- be demonstrated to be so by a adopting a creed that will be proval of the Baptist Faith and simple reading of the document. used to coerce the conscience of Message (BF&M) this summer, The following questions have been individual Baptists or churches. certain SBC critics have claimed raised by its opponents: This is contradicted by the pre- that it is a radical statement por- 1. Is the SBC becoming creedal? amble to the BF&M itself: tending ominous changes for Southern Baptists. These claims SBC detractors in Texas and else- “…the sole authority for faith are patently false and can easily where have accused the SBC of and practice among Baptists is the BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 3

be overlooked in defining the function cannot be understood in isolation to have fixed the canon of Scripture. of the Bible, if we are to avoid confu- from the life.” From these premises he proceeds to sion. … In the light of those relations, By use of an apt illustration from the attempt to convict the others of it appears how very groundless are the science of astronomy, Mullins bibliolatry. But he has missed the the charges often made by the subjec- makes two points: 1) the indispens- point entirely. He has torn the Bible tivists against ability of the Bible away from its true context in its own those who hold to for knowing God, spiritual order and judged it thus.”1 the doctrine of an Their own biases and 2) the folly Many “moderates” who often authoritative against the Bible and lack of integ- champion Mullins, will actually find Bible. One charge “stimulate them to rity of those who little comfort in his writings. Their is that they are wrongly charge outlook is, in fact, profoundly an- ‘bibliolaters,’ wor- irreverently attempt believers with tagonistic to his high view of Holy shipers of a book, the impossible — to worshipping the Scripture. or that they inter- use Jesus as a wedge Bible. He said, pose a book be- “The telescope is 1963 — An Unseen Pitfall tween the soul between God and interposed be- and God.” the Scriptures He tween the eye and When the BF&M was revised in Mullins says of Himself inspired. the heavenly body. 1963 to declare, “The criterion by such an objector The astronomer is which the Bible is to be interpreted is “his reason is con- not accused of Jesus Christ,” many initially viewed vinced he has no ground for a ratio- worshipping the telescope or advised the change as benign. However, dur- nal belief in the Bible as an authority. to pursue ”the science of astronomy ing the intervening years, some who The conclusion is inevitable, and the without its aid. The telescope tells him deny the trustworthiness of the Bible Bible is rejected as in any sense what he could never discover with- have used the phrase to cloak their de- authoritative.” out it. He relies upon it as an ‘author- nials with respectability. The teach- Mullins says those who reject the ity,’ and carries forward the discover- ings of T.C. Smith, former professor inerrancy and authority of the Bible ies of science.” at Southern Seminary and Furman employ a method that “simply sev- Mullins concludes that “the objec- University, are illustrative. ered the literature from the life which tor to an authoritative Bible is on the Smith was an insider, not a curi- gives it significance, and has judged wrong scent altogether. He is osity on the fringes of his profession. the literature thus isolated from its unconvinced by arguments for an in- His peers demonstrated their accep- true context in the life, and apart from fallible or inerrant Bible, or he is un- tance and respect by selecting him as its function. The outcome is directly willing to accept the decree of the president of the Association of Baptist opposed to the facts. For the literature early councils which may be supposed Continued on next page.

Scriptures of the Old and New Tes- have hinted that the SBC will use Bible teaches. taments. Confessions are only the BF&M in a new way. Again, 2. Have Southern Baptists guides in interpretation, having no that is patently false. The confes- abandoned those teachings authority over the conscience…they sion will continue to serve, as which have been especially are statements of religious convic- Southern Baptist confessions al- dear to Baptists such as the doc- tions, drawn from the Scriptures, ways have, as “a consensus of trines of the priesthood of be- and are not to be used to hamper free- opinion...for the general instruc- lievers, soul competency, or the dom of thought or investigation in tion and guidance of our own separation of church and state? other realms of life.” people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith Again, the answer is emphati- Baptists have adopted confes- which are most surely held among cally, “No!” The recently revised sions for centuries as the BGCT us.” We are not creedal. But, nei- BF&M states, “Baptists cherish did in 1998 when it affirmed the ther are we ashamed to publish and defend religious liberty, and 1963 version of the BF&M. Some what Southern Baptists believe the Continued on next page. 4 BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE

Continued from page 3. wrote the various books. The letters (emphasis added) Professors of Religion (ABPR). of Paul to the churches at Corinth Smith, in reality, equates the stan- In the 1970 meeting of the ABPR, carry ‘as much weight as we are pre- dards of his conception of “a civilized less than seven years after the BF&M pared to allow to Paul as a religious society” with “the teachings of Jesus.” revision, Smith attacked the inerrancy teacher, but how far God speaks And he has the audacity to blame his of the Bible. He declared, “We need through Paul is another matter.’ Only rejection of Scripture on Jesus! In this to come up with a concept that is system, it is not what Jesus specifically more suitable to ourselves, our stu- said, or actually taught, but what bi- dents, and our conventions.” He fur- The debated phrase, ased interpreters think compatible ther insisted that modern Christians with “civilized society” — that mys- should have the liberty to determine “ ‘The criterion by teriously becomes the “teaching of their own canon of Scripture, claim- which the Bible is to Jesus.” ing, “Modern scholarship has more We are not left to wonder what valid criteria for selection of the be interpreted is Jesus’ teachings about the Bible were. canon than did religious leaders six- Jesus Christ’ never He is on the record! He referred to teen centuries ago.” appears in any the Scripture in its entirety as the In an article entitled “The Canon very Word of God.2 He taught that it and Authority of the Bible” in the historic Baptist was irrevocable and permanent.3 He Spring 1974 issue of Perspectives in Re- confession until it treated it as fully authoritative.4 Pray- ligious Studies, Smith writes about the was added to the ing for His disciples, He asked the Bible, “Some of the ethical standards, Father, “Sanctify them in the truth, crude religious ideals, and behavior 1963 version of the Thy Word is truth.”5 He taught that of the characters portrayed in its BF&M. Were all the it points to Him,6 and that He is its 7 pages are strictly out of place in a Baptists in the world fulfillment. civilized society. Judged by the Misrepresenting the teachings of teachings of Jesus much of its poetry up till then guilty of Jesus is an affront to God the Son! This dishonors the character of God. We worshipping the approach is precisely why many con- can make such judgments about por- cerned Southern Baptists came to mis- tions of the Bible because we possess Bible? trust the revised language. They may the central fact of the record. This is not have known all the nuances of the revelation of God in Christ. … If theological categories, or the sophist- we should ask questions about the in the sense that it is not incom- ries of theological elites, but they authority of the Bible, it is not God’s patible with its human imperfec-” knew that those who wished to un- authority that we are questioning. It tions can we appropriately speak dermine and undercut the authority is the reliableness of the authors who about the authority of the Bible.” of Scripture too easily subverted the

Continued from page 3. and this implies the right of free longer Baptist make us wonder deny the right of any secular or and unhindered access to God on about their motivation. religious authority to impose a the part of all men, and the right to confession of faith upon a church form and propagate opinions in the 3. Does the SBC affirm the au- or body of churches. We honor sphere of religion without interfer- tonomy of the local church? the principles of soul competency ence by the civil power.” and the priesthood of believers, Once again, listen to the affirming together both our lib- The BF&M demonstrates that the BF&M: “A New Testament erty in Christ and our account- SBC remains soundly “Baptist“ in church of the Lord Jesus ability to each other under the every way. Those who say other- Christ is an autonomous lo- Word of God.” wise ought to take the time to read cal congregation of baptized It further states, “A free church in the BF&M. Those who have read it believers.…” The autonomy a free state is the Christian ideal, and continue to say the SBC is no of the local church, as well as BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 5 phrase. It has become a gaping hole worshipped — the Bible is not to be! said, “The Scriptures have the content, in the wall of sound Bible interpreta- I submit that the view Professor authority, and power for a proper tion through which a rapid succession Smith espoused is not dead, it is not evangelistic message. … God has of erroneous teachings, especially in rare, and that it finds veiled expres- clothed His thoughts in words, and the institutions of higher learning, in- sion in the current dispute. there is no way to know Him except vaded our community of faith. It should be noted that the change by knowing the Scriptures. … We in the most customary way Baptists can’t even read each other’s minds, 2000 — A Necessary talk about Scripture did not take place much less what is in the mind of Corrective in 2000, but in 1963. The debated God.” phrase, “The criterion by which the The accusation of bibliolatry is The peril that menaces the body Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus fraudulent! We submit that anti-SBC of Christ is not exalting the Scripture Christ” never appears in any historic leaders cannot tell Southern Baptists over the Son — but exalting human Baptist confession until it was added of one example of a conservative Bap- reason over both Scripture and Son! to the 1963 version of the BF&M. Were tist worshipping the Bible or placing The intellectually honest know there all the Baptists in the world up till the Bible over Jesus. On the other is not a scintilla of a hint in the 2000 then guilty of worshipping the Bible? hand, it can be demonstrated there are BF&M that Jesus Christ, as the mod- The BF&M statement was revised those who have tried to use Jesus to erator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist for the very reason that numerous in- drive a wedge between God and the Fellowship claims, has been “de- fluential people have used the lan- Bible. We pray those days have ended moted.”8 A review of the pertinent ar- guage as a dodge — a maneuver to for Southern Baptists. ticles of the confession makes that sidestep the historic Christian and crystal clear. They teach rather that Baptist view of Scripture. 1 E.Y. Mullins, Freedom and Authority in Jesus Christ is “the eternal Son of Hear this, Southern Baptists! Religion, pp. 350–352. God,” and “The Holy Bible was writ- Those who sincerely believe the Bible 2 Mark 7:13; John 10:34, 35; Luke 24:27, ten by men divinely inspired and is is true and trustworthy have nothing 44,45. God’s revelation of Himself to man. to fear from the BF&M statement on 3 Luke 16:17; John 10:35. ... All Scripture is a testimony to Scripture. Those who look for a loop- 4 Matthew 4:4,7,10; Matthew 22:29–32; Christ, who is Himself the focus of hole through which to cast off parts Mark 11:17. divine revelation.” of Scripture will complain about the 5 John 17:17. The Bible does not stand over change — their cloak has been taken 6 Matthew 21:42–44; Luke 24:27,44. Christ — but, as the BF&M declares, away! 7 Matthew 5:17. it indeed stands over all “human A statement by John R.W. Stott to 8 Jim Baucom, Demoting Jesus, conduct, creeds, and religious opin- Billy Graham’s Amsterdam 2000 con- CBFOnline, June 30, 2000. ions!” There is no dispute between ference for evangelists provides a Jesus and the Bible! Jesus is to be timely and needed exhortation. He Reprinted from SBC Life, October, 2000.

the autonomy of associations or with local churches that find no Much of the argument conventions of local churches, other resolution. From time to against the Baptist Faith has been and continues to be, time, the SBC has refused to seat and Message depends upon strongly affirmed by the SBC. messengers when circumstances a distortion of truth. Those have warranted. This in no way who misrepresent the BF&M As Baptists know, the exer- contradicts the doctrines of the may hope you won’t read the cise of autonomy by a local priesthood of believers or the document, but just take their church does not mean it autonomy of the local church. will never be disciplined or Rather, it affirms an equally true word for it. See for yourself. disfellowshipped by another proposition — that the au- For the full text of the BF&M, Baptist body. This happens oc- tonomy of one Baptist body log on to www.sbc.net or you casionally when associations does not nullify the autonomy can call 866-722-5433, and or conventions have conflicts of others. we’ll send you a free copy. 6 THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

“Texas First, Texas Only” – Not the Spirit of Southern Baptists in Texas

by David Hankins churches in Texas, approximately 97% against the populations of California or Vice President for Cooperative Program stays in Texas. (The equivalent of approxi- New York. It is obvious that there are much mately another 3% is given by Baptist greater resources per capita for Christian Cooperative Program giving from churches in Texas designated to the Lottie ministry and witness in Texas than other Southern Baptists in Texas supports the Moon and Annie Armstrong Offerings.) Is major population centers of the United ministries of both the Baptist General Con- $0.03 of each dollar too much to go toward States. Incidentally, Baptist leaders in Cali- vention of Texas (BGCT) and the Southern national and international missions? fornia and New York are challenging their Baptist Convention (SBC). Recently, certain constituencies to give a larger, not smaller, SBC critics in Texas have been suggesting 2. THE RATIO OF SOUTHERN BAP- percentage to the Southern Baptist portion that Baptists in Texas should cut back on TISTS IN TEXAS TO GENERAL of the Cooperative Program. their support of SBC missions and keep POPULATION. more of the money in Texas. To justify this, Texas has a population of approxi- 3. TEXAS NEEDS VERSUS WORLD some Texas leaders have pointed to the fact mately 20 million. Over 2.7 million of the NEEDS. that the population in Texas is approach- citizens are Southern Baptists or more than An even more drastic picture emerges ing 21 million persons, millions of them 1 of every 8 Texans. The population of Cali- when Texas resources in churches, church without Christ. Others have talked about fornia is 33 million with a Southern Bap- members, and finances are compared to the need for more money for children’s ser- tist membership of 334,000 or 1 of every available Christian resources around the vices. Still others have questioned the 100 Californians. The population of New globe. While it is commendable that we amount of funding for SBC seminaries ver- York is 18 million with a Southern Baptist have over 4,000 international missionar- sus funding for Texas affiliated theologi- membership of 27,000 or 1 of every 667 ies, with a world population now exceed- cal schools. Are there more pressing needs New Yorkers. There are 5,000 Southern ing 6 billion, we are only beginning to pro- for BGCT ministries than SBC ministries? Baptist churches in Texas or 1 for every vide the Christian witness needed by the 4,000 citizens. There are What are the facts? 1,385 Southern Baptist churches in California or Ratios of Southern Baptists to There are no doubt great needs for 1 for every 24,000 citi- General Population Baptist ministries in Texas — from evan- zens. There are 264 gelism to compassion ministries to Chris- Southern Baptist tian higher education. But those needs are churches in New York or 1:8 not enough to justify cutting the gifts al- 1 for every 68,000 citi- ready allocated for missions outside of zens. The budget for Texas. Consider the following: BGCT is over $51 million compared to $7.2 million 1. THE TEXAS CHURCH GIVING for the California South- THAT ALREADY STAYS IN TEXAS. ern Baptist Convention The average percentage that Baptist and $2.7 million for the churches give to the Cooperative Program Baptist Convention of is about 8.3% of their undesignated contri- New York. The contrast butions. This means that around 91.7% of is more striking when Baptist money in Texas goes to local church you take into consider- ministries and missions, associational mis- ation the large popula- sions in Texas, and local projects. Of the tion of other evangelical amount given through the traditional track Christians in Texas 1:100 of the Cooperative Program, 67% goes to whose ratio against the 1:667 the BGCT and 33% goes to the SBC (see population of Texas is chart on page 9 for actual distribution). Of also much greater than Texas California New York the undesignated gifts to Southern Baptist these groups’ ratios THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM 7 burgeoning lost population state, but to go anywhere in the world God of the world. We are not Ratios of Southern Baptist Churches leads them. suggesting giving to the to Citizens What a disaster if all state conventions BGCT be ignored. But, the said, “We will only support those things Lord Jesus said, “from every- that benefit our own people.” If the sup- one who has been given 1:4,000 port for missions in Texas is not keeping much shall much be re- pace with the needs, why not appeal to the quired.”1 Do you really be- generosity of the faithful Southern Baptists lieve it is time to cut national in Texas? We believe they will rise to the and international giving? We challenge. But it is wrong to attempt to di- have confidence that South- vert resources from the small percentage ern Baptists in Texas recog- that has been supporting world ministries. nize the needs of the world Jesus sent us not only to “Jerusalem and are too great to divert world Judea” but also to “Samaria and the utter- missions gifts for Texas most part of the world.” A self-centered, needs. Texas-first mentality has never been the attitude of everyday Southern Baptists in 4. SUPPORT FOR THEO- Texas and we don’t believe it is now. LOGICAL EDUCA- In summary, why should funds not be TION. 1:24,000 diverted from the SBC to stay in Texas? ■ The Texas Baptist Stan- 1:68,000 The needs in Texas are great but the dard recently printed an ar- needs in the rest of the country and the ticle (8-7-00) entitled “Fund- world are greater. ing debate questions equity Texas California New York ■ The resources per capita are much, of money sent to SBC vs. much greater in Texas than in most of Texas needs.” It noted anti- the U.S. and the world. SBC leaders are making much of the fact get any direct benefit? Would these two ■ The great preponderance of the that more Baptist money from Texas gets deans be pleased if the many churches in churches’ gifts is already utilized in to Southern Seminary which has only 34 Texas who have no members enrolled in Texas. students from Texas than to the two new Truett or Logsdon refused to give any ■ The ministries performed by the na- Texas Baptist divinity schools which have money to those schools because they are tional and international agencies of the 300 students from Texas. The implication not directly serving their church? Or Southern Baptist Convention are sec- of this argument is that Baptists in Texas should the Baptists in Kentucky not sup- ond to none and depend on the faith- are paying more than their fair share of port Southwestern Seminary in Fort ful support of Southern Baptist seminary training. However, approxi- Worth because it is full of Texas students churches all over the nation, especially mately 1,750 (14.5%) of the 12,000 students but not Kentucky students? those in Texas. enrolled in the six SBC seminaries are from If you agree that support should not Texas and about 14% of the CP receipts for Conclusion be diverted from the SBC, talk to your seminary education is from Texas church leaders and your state convention The real heart of Baptists in Texas is churches. If equity is the goal, giving from leaders. The SBC is committed to provid- exemplified by the 1,600 Texas-related stu- Texas for theological education of Texas ing resources and information to the dents at Southwestern Baptist Theological students is just a fraction low. churches for these discussions. If the sad The worse implication, however, of Seminary (which historically provides the event occurs that your gifts to the SBC can- this “equity” argument is that it makes self- majority of our international missionaries) not be made easily and efficiently through ishness the motivation for giving to the CP. who are preparing to go anywhere God your state convention, the SBC will make The Standard article quoted the deans of calls them. Southern Baptists from all over it possible for you to have such a channel Truett Seminary and Logsdon School of the country are giving sacrificially to train of giving through other means. However, Theology (both of which are affiliated and support ministers and missionaries you can help make such an action unnec- with BGCT institutions) as describing regardless of which state they call home. essary by persuading your state conven- their schools as “heavily Texas focused, This is how the Cooperative Program tion to maintain its historic and traditional drawing students primarily from Texas works. It has been a way to fund those and sending ministers primarily into ministries in areas where Baptist witness agreements with the Southern Baptist Texas churches to serve.” Is this really is not as strong as it is in the South. And, it Convention. Don’t let our great partner- how we want to make our decisions about has been a way to prepare God-called men ship be destroyed. missions giving — based on whether we and women, not just to stay in their home 1 Luke 12:48. 8 THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

Anti-SBC Leaders Threaten Cooperative Program

A Brief History In the same spirit, state convention lead- A Cause for Alarm ers have been unselfish when determin- For seventy-five years the Coopera- ing the amount retained in the state con- In recent years, the Baptist General tive Program has been the means vention for its work versus that for- Convention of Texas (BGCT) adopted whereby Southern Baptist churches warded to the SBC for its ministries. giving plans for the Cooperative Pro- could support all the ministries of their Each has recognized the historic and gram that have the effect of supporting state convention and the Southern Bap- healthy division of labor between the the state convention but curtailing sup- tist Convention (SBC). Prior to this uni- Southern Baptist Convention and the port for the SBC. We were concerned fied giving plan, appeals for support state conventions that basically gives the with this fundamental change of defi- were made by the various mission lead to the state convention for minis- nition of Cooperative Program at the boards, schools, benevolence ministries, try within the state and to the Southern time. Now, some SBC critics in Texas are and other enterprises directly to the Baptist Convention pushing further churches. The results were uneven, for ministry outside Your church is being and are attempt- costly, and ineffective. The SBC in coor- the state. This ar- ing to dissuade dination with the state conventions de- rangement has maxi- asked by anti-SBC churches from giv- veloped the Cooperative Program so mized efficiency and “leaders in Texas to ing to the SBC. that churches could support the whole minimized duplica- abandon its support They have made program of Baptist work with one regu- tion of effort. It also of SBC missions various charges re- lar monthly gift. The results have been has allowed plenty of garding the faith- wildly successful with tremendous opportunity for during days of fulness, effective- growth in all phases of our mission working together on unparalleled ness, and necessity work. a myriad of minis- effectiveness and of SBC ministries From its inception, the Cooperative tries and projects (charges that are Program has depended largely upon the without the sense opportunity around addressed else- state conventions for its promotion. The that there was a vio- the world. where in this work the Southern Baptist Convention lation of “turf.” document). This is has done in this area has been basically Historically, the state conventions a serious breach in the long-standing, through the state conventions. The have also valued the ministries of the useful partnership between the state agreement was the state conventions SBC as their own and labored diligently convention and” the SBC. would collect money from the churches to challenge the churches to support the No one can tell individual South- and, after covering expenses of promo- national and international ministries ern Baptist churches how to give their tion and other agreed upon deductions, with the same enthusiasm as state con- money. That is the reason we have al- divide the receipts equitably between vention ministries. They recognized ways made provision for designated the state and the Southern Baptist Con- that Cooperative Program money given gifts. But we can encourage the vention. As a part of this responsibility, churches in a particular direction. The by the churches was intended for both the states agreed to promote the Executive Committee of the Southern the state convention and the SBC and “whole” program, i.e., they would pro- Baptist Convention’s position is that all mote the SBC side of the Cooperative did not begrudge the portion going for churches are encouraged to give with- Program as vigorously as they did the SBC missions. Most state conventions out designation to the Cooperative Pro- state side. Because the SBC has believed regularly seek to increase the percent- gram through the state convention. We it would be treated as a true partner, it age going to national and international have resisted creating any other track has been pleased for the state conven- causes and any decreases have been for giving because we believe it harms tion to set the distribution percentage. made with great reluctance. the idea of the Cooperative Program THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM 9 and breaks faith with our state conven- Cooperative Program and to promote tion partners. other groups as bona fide recipients of What can you do? In place of its long-standing prac- Cooperative Program giving. This is tice, your church is being asked by a fundamental violation in the state 1. Communicate your support anti-SBC leaders in Texas to abandon convention/SBC partnership. of SBC missions and minis- its support of SBC missions during We are even more disappointed in tries to your church and the days of unparalleled effectiveness and the unwarranted and divisive criti- state convention. opportunity around the world. Not cism of SBC missions by those who only is there no good reason to cut would divert the gifts of faithful 2. Encourage a return to the back, there is every reason to support Southern Baptist churches in Texas to historic state/SBC partner- the SBC more fervently. The agencies their own control. It would be sad in- ship through the Cooperative of the SBC have a track record of dis- deed if Southern Baptist churches in Program. tinguished service to Christ and to Texas were dissuaded by a vocal mi- 3. Continue giving enthusiasti- Southern Baptists and are at their ze- nority of anti-SBC leaders from sup- cally to SBC causes. nith in effectiveness — more mission- porting the SBC portion of the Coop- aries under appointment than ever be- erative Program or denied a vehicle 4. Inform yourself and encourage fore, more candidates for missions ser- through the state convention for for- your church to send its maxi- vice than ever before, more church warding their gifts to Southern Bap- mum number of messengers to starts in a single year than ever before, tist Convention missions causes. We the meeting of the BGCT meet- more students enrolled in the six semi- hope neither of these practices be- ing October 30-31 in Corpus naries than ever before. comes a reality. However, the South- Christi. We are extremely disappointed ern Baptist Convention is committed that anti-SBC leaders in Texas have to relating to Southern Baptist congre- 5. Pray for the Lord’s guidance persuaded the state convention to gations in Texas and will find a way and blessing on all our minis- adopt what is at best a neutral atti- to partner together in the event the tries as we work cooperatively. tude toward the SBC portion of the traditional methods are unavailable.

2000 BGCT Cooperative Program Allocation for SBC and State Convention

SBC Portion (33%) BGCT Portion (67%)

1.84% SBC Other 19.60% to Strengthen and Start Churches 7.14% to Train Ministers and 8.12% to Missionaries Minister to Human Needs 7.52% to Evangelize and 28.62% to Equip Plant Churches in God’s People North America and Develop Christian Families 16.50% to 10.50% to Support Missions and International Ministry Missionaries Support 0.16% BGCT Other 10 BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE

Southern Baptists and Women Pastors

he revision to the Baptist Faith and Message which or to have authority over a man” (NIV). Paul does not reads, “While both men and women are gifted for expect that women will not or cannot learn or teach (com- Tservice in the church, the office of pastor is limited pare with Titus 2:3-5 and 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14,15). He con- to men as qualified by Scripture,” has received a great cludes women cannot have a pastoral position, or per- deal of attention. Some critics have charged it is not form the pastoral function, for that puts them in author- baptistic for a convention to take a position on this. Oth- ity over men in the life of the church. ers charge it is anti-woman, while others still wonder The question at hand is not whether women are of whether it ought to be addressed at all in a confession of equal value to men, nor is it whether they can minister faith. Does the BF&M get it right? What are the facts? effectively. They are, and they do! Nor, is it an issue of The preamble to the Baptist Faith and Message states the autonomy of the local church. It is, rather, that the that confessions of faith “constitute a consensus of opin- Scripture assigns the role of pastor to males. ion of some Baptist body.” The con- The Bible’s teaching on pasto- sensus opinion of Southern Baptists ral qualifications does not mean it is obviously that the pastoral role is is anti-woman. On the contrary, to be filled by men. The vast major- numerous passages speak clearly ity of Southern Baptist congregations Baptist and forcibly to the inherent worth call only men to serve as pastor. “ and value of women. Women in the About 30 of over 40,000 churches cur- churches have New Testament engaged in signifi- rently have a woman as pastor – only cant ministry, performing valuable 2 of 5,000 Southern Baptist congre- male pastors service in sometimes difficult situ- gations in Texas. Even those most ations. This is readily seen in the vigorously promoting the idea of because they Acts of the Apostles. Both Priscilla having women as pastors are not in and Aquila spoke privately to fact calling women to pastor their believe they Apollos at Ephesus (Acts 18:24-26), own churches. Some wonder correcting his incomplete and whether they actually believe in the are so flawed theology. Further, women importance of women pastors, or are clearly played a considerable role they hoping for political advantage instructed by in the work of the apostle Paul. In by making the SBC appear anti- his letter to the Romans, Paul iden- woman? the New tified sixteen noteworthy helpers in Critics argue that Baptists are ministry (16:1-16), and at least ten merely behind the times, or have Testament. of them were women. Women in been unduly influenced by a “patri- the New Testament, as they do to- archal” society. However, we think day, participated in varied minis- Baptist churches have male pastors because they believe try, which served to strengthen and conserve the they are so instructed by the New Testament. churches. ” Southern Baptists believe the place to begin in this, Southern Baptists are not anti-woman; indeed, they as in all doctrinal questions, is to ask, “What does the affirm the leadership of women in family, business, poli- Bible say?” Even a cursory reading of the pertinent texts tics, and a wide array of human endeavors. Furthermore, prompts three important observations: 1) there were no women are an integral and invaluable part of the Body known women pastors in New Testament times; 2) none of Christ, serving in a broad variety of important roles of the instructions regarding church order include instruc- both as volunteers and vocational ministers. We don’t tions for women pastors; and 3) some texts on church know how to say this more strongly: women and men order explicitly forbid women to occupy that role. In 1 are of equal value! However, because Scripture speaks Timothy 2:12, written with the specific purpose of regu- specifically to the role of pastor, churches are under a lating the office of pastor and the orderly function of the moral imperative to be guided by that teaching, rather churches, Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach than the shifting opinions of human cultures. BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 11

The Root of the SBC Controversy

by Morris H. Chapman view of Scripture. When moral suasion, faith and prepare them for vital ministry. President and Chief Executive Officer passionate appeals, and public criticism Many of these potential leaders aban- Executive Committee failed to alter the status quo, conservatives doned Christian ministry. Worse yet, devised and publicly announced a some remained to poison the churches strategy to utilize the time-honored, with the same false doctrine. What tragic democratic electoral system of the results of this lamentable epoch of un- “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act Southern Baptist Convention to elect faithful teaching! Gratefully, many of the like men, be strong. Let all that you do be conservative young preachers done in love.” presidents, weathered the as- — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NASB) officers, and The central issue sault on their Bible directors of the and their faith and agencies, who “ that spawned and were the very ones SBC critics such as Texas Baptists Com- would seek sustained the who led the South- mitted assert that the controversy in the conservative ern Baptist Conven- SBC was about power and politics. This personnel to movement was the tion to return to its is not so. The root of the controversy in serve Southern nature of Scripture roots. the Southern Baptist Convention was Baptists. Some Baptists about theology! What moti- and its significance may find it difficult The seeds of the controversy, which vated these Bap- for the practice of to believe there was returned the Southern Baptist Conven- tists to risk per- Christianity as growing liberalism tion to its historic commitments, had been sonal criticism, afoot in the SBC but germinating as early as the late 1950s. The jeopardize ca- expressed through the facts bear it out. steady growth in number and influence reers, lose Southern Baptists. Others may have in the Convention, especially in the col- friends, and em- viewed the internal leges and seminaries, of the “anti-super- broil the South- conflict in the de- naturalists” was producing more and ern Baptist Con- nomination as dis- more liberalism in writing, proclamation, vention in a controversy that could have tasteful and disturbing, but it was neces- and publication. The adoption of a eventuated in its disintegration? Was it sary if sound” biblical theology were once hermeneutic of suspicion which elevates power lust or right-wing secular politics again to be the platform for our man’s reason above the clear statements or an affinity for fighting as some have Convention’s work. of the Bible (see “Bibliolatry” article in accused? Absolutely not — these accusa- We know Southern Baptists in Texas this publication) resulted in a diminished tions are totally unfounded. are not looking for a fight. They desire to view of Scripture with attendant faulty The central issue that spawned and be peaceable, cooperative, and harmoni- applications in areas of doctrine and prac- sustained the movement was the nature ous — but not at the expense of compro- tice (e.g., soteriology, sexual ethics, sanc- of Scripture and its significance for the mising Christian truth! tity of life issues). Correspondingly, there practice of Christianity as expressed In recent years, America has been was more and more discomfort and out- through Southern Baptists. The contro- honoring the veterans, living and dead, right anger among many pastors and versy was ignited by the diminution of of World War II. No one likes war. But churches. confidence in the Bible as the accurate how grateful we are for those who sacri- The attempts by denominational and trustworthy written Word of God. ficed in war to preserve those things leaders to “keep the peace” by such Scores of God-called young people who worth fighting for. actions as recommending the 1963 Baptist had been birthed, baptized, and discipled We pray that the issue of sound Faith and Message and the reluctant re- in Bible-believing Southern Baptist doctrine is settled for Southern Baptists publication of volume one of the churches went off to Baptist institutions and that more controversy will not be Broadman Commentary were ineffectual in of higher learning where they were necessary. But we are thankful that Bap- addressing the real problem: the robbed of their faith in the truthfulness tists, in Texas and elsewhere, can be continued influence of many teachers of Scripture by the very folk who were counted on to stand for Christ’s truth and leaders who did not hold to a high being paid by Baptists to strengthen their whatever the cost. 12 Your Church Reaching For More the World for Christ Information... When you give through the Southern Baptist Convention portion of the Cooperative Program, you fund the following: Among the several publications sent to Baptists in Texas, is the Texas Baptist Standard — the official news- 50% supports over 4,800 missionaries in over 150 paper of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It has countries around the world leading to 400,000 a very pro-BGCT stance, as it ought to have. Sadly, how- baptisms and 4,700 new churches started last ever, the editors also seem to be very sympathetic to the year overseas. anti-SBC group in Texas. This appears to shape the in- 22.79% supports church planting and evangelism in formation selected for publication. North America through 5,000 missionaries You have the right to direct access to news and information and nearly 200,000 volunteers with over 1,700 about your convention and its work. Let us encourage you to new churches planted last year; also, supports www.sbc.net nationwide radio and television ministries. log on to . It is the very helpful site managed by the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. You 21.64% trains over 12,000 ministers and missionaries can subscribe there to SBCLife, the news journal of the South- in six seminaries. ern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. You will also find directions on how to receive Baptist Press five days a week 1.49% promotes religious liberty and Christian for free. These two publications will enable you to have un- values in multiple venues including daily live filtered news and information from an SBC perspective. nation-wide radio broadcasts. .76% You can read the Baptist Faith and Message for yourself by click- supports low income retired Baptist ministers ing on the Baptist Faith and Message button on the opening page and widows. of the Web site. The Web site also has additional information 3.32% provides accounting, legal services, about the views, practices, and ministries of Southern Baptists. communications, promotion, convention www.Baptist2Baptist.net meetings, and administration. Another Web site, contains materi- als of special interest to Southern Baptists in Texas. You may Total 2000-2001 SBC CP Budget is $167,996,385. use it and refer your friends to it for a copy of this paper and numerous other articles and items. Together We’re Carrying Out the Great Commission! We want you to have all the facts.

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