BaptistsTexas Committed December 1994 LOCAL CHURCH AUTONOMY WINS BIG Baptists proved once again that approved budgets of the BGCT and the SBC tion, or fellowship. the majority of them are REAL Baptists. were being counted as Cooperative Pro- It was simply a vote on whether Texas They understand and believe in the his- gram gifts. Baptists were going to recognize the gifts of toric Baptist doctrines of local church au- This vote expanded the definition of the local congregations to Baptist causes in an tonomy and the priesthood of every be- Cooperative Program to include other Bap- equal and fair manner. Are we as Texas liever. tist causes chosen by the local church. Baptists going to be inclusive or exclusive? By an overwhelming margin (estimated The entire issue revolved around Notice an important point. Not a single by most observers to be between 2–1 or 3– whether Texas Baptists were going to treat person who voted against the Cooperative 1), they approved the Cooperative Missions the mission giving decisions of local Missions Study Committee recommenda- Giving Study Committee report. The report churches in the same manner and count all tions is affected in any manner whatsoever. recommended that all local church gifts to their gifts equally. Every one of them may support the SBC as the budget of the BGCT, the budget of the LOCAL CHURCH AUTONOMY WON they have always done and their gifts will SBC, any institution related to the BGCT or BIG! All gifts from a local church will be be counted as Cooperative Program gifts. SBC, or any other Baptist organization, in- treated with the same respect and no con- In fact, they now have freedom to send cluding the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, gregations gift will be treated in a second more to the SBC and less to the BGCT, if the Baptist World Alliance, and the Woman’s class manner. they choose, and it will still all count as Missionary Union, would be considered by Many people tried to claim this vote was Cooperative Program gifts. the BGCT as a Cooperative Program gift. something it was not. All the vote did was say that others who This was a vote as to whether Texas —It was not a vote on whether to finan- give differently, to a large or small extent, Baptists were going to respect the autonomy cially support or not support the Southern will have their gifts count equally. No one is of the local church or not. Nothing more, Baptist Convention. excluded. nothing less. They overwhelming said yes! —It was not a vote on whether to finan- Texas Baptists have gone on record say- Because of the takeover of the Southern cially support or not support the Coopera- ing they want to emphasize our historic Baptist Convention by the fundamentalist tive Baptist Fellowship. doctrine of autonomy. Let us hope and pray faction within the SBC, and the resulting —It was not a vote on whether to finan- all Texas Baptists will respect this doctrine division caused by the takeover, local Texas cially support or not support missionaries and put their emphasis on what unites us as Baptist churches are giving their money in in the field. free autonomous congregations rather that various ways to various Baptist causes. —It was not a vote instructing local what divides us. We have said we believe in Because of the definition of the Coopera- churches to financially support any par- freedom. Now let us respect each others tive Program, only the gifts that went to the ticular mission cause, institution, conven- choices. SUPPORT THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

By David R. Currie, Coordinator being done by the BGCT. WE EXIST TO PRO- grams. In order to be fair, the report had to TECT THAT GREAT WORK FROM A FUNDA- allow them the same freedom to give around The Baptist General Convention of Texas, MENTALIST TAKEOVER! Our reason to be is the BGCT and not be treated like “second its elected leaders, and its program staff in the to encourage Texas Baptists to not follow the class” citizens. Baptist building are doing a wonderful job in divisive path of fundamentalism taken by the As Texas Baptists we could not support helping Texas Baptists do mission and minis- Southern Baptist Convention. Allow our lead- anything that tried to force fundamentalists try. At Texas Baptists Committed, we urge all ers the freedom to lead. Allow our professors in Texas to support the BGCT budget. That Texas Baptist churches to support the BGCT the freedom to teach. Allow our physicians would be as wrong as the SBC, which is trying budget as adopted at the convention. the freedom to heal. Our mission statement is to force local churches to support their bud- It is often interesting how many people do about supporting the BGCT and its related get. The SBC is saying give a certain way or get not seem to understand Baptist polity and institutions and programs! out. As Texas Baptists, we must never have believe the Cooperative Missions vote was The Cooperative Missions Study Commit- that attitude. about Texas missions. It was not. tee Report vote was a vote about fairness for We support the BGCT and encourage ev- A recent “Letter to the Editor” in our local all Texas Baptists churches in their giving. It ery Texas Baptist church to support the BGCT paper stated that I was wrong that this vote was about funds sent outside Texas. budget. Sure some things are not perfect (an was “a victory for Texas Baptist and foreign We supported the Report because it cre- Evangelism Conference this year with nearly missions.” He added that I obviously didn’t ated fairness for all Texas Baptist churches in all fundamentalist speakers quickly comes to “know anything about the great work the Texas relation to their giving beyond the BGCT those mind), but we can work with our leaders in Baptist Convention is doing in missions,” and who appreciate the fundamentalist takeover good faith and support them. that my “statements are an indictment against of the SBC, and those who do not. Support the BGCT because it is staying Dr. Bill Pinson, Dr. James Semple and other Since some of the fundamentalist do not true to our Baptist heritage and principles. convention leaders.” like the fact that Texas is refusing to follow the Beyond Texas, support your convictions. We Friends, I know full well the great work SBC path, they dislike some of the BGCT pro- will respect those choices. — 1 — LOOKING BACK AT TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED MISSION AND GOALS The time after the annual convention is clean up time in our office. The months lead- ing up to the BGCT annual meeting are in- sanely busy - update meetings, newsletters, breakfast details, etc. Things end up in piles all over the floor. In cleaning up the office we found the original mission statement of Texas Baptists Committed and our goals. They date back to 1990. They are worth sharing as we pray we have been true to this mission statement and these goals. Mission statement: Our mission is to main- tain Texas Baptists as a voluntary family of BREAKFAST WAS WONDERFUL believers cooperating together to evangelize our state, educate our children, heal our sick The 1994 TBC annual breakfast had an The fact is, we are encountering a wonder- and minister to our needy; and to function incredible turn out. The crowd was estimated ful problem. Our breakfast is the largest event under the historic Baptist principles of the at 1,400 people. Dr. Russell Dilday brought a at the BGCT each year except for the conven- priesthood of the believer, the autonomy of wonderful, inspirational message. You will tion itself. Since Texas Baptists Committed is the local church and the separation of church want a copy of his sermon and we will offer not an official part of the BGCT (although the and state with the as our final authority them at a special price of $3.00 per tape. reason we exist is to support the BGCT) we in matters of faith and practice. Notice the tape order form on page 00. cannot use space blocked by the BGCT. TBC Goals: A few folks seemed shocked we did not Since the BGCT blocks most of the space in - maintain peace and harmony in our con- have our usual seated, full course breakfast. the city we are meeting in, we have trouble vention. They failed to notice it was advertised as a finding locations large enough to accommo- -promote the resolution of conflict in a continental breakfast in our September news- date us. Our crowd is larger than most hotel Christian manner whenever it occurs. letter due to limited space. A seated breakfast meeting facilities can accommodate, even in -emphasize our historic Baptist principles would have only allowed us to accommodate our states largest cities. and practices. only 900 people. Next year in San Antonio, we are in excel- -seek new avenues of cooperation when- We appreciate your patience and under- lent shape. We have a place that can accom- ever old avenues have been destroyed. standing regarding the breakfast being a dif- modate 1,800 people to sit down and eat. We -keep radical fundamentalism from gain- ferent format this year. look forward to seeing you then. ing control of our state convention. CONSERVATIVE FELLOWSHIP/BAPTISTS COMMITTED GIFTS SHOULD NOT BE COUNTED IN COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

Miles Seaborn, pastor of Birchman Baptist Miles Seaborn’s vote to fire Russell Dilday was Baptists to remember our heritage and stay Church, Fort Worth, is chairman of the Texas much more divisive that the vote in Amarillo the traditional Baptist course. We did not Conservative Baptist Fellowship. He is also a that simply granted equality to all gifts to start this disagreement within the Southern trustee at Southwestern Baptist Theological Baptist mission causes. There was nothing Baptist Convention and we would like to keep Seminary and he voted to fire Russell Dilday. punitive or restrictive, in the vote in Amarillo, it out of Texas as much as possible. Seaborn has sent a letter to Texas pastors only respect and fairness. Texas Baptists Committed is supported by urging them to cut their support of the Bap- We want to clearly state that we at Texas individual gifts. We will have over 1,500 indi- tists General Convention of Texas to 50 per- Baptists Committed do not believe gifts to us vidual contributors this year. We appreciate cent or only 10 percent, with the rest going to or to the Conservative Fellowship should be their support. We do feel that we have a the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also Cooperative Program gifts. We are not mis- “mission” in providing education about our urging that gifts to the Texas Conservative sion organizations. We are advocacy organi- Baptist heritage and urging support of the Baptist Fellowship be counted Cooperative zations. traditional Baptist way of doing things. But Program gifts. The Conservative Fellowship advocates gifts to us should not be Cooperative Program Local churches will make their own deci- that Texas Baptists follow the fundamentalist gifts. Neither should gifts to the Conservative sions. We respect that. Our feeling is that direction taken by the SBC. We urge Texas Fellowship. FOLLOWING PAIGE PATTERSON’S ADVICE? It is interesting to note that what Texas The Truth in Crisis, Vol. II, 1987, p. 22. The operative.’’” Baptists approved in Amarillo is, in many quote reads: “Patterson said inerrantists Texas Baptists have fulfilled Paige ways, exactly what Paige Patterson wanted should not be expected to continue giving Patterson’s dream in a totally fair manner. We the SBC to do in the past. Patterson wanted financial support (through the Cooperative have approved a way for local churches to the Cooperative Program to be defined in Program) for what they do not believe. If the give to what they support and delete what such a manner “to allow us not to support SBC is going to be broad enough to accept a they do not support and still be called coop- those things we oppose without being called wide diversity of programming, ‘we must de- erative. And we have done it fairly for those ‘uncooperative.’” vise a way to allow us not to support those who agree with Paige Patterson, and for those Patterson’s full quote comes from the book things we oppose without being called ‘unco- who do not! — 2 — I turned my pick-up around and went back churches grow stronger and more compas- A MATTER OF to the parked vehicles. I got out and said, “Sam sionate, ministers are better trained, and more PERSPECTIVE: Medina is a friend of mine, and I do not mean persons are being won to Christ, then our KEEPING THE to interfere, but I was wondering if you are work signifies nothing. The bottom line is are part of Sam’s family.” They said they were and we doing anything that helps spread the Gos- CAUSE IN I met Sam’s sister and other members of the pel, win people to Christ, and encourage more PERSPECTIVE family. ministry in His name? If we are not, then our I shared by appreciation of Sam and my work is wrong. sympathy with the family, and drove on. They I believe the work of Texas Baptists Com- By seemed to appreciate a “stranger” stopping to mitted is indeed KINGDOM WORK. Let me David R. Currie, share their grief. They were the nicest, sweet- tell you why. Coordinator est people, just like Sam. First we are standing firm for the Gospel. As I drove away, the thought hit me that I The Gospel is the story of God’s grace. It is the was not a stranger, even though I did not know story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection Two days after the BGCT annual meeting, them. Because of Jesus Christ, we were mem- of Jesus Christ. It is the story of God’s love. It I had an unusual experience. I was driving to bers of the same family. Because of Jesus is not about legalism, control, and anger. watch the first half of my youngest son’s jun- Christ, my words of support had meaning and We are standing against a gospel of legal- ior high football game, which started at 6 p.m., significance far beyond those of a stranger. ism. We are standing so that our churches and then to drive another 20 miles and watch Our mutual faith made us family and made my may be free pulpits to share the gospel. We the second half of my other son’s junior var- presence welcome. are standing so that our universities may have sity game which started at 6;30 p.m. Who ever Later I began to try and piece together this teachers free to educate by encouraging stu- said parenting was easy? (I made the sched- event and our ministry at Texas Baptists Com- dents to think out the implications of the ule, by the way.) mitted. Jesus has made all believers family. gospel message and how to share that mes- Between Ballinger and Bronte I saw two Our main calling is to love Him and love one sage. We are standing so that the physicians vehicles on the side of the road and a Hispanic another. We are to share His love with the in our hospitals are free to heal in God’s name. family standing outside. Then I saw what world. As Paul said, we are to be “ambassa- We are standing so that our caregivers in our looked like a tombstone. As I passed the dors for Christ.” Does our work at Texas Bap- retirement homes and childrens homes are thought hit me, “That is part of Sam Medina’s tists Committed help the cause of Christ, and free to care without the fear of control. family.” help the ministry of the family of God? In the Bible, Jesus stood against the legal- Sam, the wonderful pastor of Alliance Bap- The fact is that if our work does not help ism of the pharisees. Paul stood against the tist Church in Lubbock, past president of the the cause of Christ, then we should not do this Judizers. Throughout history there has been Mexican Baptist Convention, and former first work. It is meaningless. We are a Baptist orga- those who have tried to turn the Gospel into vice president of the BGCT, is a good friend. nization. All our work should be Kingdom “rules and regulations.” There have always Seven members of his family were killed in an work, or it should not be done. If our work is automobile accident this summer on that road. not helping preserve a climate in which Continued on page 4 …

GOOD QUOTES FROM BGCT ANNUAL MEETING

“Texans are fearlessly independent. When they fired Dr. Dilday, they messed with Texas. Texas said, enough is enough.” Dr. Jerold McBride, BGCT President “Texas Baptists are not about to quit supporting their children’s homes and their hospitals and their universities and other Texas programs just because their pastor may be disgruntled. That is not how Texas Baptists take care of their own.” Dr. Jerold McBride, BGCT President “Never fall into the trap of un-Christian behavior we reject in others. When the vote goes your way, don’t you gloat. Don’t lose the spirit of Jesus.” Dr. Russell Dilday, speaking at the annual breakfast NOT-SO-GOOD QUOTES FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING

“You have ruined the BGCT, we are going to break you.” Paul Pressler, speaking to several people in the hallway outside the Texas Conservative Fellowship meeting Monday Night. “This was the beginning of the end of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.” , executive director of the SBC Christian Life Commission, speaking to reporters. “They were more ready to try a new convention than I thought they were. I was pleasantly surprised with the aggressiveness of the statements.” Walt Carpenter, speaking about the Conservative Fellowship meeting. Carpenter has chartered a new state convention and serves as editor of the Texas Baptist magazine. “This was a classic example of a railroad job.” Miles Seaborn, pastor, Birchman Baptist Church, Fort Worth, and Southwestern Seminary trustee who voted to fire Russell Dilday (referring to the convention, not the firing of Dilday) “It’s time to let them start swimming in red ink. If they can’t hear the sound of our votes, let them listen to this sound,” he quipped, jingling coins in his pocket. Dee Slocum, pastor, Highland Baptist Church, Amarillo “I believe 500 to 1,000 churches will direct their giving around the Texas Baptist convention to the Southern Baptist Convention.” Ronnie Yarber, pastor, Gross Road Baptist Church, Mesquite

— 3 — Currie, from page 3… following God as Texas Baptists. made us family. Which brings me to our third point, Move The Medina family faces a incredible chal- been those who wanted conformity rather on. In support of the Gospel, we must stand lenge, moving on through tremendous grief. than freedom. Church history, and Baptist firm, be fair, and move on. The loss of seven family members is some- history, is full of martyrs who died for soul and I am tired of the SBC controversy. I think thing I cannot imagine. I would not be so vain religious freedom. most Texas Baptists are tired of the SBC con- as to even hint that I know the depth of their Second we are calling for fairness for all troversy. Fifteen years is long enough. It is pain. members of the Baptist family. Within the time to move on as Texas Baptists to the “high I do know that the family of Texas Baptists Body of Christ, there have always been dis- calling of Christ Jesus.” face a grief challenge. What used to be (SBC) agreements. That is true within the Baptist What the SBC does, says, votes, wants, is no more. What might have been will never family. Are these disagreements bad? Only etc., does not much interest me anymore. be. when one group tries to force their interpreta- They will do what they want. I cannot affect My prayer for the Medina family, and for tions on another part of the family. them. Since I am not a fundamentalist, I have my Texas Baptist family, is that we will smile I am convinced God uses all parts of the no say in that, so I do not want to argue about at the memory of what was, have God’s family in His plan of redemption. Within the the SBC anymore. strength to accept the pain and sadness of body, there is a need for very evangelistic I do care about some persons still related what has happened and what might have been, congregations, ministry oriented congrega- to the SBC. I care about missionaries (not the and yet be overcome with the joy, grace and tions, acceptance congregations, mission Foreign Mission Board). I care about profes- sweetness of God’s new exciting future. “HE minded congregations and prayer congrega- sors in SBC seminaries (not the institutions IS NOT HERE. HE IS RISEN.” What looked so tions. The ideal is balanced congregations, themselves). bad on Friday, turned out beautifully Sunday which do all of the above. Reality is that I care about employees at the Sunday morning! certain congregations take on certain identi- School Board (not the Board as an institu- ties. The Body of Christ needs all the gifts. tion). Part of our work at TBC is emphasizing I would like to see institutions and struc- CO-CHAIR fairness and helping keep balance within the tures that professors, missionaries, and em- Texas Baptist family. The BGCT is not simply ployees who do not support fundamentalism THOUGHTS about evangelism, or ministry, or education, could move to, if they wanted to, that were FROM PHIL or social justice, or missions, or discipleship, traditional Baptists in philosophy and prac- or health care, or child care. The ministry of tice. LINEBERGER the BGCT is about all these tasks which are I am excited about Texas Baptists. Texas given to the Body of Christ. Baptists have not changed. They have stayed Confirming The problem with the Southern Baptist true to our principles and heritage. The SBC The Convention is that the primary focus is on has deserted these principles. So be it. Baptist Way NONE of these tasks of the Body. The primary My dream is that we will truly act like focus in on control. Whatever evangelism, Baptists and exercise our autonomy. I pray The passage of the Cooperative Missions missions, education, or social justice, done by local churches will support whatever they Giving Study Committee report was a major Southern Baptists must be done the “right” choose within the SBC, CBF, or any other accomplishment for Texas Baptists. It was way. Control and conformity supersede min- possible avenue of cooperation that might yet both a step away from division and contro- istry. The result is division, chaos, and lack of be born, and yet retain their individual au- versy and a step toward the future. vision. tonomy. I believe we will have healthier, more During our recent Baptist General conven- We must stay fair as Texas Baptists. God’s Baptist, churches if we do this. tion meeting in Amarillo, Texas, my mind wan- work needs every part of the family. I am I believe God is calling Texas Baptists to a dered back to the formative days of our South- hopeful no Texas Baptist church will stop glorious, exciting new future. The SBC has ern Baptist Convention. The excitement felt supporting the BGCT or cooperating with the gone off in a tangent. The BGCT has stayed by many as a result of the positive vote cast in BGCT. true to our principles. Surely God is going to Amarillo on the Cooperative Giving Plan, must My experience over the past 15 years also honor our faithfulness and use us in a mighty have been the same type felt by so many has convinced me that for those with a true way. Baptist in May of 1845, in Augusta, Georgia. fundamentalist mentality, compromise and All of which brings me back to stopping on There was a sense that we had returned to our cooperation is difficult. the side of the road with a family I did not roots. But we must always be fair to fundamental- know, except that I knew that through Christ, Robert Baker, writing in The Southern Bap- ists. We must be fair, but we must move on they were my bothers and sisters. The Lord Continued on page 5 … MISSION STATEMENT OF TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED Texas Baptists Committed is dedicated to reach people for Christ through local churches, to uphold historic Baptist principles, and to cooperate with the mission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and its related institutions.

— 4 — Lineberger, from page 4… tion, and there in the middle is the traditional Baptists had the God-given sense to develop Baptists who support Texas Baptists Commit- biblical principles which encouraged us to tist Convention and Its People, 1607-1972, Chap- ted and are very active in convention life. cooperate on the major things. That is where ter nine, under the subheading “An Old Di- WE ARE THE MIDDLE! That is why the we want Baptists to stay, in the middle, fo- lemma,” says, “Southern Baptist in 1845 faced candidates we endorse, and the proposals we cused on Christ, respectful of each local church the same basic problem that has confronted support, pass at the annual meeting each and believer. all Baptist groups who have attempted to year. We are the middle in this controversy establish denominational bodies; namely, how between those who want to take over the OUT OF CONFUSION AND to unite independent churches into an effec- BGCT and those who are not involved. tive denominational structure without over- The fact is only a small percentage of BGCT CHAOS CAN COME GROWTH whelming the autonomy of the local congrega- related churches send messengers to the tions.” BGCT annual meeting each year. In any given The last fifteen years have been painful for Our meeting in Amarillo addressed a prob- year, three thousand churches do not send informed, traditional Baptists. We sincerely lem which had been introduced into Baptist anyone. Most of them cannot afford to send doubt that any Texas Baptists Committed life over the last fifteen years, a denomina- anyone unless its the pastor. Of the 5,500 supporter wishes there was a need for this tional structure which was attempting to over- churches and missions in this state, over 4,000 organization to exist. The fact is we wish this whelm the autonomy of the local congrega- of them run under 150 in Sunday School. controversy had never started in 1979. tions. Baptist came away from this meeting We have one group trying to take over, one But it did. It has happened. It is real. The with renewed hope in the ministry and mis- group without the resources to participate, question now is “What can God do with what sion of the local church, and a sense of free- and Texas Baptists Committed standing in the we have done?” dom in knowing that valid and vital ministry middle resisting the takeover and urging Texas The fact is a crisis in a family, business, can be decided and funded from the local Baptists to stay true to our historic principles government, local church, denomination, or church level. and Biblical heritage. whatever, can be very healthy. For example, This is the Baptist way! Let us go forward WE ARE THE MIDDLE BECAUSE OF WHAT often a financial crisis in a business can lead to now to strengthen our work in Texas and WE STAND FOR. The fundamentalists want restructuring, cutting out waste, and increased around the world as we form networks of individuals and churches to do things a cer- effectiveness. The company can come out ministry based upon our trust in the Lord tain way. We want people and churches to do stronger in the long run because of the crisis. Jesus Christ and in each other. things the Baptist Way which is voluntary Hopefully the same can occur for Texas cooperation and local decision making. Our Baptists. The takeover of the SBC may be agenda is honoring and supporting historic forcing Texas Baptists to examine our rela- Baptist principles. tionships, our programs, our goals, and thus CO-CHAIR Someone once contacted our office and produce a more Baptist approach to ministry. THOUGHTS asked for a doctrinal statement of what Texas We need to take advantage of the opportu- Baptists Committed believed. We sent them nity before us to move forward. Let us hold on FROM BILLY the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message Statement. to what is good in the past (certainly our RAY PARMER We are traditional Baptists. historic principles and practices), let go of We have no agenda for the staff of the what no longer works, and follow God into a We Are BGCT except they lead Texas Baptists to be glorious new future. excited about the vision of missions and evan- As Texas Baptists we need to ask the right The gelism. We want them to be inclusive. We question. The question that should be before Middle want them to be fair. us is “Where is God leading Texas Baptists in We have no agenda for the professors in missions and evangelism.” We must not ask The 1994 Baptist General Convention of our universities except they be free to teach. who we can control, who we can punish, or Texas annual meeting went beautifully. I have We support our schools and we understand who we can retaliate against. We must ask never been so proud of Texas Baptists. Texas the difference in encouraging students to think where God is leading us. Please join us in Baptists are REAL BAPTISTS. They under- about their faith, reading various interpreta- praying this prayer. stand Baptist polity and Baptist heritage. They tions, and teaching heresy. We trust our trustee prove it year after year at the annual meeting. system to deal with any problems. A SCRIPTURE TO PONDER On several occasions I have written about We have no agenda for local church mis- “deception by perception.” What I mean by sion giving except that they be responsible One of our supporters called and urged us that is the fundamentalist took over the SBC stewards and give as they choose. We do to read 2 PETER 2:1-3. He had read it that day by deception. They were successful is getting encourage local churches to not blindly sup- during his devotional time. He said to read it enough Southern Baptists deceived into per- port any cause. Examine the groups, agencies, and reflect on its application to what has ceiving that the SBC was turning liberal when institutions, and programs asking for your happened over the last 15 years in SBC life. It in truth it was not. The “deception by percep- mission dollar. Support the ones you believe seems to speak to the issues clearly. The tion” worked. act Baptist and are committed to doing mis- scripture is from the New International Ver- There is another “deception by percep- sions in the Baptist Way. sion. tion” going on that I want to challenge. The We have no agenda for local churches “1 But there were also false prophets among perception being put forth is that there are except that they be free from a top-down the people, just as there will be false teachers three groups in Texas Baptist life. The funda- polity. Who churches ordain, allow to teach, among you. They will secretly introduce de- mentalists, Texas Baptist Committed support- or support financially is their business, not structive heresies, even denying the sover- ers, and a large middle group who just wants ours. We support local church autonomy and eign Lord who bought them — bringing swift all the fighting to stop. The perception of the priesthood of every believer. We believe if destruction on themselves. these three groups is not accurate. most Baptists honored those principles, most “2Many will follow their shameful ways and The true perception is this. There are the of the issues used by fundamentalists to di- will bring the way of truth into disrepute. fundamentalists who took over the SBC and vide us would not be so divisive. Most of those “3In their greed these teachers will ex- want to do the same thing in Texas. There are issues are local church issues. ploit you with stories they have made up. a large number of Texas Baptist churches just Enough said. I have made my point. I be- Their condemnation has long been hanging trying to survive and who are not involved at lieve we represent the middle, because we over them, and their destruction has not been all in the convention beyond the local associa- stand for time-honored Baptist distinctives. sleeping.”

— 5 — TWO THOUGHTS ON POLITICAL AND DENOMINATIONAL CITIZENSHIP

William Raspberry is a newspaper colum- methods of action that are designed to pro- polarizers and healers. nist. One of our members faxed our office a duce tribal solidarity so as to counter the The tribe glimpses an enemy and circles copy of his column titled Two faces of religious assault coming from outside… the camp. Citizens see problems and work for political power. It was excellent. The column The more compelling model for public mutually agreeable solutions. The tribe’s first dealt with his fear that the Christian Right was participation is the citizen model. Here the impulse is to repel, the citizen’s to include… “toying with a dangerous mix of religion and church is simply called to serve society, not politics.” as conditions require but because of God’s The ‘citizen’ approach has a good deal to He writes of the two groups as “tribes” and demands. Politics is thus but one facet of this recommend it. Because it acknowledges our “citizens.” In reading him we saw a compari- calling. The citizen translates faith into a pub- pluralism, it is prepared to accept disagree- son of “fundamentalists” (as tribes) and “tra- lic philosophy, seeks to build inclusive coali- ment without denying the humanity and moral ditional Baptists” (as citizens). Our goals at tions around a broad agenda, and prefers worth of those who disagree. Because it es- TBC seem to us to be those which he de- persuasion to polarization. chews the us-against-them mentality in favor scribes as “citizens.” Our goal is that we act in Tribal politics huddles and confronts the of cooperation and community, its victories a “citizen” manner as he describes it. We hostile world with a hostility that only mirrors tend to be longlasting. Because it respects quote from Raspberry’s column: its antagonists and resists evaluating its own and hears opposing views, it increases the “Is there a principled difference between conduct and methods. Citizen participation, chances that its own views will be respected the two uses of religion-based power? I be- in contrast, assimilates and strives to advance and heard. lieve so, but I was at a loss to articulate it until a common vision for the common good. I read Don E. Eberty’s booklet, Restoring the This is a short passage in a single The tribal approach, because it needs en- good society. He explains it as the difference subchapter — not even the most important emies to sustain it, would rather split hairs between tribesmen and citizens: subchapter — of Eberly’s thin book. But it than split the difference. The result, says Tribal politics… reinforces the sense of illuminates (for me) not just the difference Eberly, is to raise disputes to the level of fear and anger that many feel over having between the Christian right and the religious insurmountable disagreement. It is an atti- their dominant space in society invaded by mainstream but also the difference — across tude that, while useful in political or religious other influences. Tribal politics encourages religious and political lines — between warfare, tends to make peace impossible.” OVERREACTION UNNECESSARY: WHY PUNISH THE BGCT?

There has been a great deal of talk about in the way First funds the BGCT, one Apply the principle of Soul Freedom to churches bypassing the BGCT and support- that will send more money to the national giving. We believe persons must be free to ing the SBC directly. The Executive Board of level. accept or reject Christ without coercion. one association has gone so far as to vote to There is no reason for these punitive Grant that same right and principle to encourage local churches to “consider des- attitudes and actions. churches. ignating a sizable portion of their Coopera- First, examine once again what Texas Bap- Unlike the SBC, the BGCT staff or messen- tive Program Missions giving through the tists voted. They did nothing punitive against gers to the annual meeting have done noth- Southern Baptist Executive Committee for the SBC. They instructed no local church on ing to exclude any Texas Baptist. Texas Bap- Southern Baptist Causes” and “to recom- who they could support. They did none of tists have never voted to do anything puni- mend that the Texas Conservative Baptist the things done by the SBC in terms of tive to fundamentalists in our state or in the Fellowship be included in their mission telling local churches how to send money. SBC. giving.” Second, what Texas Baptists voted was to Focus on the mission. If Texas Baptists Miles Seaborn, pastor, Birchman Baptist count all local church gifts to Baptist causes ever put forth ideas or programs that are Church, Fort Worth, and one of the South- in the same manner. No one who voted against unfair, punitive, or mean spirited, we at TBC western Baptist Theological Seminary trust- the Cooperative Missions Giving Committee promise to be the first to cry “foul” and try ees who voted to fire Russell Dilday, said that recommendations was affected in any way. and stop such movements. he would lead the Texas Conservative Bap- It may mean that some causes that funda- Please do not overact in a punitive man- tist Fellowship to develop strategies allow- mentalists support might receive less money. ner because others have been granted equal ing churches to send all or most of their It might not! That decision is up to local respect. After all, we are Baptists and local missions money to the Southern Baptist Con- churches. If that is the result, do not blame churchs are free. Work to earn the support of vention rather than the BGCT. the BGCT. The staff of the BGCT has changed Texas Baptists. You are free to solicit support O.S. Hawkins, pastor of First Baptist nothing. The programs are the same. Do not for your cause. We will stand firm if you seek Church, Dallas promised a “drastic” change blame the BGCT! to control.

HEALING WILL COME WITH REPENTANCE

Several fundamentalist leaders have been If fundamentalist leaders in Texas want They should apologize for firing Al talking about “getting Texas Baptists united.” healing they need to focus on what they Shackleford and Dan Martin at , This is a worthy goal. The problem is they are control, the SBC. They can start by disclaim- and Molly Marshall at Southern Seminary. focusing on what the BGCT and Texas Bap- ing the character attacks on our Seminary Finally they should apologize to Baptists tists can do. Their focus is not correct. professors as a “bunch of liberals.” for firing Russell Dilday and pay him his Texas Baptists already operate out of in- They can reconsider the defunding of the severance money. clusiveness and fairness. No, we are not fol- Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs These actions would do a great deal to lowing fundamentalism, but we are being fair and the International European Seminary and bring healing to Texas Baptists and unite us to fundamentalists. add them back into SBC budgets. once again. — 6 — MISSION VOLUNTEERS RESPECT AND COOPERATION: LET US TRY AGAIN NEEDED AT Last year in our post-convention newsletter, Bill Bruster wrote a column encouraging Texas INTERNATIONAL Baptists to respect our differences and cooperate on the things we agree upon. He said we could SEMINARY IN PRAGUE remain united if we practiced Baptist polity and respected each other. Texas Baptists Committed decided early on to make our Convocation 94 theme “Servant The International Baptist Theological Semi- Leadership.” This was chosen because it was noncontroversial and was not negative about nary is moving from Ruschilikon, Switzerland, fundamentalism. We planned for the 1994 newsletters to focus on the mission of Texas Baptists. to Prague, Czech Republic. Plans are under- We were committed to being positive. We had every intention of ignoring the SBC controversy. way to begin classes in Prague in the fall, 1995. Then Russell Dilday was fired. Then at the 1994 SBC annual meeting the messengers voted You recall the history of the seminary. It to instruct SBC agencies not to accept funds given by local churches to SBC agencies through was founded in 1949 under the joint sponsor- CBF. We felt we must respond with the truth to these irresponsible (in reference to Dr. Dilday) ship of European Baptist unions and the South- and unBaptist (in reference to the SBC annual meeting vote) acts. ern Baptist Convention. In 45 years, over 1,200 students have graduated and are involved in WE ARE READY TO TRY THE POSITIVE APPROACH ONCE AGAIN! ministry in more than 60 countries. Mainly we want to focus this newsletter on support of the BGCT and its institutions and In the early 1990s, the SBC quit supporting programs. We want to emphasize the importance of following God’s leadership as Texas the seminary in Ruschilikon. This occurred Baptists. We want to encourage respect, fairness, inclusion, ministry, and prayer. just as the Cold War was ending and many We want to encourage the leaders of the SBC to cooperate. Do not take punitive actions barriers were removed to the spread of the against CBF, state conventions, and local churches. Do not fire people at our seminaries. Treat gospel in Eastern Europe. This “breach of missionaries fairly. Encourage unity rather than division. faith” on the part of Southern Baptist leaders We want to encourage Texas fundamentalist leaders to not further organize and try to take was a primary motivating factor in Keith Parks over the BGCT. Do not encourage local churches to be punitive. We respect your right to pick leaving the Foreign Mission Board. and choose what you support, but do it out of conviction, not punishment. The relocation of the seminary to Prague Let us all focus on moving forward as Texas Baptists. We promise to do that if others do not will mean lower operating costs, more stu- dents, and more accessibility to Eastern Eu- try to take over the BGCT or start attacking the BGCT and its institutions and ministries. If you rope. do pursue such punitive actions, we will be swift in telling Texas Baptists the truth. The relocation project is being led by J.R. Ford, a Baptists Committed member and a member of Trinity Baptist Church, San Anto- AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN WE WILL RESPOND nio. J.R. is also a native of San Angelo. The seminary needs mission teams to stay We will give you an example of what kinds of actions will provoke a response from Texas two weeks and assist with the renovation of Baptists Committed. We will not allow fundamentalist, unfounded, attacks to go unchallenged. their historic property in Prague. Over the Jack Chambers is a fundamentalist radio personality from Austin who also writes a next three years renovation must be done to newspaper column called Baptists Offerings. It is carried in several smaller community papers. provide classroom space, student apartments, After this year’s BGCT, Jack wrote the following: “Many Baptist would be shocked to find out dining facilities, a library and a chapel. how their money is being used. For example, the BGCT continues to fund Baylor University, We hope that Texas Baptists will partici- which broke away from the state convention a few years ago and where many professors teach pate in this mission opportunity. North Caro- from a secular, liberal perspective, even in the religion department. (Baylor just started its own lina Baptist Men are heading up the project in seminary, which is apparently the new training camp for liberal Baptist preachers.)” coordinating mission teams from the United States. Bill Gray, Partnership Missions Direc- This is an attack on a Baptist General Convention of Texas related institution. We will not tor with the BGCT, is assisting in recruitment allow such attacks to go unchallenged when they are without merit. And this one is definitely of Texas volunteers. without merit! If you as an individual or your church is The fundamentalists took over the SBC by slandering the reputations of seminary profes- interested in participating in this mission ef- sors. It is the same tactic. Paint everyone with the same broad brush. We must not allow this fort, please contact Bill Gray at 214-828-5184. in Texas. We have more important things to do. BGCT SHOULD PRACTICE STRICT NEUTRALITY The passage of the Cooperative Mis- State conventions do not join or support Baptist causes chosen by the local church sions Giving Committee report means national conventions. The BGCT is an whether they be SBC, CBF, individual that the BGCT staff should practice strict autonomous state convention. Local institutions, etc. neutrality in regards to all Southern Bap- churches will decide to whom and how The Lottie Moon Christmas offering tist causes beyond Texas. The BGCT is they will relate on a national level. and the Annie Armstrong Easter offering not a “farm team” of any Baptist organiza- Cooperative Program promotion should not be promoted without promot- tion. should either not mention any cause be- ing the CBF Global Missions offering. Fair- According to Baptist polity, local yond Texas or treat all causes the same. ness and Baptist polity demand neutral- churches support and join conventions. The Cooperative Program includes all ity and autonomy. FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF SBC IS CAUSE FOR REFLECTION

On several occasions in recent weeks, BGCT It means Texas Baptists are continuing to support Southwestern Seminary, even after the leaders have mentioned with pride that Texas support Paige Patterson and Southeastern Semi- unethical treatment of Russell Dilday, and know- Baptists gave more money to Southern Baptist nary to the extent of over $30,000 per Texas ing that theolgical education at Southwestern Convention causes last year than all other states student. will become clearly fundamentalist in nature in combined. Should this be something Texas Bap- It means Texas Baptists are continuing to the future. tists leaders are proud of? That should be given support the SBC Christian Life Commission which Saddest of all, it means Texas Baptists do not serious thought. is working hand in hand with Pat Robertson and understand that they are funding many non- We need to clearly understand what blindly the Christian Coalition. traditional Baptist programs, teachings, and ac- supporting the SBC means. It means Texas Baptists are continuing to tions! Is that something we should be proud of? — 7 — HELPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR CHURCH’S BUDGET

In an interesting news story after the BGCT that all churches take control of their own the addresses of both in this newsletter. annual meeting, Rev. Lyle Schaller, who has budgets. We urge you to consider option 3 in We are also printing the budgets of both researched and written many books relating the Cooperative Missions Giving Study Com- organizations. Pick and choose. Do not forget to church and denominational life, had the mittee recommendations. This allows you to that there are causes you may want to sup- following observation: support Texas and what you choose to sup- port that are not in any budget. An example is “These developments among Southern port beyond Texas. It reads: the new seminary opening at Hardin-Simmons Baptists… offer an extraordinarily significant Gifts to the adopted budget of the BGCT which is not in the BGCT, SBC, or CBF budget. lesson for all church leaders. Denomination- and other worldwide Baptist missions and Another option is designating additional alism may have peaked in the 1950s, but it was ministries. funds to BGCT causes you support such as the really a product of l9th-century America. What We do have an opinion on some matters. Hispanic Theological Seminary in San Anto- we are seeing is the end of an age… National We believe that only churches who support nio, the River Ministry, or the Christian Life structures of all kinds are in decline. People the fundamentalist takeover of the SBC should Commission. will have to accept that.” send undesignated money to the SBC Execu- We are also printing a Design Your Own The article also stated: “Times have tive Committee. It seems like spiritual schizo- Budget form on page 9. changed. The Southern Baptist moderates will phrenia to vote against fundamentalism in Whatever your church decides to do, re- never be able to reclaim the past and the Texas and then blindly support it on the SBC member to respect those within your congre- conservatives will never be able to lock up the level. gation with differing views. Allow persons to future.” What we need is informed, educated give around the approved budget to causes It seems to us that we need to focus on churches across the spectrum. We urge they support that are not included in the mutual respect and reach a peaceful coexist- churches to write the SBC Executive Commit- budget. You may have some persons who ence. tee or any agency related to the SBC and ask want all their money to go to the SBC or CBF. We do not advocate what any Texas Bap- good questions. Do the same with the Coop- Respect those choices. Above all, be fair to tist churches should support. We do suggest erative Baptist Fellowship. We are printing everyone. AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE FROM FIRST BAPTIST, DIMMITT

First Baptist Church, Dimmitt, is a typical over the last fifteen years. They believe in and bers three options for Cooperative Program West Texas Baptist Church. They support practice Baptist princlples . giving - giving to Texas and the SBC, CBF, or missions strongly, giving 14 percent to the In their Sunday evening business session, both the SBC and CBF. Below are the Missions Cooperative Program. They have an excellent November 27, the church unanimously passed Committee recommendations and the form pastor, Paul Kenley, who has educated the the following recommendation of the church being used by the church. congregation regarding what has happened Missions Committee. They gave their mem-

Missions Committee Recommendations OPTIONS FOR ALLOCATING MISSION GIFTS THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM for Called Business Meeting November 27, 1994 The Missions Committee recommends the followng: OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 1. That the option form that has been distributed be Baptist General Baptist General Baptist General adopted as the vehicle through which we deter- Convention Convention Convention mine directed giving through the Cooperative Pro- of Texas ...... 9.1% of Texas ...... 9.2% of Texas ...... 9.1% gram. SBC Foreign Mission Southern Baptist Board ...... 2.4% Cooperative Baptist 2. That the “world causes” money that has been Convention ...... 4.9% Fellowship ...... 4.9% escrowed since last spring be divided among the Cooperative Baptist three options, according to the percentage of the Fellowship ...... 2.4% membership that chooses each option. TOTAL: ...... 14% TOTAL: ...... 14% TOTAL: ...... 14% 3. That the offerings of members who do not indicate Please check the box in the column that contains the option that you wish to use a choice about their rnissions offerings through the in giving your world causes gifts through the Cooperative Program. After you have option form be divided according to the percentage checked the column of our choice, please print your name on the line “Name breakdown of those who do make such an indica- (please print),” and sign your name on the line labeled “Signature.” Insert the form tion. in the enclosed envelope, seal it, and return it to the church office, either by mail or in person. Your choice in this matter will not be made public, but wlll be known 4. That the undesignated plate offering be divided by the pastor, who will oversee the proper dispensing of the missions funds acoording to the same percentage breakdown. through the financial secretary. If you have any questions regarding the purpose 5. That the church’s cooperative mission gifts be of this form, please contact the pastor or any member of the Missions Committee. remitted to the Baptist General Convention of Each contributing member needs to sign a separate options form. Texas quarterly, rather than monthly, as has been PLEASE NOTE: If you do not indicate a choice through the use of this form, the practice. then our Cooperative Program dollars will be divided among the three options 6. That each individual be given the option, through according to the percentage of total forms submitted for each option. choice of envelope used, whether his or her annual foreign mission offering go to the Southern Baptist Name (please print) ______Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or to the Global Mission Offering of the Cooperative Baptist Signature ______FeIlowship.

— 8 — Cooperative Baptist DESIGN YOUR OWN BUDGET FORM Fellowship Ministry PERCENT Allocations 6/16/94 – 6/30/95 SBC Operating Budget ______Global Missions Budget 61.18% Theological Education 10.63% CBF Operating Budget ______Richmond Seminary 3.19% World Missions Baylor: Truett Seminary 3.19% SBC Foreign Misson Board ______Scholarships 4.25% SBC Home Mission Board ______Christian Education 2.07% Ethics & Public Policy 1.93% CBF Global Missions ______Baptist Joint Committee CBF Safety Net ______on Public Affairs 3.79 Baptist World Alliance ______Equipping the Laity 0.09% Associated Baptist Press 1.79% Theological Education Baptist World Alliance 1.24% Southwestern ______CBF Foundation 1.38% Southern ______General Assembly 4.83% New Orleans ______Communications 5.08% Committee Expenses 0.41% Southeastern ______General & Administrative 5.58% Golden Gate ______Total 100.00% Midwestern ______Baylor: Truett Seminary ______1994-95 Southern Baptist Convention Hardin-Simmons: Lodgsdon Seminary ______Operating Budget Richmond ______% of Total Ruschlikon (International Theological Seminary) ______SBC OPERATING (Includes) 2.27% Sequicentennial .04% CBF Scholarships ______Baptist World Alliance .29% American Seminary Commission ______Total SBC Operating: 2.27% BOARDS: Other Agencies Foreign Mission 50% SBC Foundation ______Home Mission 19.56% Annuity .77% CBF Literature Development ______Total Boards: 70.32% Baptist Center for Ethics ______SEMINARIES: Southwestern 5.90% SBC Christian Life Commission ______Southern 4.38% CBF Ethics and Public Policy ______New Orleans 3.51% Southeastern 2.59% Baptist Joint Committee ______Golden Gate 1.96% Associated Baptist Press ______Special Allocation .15% Midwestern 1.80% SBC Brotherhood Commission ______Total Seminaries: 20.27% SBC Education Commission ______OTHER AGENCIES: Foundation .21% SBC Historical Commission ______American Sem. Commission .19% SBC Radio - TV Commission ______Brotherhood .71% Christian Life .99% SBC Stewardship Commission ______Education .36% SBC Annuity Board ______Historical .36% Radio & TV 3.97% CBF Communications ______Stewardship .35% CBF Laity Ministry ______Total Other Agencies: 7.14% TOTALS: 100.00% Center For Ethics At Baylor ______ADDRESSES YOU MAY NEED

Baptist General Convention of Texas Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Southern Baptist Convention 333 N. Washington Ave. P. O. Box 450329 Executive Committee Dallas, TX 75246-1798 Atlanta, GA 30345-0329 901 Commerce St. Suite 750 214-828-5100 800-352-8741 Nashville, TN 37203-3699 615-244-2355 — 9 — MEMBERSHIPS ALWAYS NEEDED TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED As our mailing list continues to grow, our membership must grow as well. We P.O. BOX 3330 SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-3330 want to send our newsletter to as many people as possible. We need more people 915-659-4102 to join so that we have the resources to mail our newsletter and staff our office. FAX 915-655-3603 This issue we are doing something new. Our guess is that many persons are DR. PHIL LINEBERGER, CO-CHAIR not aware that they have never joined TBC. They are supportive of our work and DR. BILLY RAY PARMER, CO-CHAIR need a gentle reminder or to be informed they are not a member. DR. DAN WILLIAMS, TREASURER DR. DAVID R. CURRIE, COORDINATOR Therefore, look on your mailing label. If there is an MB above your name, you and Newsletter Editor are a paid member. If there is an N above your name, you have never joined JEFF BAERGEN, ASST. COORDINATOR TBC. We would appreciate your financial support of our work. TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED We will send an end of the year receipt the first week of January to all 1994 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: contributors. All contributions are tax-deductible. John Baugh, Houston Linda Bell, Dallas Amelia Bishop, Austin TAPE ORDER FORM Mike Bishop, Waco Bill Bruster, Abilene Kyle Childress, Nacogdoches DR. RUSSELL DILDAY David Courtade, Fort Worth Jerry Dailey, San Antonio TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED Randy Fields, San Antonio ANNUAL BREAKFAST Anne Foster, Richardson Betsy Goss, San Angelo Gracie Hatfield Hilton, Arlington TAPE ORDER FORM — $3.00 per tape Ed Hogan, Crockett Name ______Paul Kenley, Dimmitt Address ______Phil Lineberger, Tyler George Mason, Dallas City ______State ______Zip ______Ken Massey, Waco Church ______Martus Miley, Houston Winfred Moore, Waco Association ______Billy Ray Parmer, Valley Mills Noah Rodriguez, San Antonio Please send me ______copies of Dr. Russell Diday’s address. I am enclosing $ Kim Snyder, Arlington ______, which is $3.00 per tape. Daniel Vestal, Houston Charles Wade, Arlington Send to Texas Baptists Committed, P.O. Box 3330, San Angelo, TX 76902. Dan Williams, San Angelo

YES! I want to join ■ $1000 Patron Membership ■ $600 Sustaining Membership Texas Baptists Committed! ■ $300 Supporting Membership Name ______■ $100 Contributing Membership ■ Lay Person ■ Church/Denominational Worker ■ $25 Regular Membership ■ Address ______$15 Student Membership ■ $ ______Special Gift Membership City/State/Zip ______

Home Phone ( ______)______■ Renewal Work Phone ( ______) ______Church ______Association______■ $ ______Amount Enclosed

Mail Form and Check to: Texas Baptists Committed, P.O. Box 3330, San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330 — 10 — FINDING THE BAPTIST “CENTER”

By Bruce Prescott, Ph.D caught me by surprise, and the rea- church above the state, declaring the their objectives. Pastor, Easthaven Baptist Church, sons for the changes were never be- United States a “Christian Nation,” Six years later, while I was in semi- Houston, TX yond my comprehension. My educa- and putting prayer back in the nary, the Fundamentalists succeed In 1925 the Southern Baptist Con- tion in the differences between South- schools. Some of the very issues con- in electing one of their own as presi- vention adopted the confession of ern Baptists and Fundamentalist Bap- cerning religious liberty that led me dent of the SBC. In 1979 few Baptists faith known as the “Baptist Faith and tists dates from 1966. That was the to leave the Independents and return took notice. The professors at the Message” For the next 35 years the year my parents bought a new house. to Southern Baptists. seminary discounted the movement only Baptists who questioned the With the change in residence came a Even as a teenager I knew that as an extreme swing of a pendulum “BFM” were Fundamental Baptists like change in church membership. It was what they had in mind was radically that would inevitably swing back to J. Frank Norris and those who founded Baptist, but it was not Southern Bap- different from what Baptists usually the historic Baptist center. I wanted the Independent Baptist movement. tist. Fundamental Baptists tend to be meant by “revival.” When I was grow- to believe them, but my own experi- In the early 1960s some Fundamen- intolerant, uncooperative and anti- ing up, the word “revival” referred to ence with the Fundamentalists con- talist-leaning SBC pastors began com- intellectual. At that time, none of the power of the Holy Spirit to trans- vinced me that they were being un- plaining that the “BFM” allowed too those things mattered to me. It began form hearts and lives. Change began derestimated. These Baptists had a much diversity in biblical interpreta- to matter after I went to one of their within an individual and spread from different mind-set, played by differ- tion and needed to be revised. In 1962 youth camps and felt God’s call to one person to another. To an ordi- ent rules, and had different goals than the Southern Baptist Convention ap- give my life to the ministry. After nary Southern Baptist a revival was a traditional Southern Baptists. I looked pointed a committee to review the that, I became a Fundamental Baptist spiritual movement. Fundamental- for leaders who had a more realistic 1925 “BFM” and make recommenda- “preacher boy” and my pastor began ists, however, used the word “revival” appraisal of the Fundamentalists. I tions to the convention concerning to groom me for ministry in Indepen- to talk about the power of a social found two. One was Ken Chaffin, then the need to revise it. The committee dent Baptist churches. At first, such movement to change the country. It pastor of South Main Baptist Church was chaired by Dr. Herschel Hobbs. a possibility was appealing. Indepen- began with an election and spread in Houston, Tx. The other was Cecil His committee made a few minor dent Baptist preachers exercise a lot from one institution to another. To a Sherman, then pastor of First Baptist changes and resubmitted the 1925 more uncontested authority and Fundamentalist Baptist, a revival was Church of Ashville, N.C. In my eyes, confession to the SBC. The SBC re- power than most Southern Baptist a political movement they were like two “Jeremiah’s” warn- adopted the “BFM” in 1963. preachers. Some never hold a busi- I could spot the difference in what ing Southern Baptists that the SBC Some were unhappy that the ness meeting. Most delegate no re- these Fundamentalist Southern Bap- was being taken over. In those days “BFM” was not rewritten. As early as sponsibilities to any committees. The tists were saying for two reasons. I however, the thought of a takeover 1964 groups of Fundamentalist pas- deacons meet once a year and only to had studied the “BFM” and I had read seemed preposterous. In the early tors were loosely forming what, in assist with the Lord’s Supper. The church training study course books 1980s, few doubted Fundamentalist 1973, would be formally organized as preacher is accountable to no one on Baptist history. I knew how Bap- leaders when they denied they were the “Baptist Faith and Message Fel- but God. As pastor, he shepherds the tists had been persecuted by “state part of a movement to take over the lowship.” Their intention was to get flock and his sheep follow him with- churches” in Europe and Colonial Convention. Five years later those Baptists to adopt a more conserva- out question. Gradually, however, I America. I knew that Baptists fought same Fundamentalist leaders were tive statement of Baptist doctrine. began to have difficulty reconciling in the revolutionary war to secure trumpeting the success of their take- The BFM Fellowship is the beginning such pastoral authority with the doc- religious liberty for themselves and over and endorsing it as a model for of the “conservative resurgence” that trine of “individual ” all Americans. I knew that John Leland how Christians could takeover politi- would later take control of the SBC and the “priesthood of every believer” and Virginia Baptists refused to ratify cal parties and acquire control of and redirect it toward the beliefs of that I learned from the “BFM.” Nor the U.S. Constitution until the First civil government. Ironically, most of Independent Fundamental Baptists. could I reconcile their fervent desire Amendment was added to assure that the professors at Southwestern were In 1964 I was making a public pro- to subordinate the authority of the church and state would not be united still waiting for the Baptist pendulum fession of faith in Christ and being state to that of the church with what in America. I knew that the necessity to swing back to the center. Tragi- baptized as a believer into an SBC I read about the separation of church for separation of church and state cally, they still believed them when church. That was also the year that and state in the “BFM.” Long before was rooted in the biblical understand- they said the changes at the other my pastor handed me my first copy 1970, when I moved my membership ing of salvation and the Baptist con- seminaries were only designed to of the “BFM.” That confession of faith back to an SBC church, I knew from cern for the spread of the gospel. make them as conservative as South- was my introduction to Bible doc- these doctrinal differences that God Baptists knew that real faith could western. trine, biblical interpretation and Bap- was calling me to ministry in South- not be propagated by the compul- While Southwestern’s faculty tist beliefs. Outside the Bible itself, ern Baptists churches rather than in sion of law. Enlisting the power of the hoped to be the glue that would hold that document has exerted more in- Independent Fundamental Baptist state to enforce Christian beliefs and the SBC together, other Baptists were fluence over my thought and under- churches. values violated the spirit of the gos- certain that trusting Fundamentalists standing than anything that I have Shortly after I returned to the SBC pel. It made the “good news” bad was risky business. The trustees at ever read. It made me proud to be a I was taken under wing by another news. That is why article 18 of the Baylor University acted to prevent a Baptist. It gave me permission to think group of ministers. They were SBC “BFM” states, “The church should not takeover and made plans to launch a about my faith. It sparked in me an evangelists and pastors who learned resort to the civil power to carry on its new seminary. Recent events have abiding interest in doctrine and the- that I was a preacher boy who came work. The gospel of Christ contem- confirmed the validity of their con- ology. Every word I have ever for- from an Independent Baptist church. plates spiritual means alone for the clusion that, for Fundamentalists, the mally spoken or written has been They were involved with the “BFM pursuit of its ends.” Moreover, I knew end always justifies the means. Every within its parameters — every ser- Fellowship” and considered me a that the institutions and agencies that institutional president and every mon, every lecture, every paper, ev- ready ally in their movement to rid Fundamentalists had identified as moderate leader running for presi- ery article, every word of my doc- the SBC of “liberalism” and make it “liberal” were all concerned to pre- dent of the SBC has found that half- toral dissertation. Traditionally, fi- more like Independent Fundamental serve and protect historic Baptist truths, misrepresentations and out- delity to those basic Baptists. The targets of their displea- beliefs concerning salvation, religious right lies all became the necessary was enough to keep you in good stand- sure with the SBC were the Christian liberty and the way the gospel should means to achieve the ing in the SBC. The “BFM” reflected Life Commission, the Baptist Joint be spread. Fundamentalist’s end. Now, 15 years the Baptist “center.” In 1979 things Committee on Public Affairs, and the Needless to say, those involved in later, the Fundamentalists have made began to change. Seminaries. Whenever I asked them the “BFM Fellowship” did not suc- a clean sweep. They have replaced The change in the SBC since 1979 why they did not leave the SBC and ceed in enlisting me for their move- the head of every institution and has come without notice by some join the Independent Baptists, they ment. They were opposed to the very agency in the SBC. Baptists, some have been surprised spoke with one accord. The refrain things that made me a Southern Bap- The plot to takeover the SBC has by the changes, and others do not was that, if changed, the sheer size of tist. There was no doubt in my mind, been a poorly held secret. Anyone comprehend what the changes mean. the SBC would be a mighty force to however, that they were serious who bothered to look could easily Whether it proves to be a blessing or bring “revival” to America. “Reviving about challenging the SBC and that find open admissions and documen- a curse, the changes in the SBC have America” for them, as for Indepen- they were building an organization tary evidence of a well defined strat- neither escaped my notice, nor dent Baptists, meant elevating the that would help them accomplish egy. The Fundamentalist’s plan was — 11 — to elect the presidents of the SBC for ten consecu- Bush and the Republicans. Neither mounted suc- “historic” Baptist center when three things hap- tive years. Their presidents would only appoint cessful campaigns for a second term. No one will pen. 1) When SBC presidents return to preaching Fundamentalists to be trustees of SBC institutions take them for granted in 1996. In my opinion, the the power of the gospel to save and transform and agencies. Their trustees would replace the recent divisive events in the SBC have been care- individual lives instead of spouting the empty plati- heads of all the SBC institutions and agencies with fully timed to insure that nothing can divert SBC tudes of civil religion. 2) When SBC executives Fundamentalists. What has not been so clear is the leaders and institutions from exerting influence on return to extending the kingdom of God, which is ultimate purpose for all these changes. Their words the U.S. presidential election in 1996. not of this world, rather than building a political sound pious. They say they want to exercise the In the beginning, the Fundamentalists rallied kingdom in this world, and 3) When SBC institu- tions return to the work of missions and evange- full weight and force of every institution in the SBC people to vote with them in SBC elections by lism rather than working to influence politicians to bring “revival” to America. The kind of “revival” claiming the seminaries were full of “liberal” pro- and legislators. When the SBC once again is con- they are working toward will soon become appar- fessors. Most SBC preachers were educated at cerned to secure a hearing for the gospel, then the ent. It will have little to do with the activity of God’s Southwestern seminary. Fundamentalists knew SBC will have returned to its most distinguishing Spirit and much to do with social movements and that the charge of liberalism would not ring true if historical beliefs. That can only be done by pro- power politics. they challenged Southwestern. Most baptists, how- tecting church/state separation and insuring reli- The leaders of the SBC are finished with the war ever, knew little about the other seminaries. One gious liberty for all — even for those who are not to take control of the convention. They are moving by one, they denounced and replaced the presi- Christians. Governments cannot make Christians, on to U.S. politics. The politics of abortion is the dents and faculty of those schools while they only the gospel can. reason why the Home Mission Board has diverted commended Southwestern’s faculty and president. Is it likely that the SBC will return to these mission money from evangelism and church plant- Then abruptly, in March of 1994, the rhetoric historic beliefs? That is doubtful. The recent ac- ing to create alliances with Catholics and set up an changed and the president of Southwestern was tions of SBC leadership, the executive board, and office to lobby in Washington, D.C. Politics are fired. Dr. Dilday’s termination is the most divisive the trustees of SBC institutions have one common behind the unprecedented activism of the Chris- single event in the history of the SBC. Protests thread. All are preparing to exert the concerted tian Life Commission in Washington, D.C. have arisen from all quarters — some of the loud- influence of the SBC in the 1996 U.S. presidential Fundamentalist political ambitions explain the est from among those who supported the Funda- election. Is it a mere coincidence that some of the defunding of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public mentalist movement. In Texas, the Executive Board most vocal critics of the current administration are Jerry Falwell, SBC presidents and SBC execu- Affairs. The BJCPA exists only to remind Baptists of the Baptist General Convention of Texas voted tives? Is it accidental that the trustees abruptly of their heritage in securing religious liberty and to overwhelmingly to condemn the actions of fired Dr. Dilday rather than ease him out in 1996 help them preserve the separation of church and Southwestern’s trustees as being “irresponsible when he was due to retire? Is it by chance that the state. Their money went to create a Public Affairs and unconscionable.” At the SBC meeting in Florida, second most divisive event in the history of the Committee to lobby congressmen. Shortly after a “young” Fundamentalist from Florida seized the SBC came just three months after the first? The these lobbies were set up, Independent Baptist occasion lo oppose the SBC establishment’s en- repercussions from the SBC’s refusing funds from Jerry Falwell cited them as his reason for disband- dorsed leader for the presidency of the convention CBF are just beginning to be felt. That second ing the “Moral Majority.” Southern Baptists used and unexpectedly, won. divisive event was designed to silence the last to stand against the subordination of the state to Could the pendulum finally be swinging back to remaining voice for religious liberty within the the church. Today we do Falwell’s work for him. the historic Baptist center? That remains to be SBC. I am convinced that both of these bomb- Before the Fundamentalist takeover, Southern seen and depends on who defines the “historic” shells, the firing of Dilday and the exclusion of CBF, Baptists were bipartisan politically and spoke Baptist center. Those best equipped to determine were timed to allow the dust to settle before the about ethical issues from a moral high ground. “historic” Baptist beliefs are Baptist historians and national political elections. The first bombshell When our leaders kept the denomination above theologians. Historians and theologians, however, was designed to propel, the second was designed political processes, we were assured of having the traditionally serve as professors at seminaries. to push moderates out of the SBC. This, they hope, moral authority to be heard by both political par- They are being replaced as fast as the presidents. will make the SBC pure enough to receive an infilling ties and all sides of important issues. Today the Already their replacements are working overtime of Independent Baptist churches. They have al- ready issued several open invitations to a reluc- SBC is viewed as the right wing of the Republican to rewrite and revise Baptist history and doctrine. tant “bridegroom” whom they affectionately call Party. Our voice is counted or discounted before When Baptist historians and theologians be- “Uncle Jerry.” we speak. Nothing dilutes our effectiveness more come divided over our beliefs, will Baptist laymen Indeed, it is a trying time to be a Baptist. When than being taken for granted. be able to know whether we have returned to the SBC leaders flirt with politics and court indepen- Being taken for granted does not set well with “center”? Yes, if they will study the “BFM,” read dents, only those Baptists who keep themselves Jerry Falwell and the Fundamentalist leaders of the Baptist history, and then read what the leadership informed and are grounded by an understanding SBC. These political king makers were disgruntled of the SBC is doing. Here’s a simple rule of thumb. of Baptist doctrine and history will be able to find first by Carter and the Democrats and then by You will know that the SBC has returned to the and hold the “Baptist Center.”

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