While I see your point, I remain unconvinced that he did not answer adequately. Let me state it this way.

Did he answer the question regarding his commitment to the BF&M? If so, the question is answered and his daughters theology is irrelevant.

While I am sure you don’t mean this, to press the point further appears to insinuate that he is not responding honestly when he says he is committed to the BFM 2000. Either he is or he is not, his daughter’s theology is not the issue, his theology is and he answered the question about his theology.

Just a point of clarification. You write; I believe Avery was up front. He was asked a question and answered it unequivocally in a way that left no doubt as to his conviction.

Brother Preacherman has a point that he nor other readers realize. Dr. Willis was given these questions a week in advance of the interview. He had to cancel the first appointment because he had double booked engagements. Thus, it was over a week later before he was able to finalize the interview. Therefore, he had the questions for over a week and knew he was going to be asked about this. I, like Brother Preacherman, do feel that he could have stopped such a question from coming by explaining it the very way it has been presented. ‘My daughter and I disagree on this, but I hold to the BF&M and the Danvers Statement.

Blessings,
Tim

I believe Avery was up front. He was asked a question and he answered it unequivocally in a way that left no doubt as to his conviction. His daughter’s theology is not in question, his is and he clarified his position.

As to FBC Woodstock, I commend their efforts. I am thankful for pastors like Hunt and consider him to be a faithful SBC pastor. I grew up going to conferences at Woodstock and listening to Hunt preach and can remember hoping to be able to preach like him someday.

Having said that, in my opinion, being President of the SBC demands a more significant commitment to the CP than what might be ok for the average SBC churches. Additionally, I don’t think that high CP percentages and large dollars to other missions efforts are mutually exclusive. My church, for instance, gives almost 13% to the CP and yet still gives another 10% to additional missions causes.

My point, essentially, is that I love FBC Woodstock’s commitment to missions and affirm their right to designate their funds as they see fit. For me, however, to endorse someone as SBC President, I want to see a strong commitment to missions giving through the CP which is our designated process. You don’t have to give much to remain SBC, but for me, you have to give much if you want to lead the SBC.

Then why not be up front and open about his daughter in the interview? He knew it would come up. You are right about Johnny Hunt but check their budget. They give thousands of dollars to missions and church plants around the world. He will quickly tell you why is CP giving is what it is and why they pour so much money into other missions efforts. I’m not arguing for any of them by the way. Just an observation from the interview. I would never and did not intend to imply he wasn’t truthful. It was more a don’t ask don’t tell kind of situation to me.

Even though I’m voting for Willis over Cox, I’m pleased to see Cox’s support of the CP.

I agree with your argument. The difference is that I am convinced that Willis has done exactly what you ask. You state: “When one casts their name into the ring of politics, they in my opinion need to fully support what SB’s support.”

I would assume by that you mean that the candidate needs to affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. In that case, hasn’t Willis clearly stated his support. Remember, Willis the IMB Exec. who angered so many missionaries because he enforced the request that they all sign the BF&M 2000. He has not only stated his support of the document, but as an executive he has reflected that belief in his actions.

It seems to me that by asking him to bring his grown children into the discussion you assume that he must not be completely truthful at some point.

Well said. I agree with one exception. Your father is not running for president of the SBC. When one casts their name into the ring of politics, they in my opinion need to fully support what SB’s support. It sounded as if Dr. Willis was avoiding the question. He should have just flat out said my daughter and I disagree on this issue but I fully support the BF&M 2000.