Resolution Unity
Posted byThis morning on the floor of the convention there was a wonderful theological discussion regarding a key Baptist distinctive, that of regenerate church membership. Tom Ascol, Bart Barber, and Malcolm Yarnell worked together, amending the committee-reported resolution twice to add language relating to baptism, the Lord’s supper, repentance, and encouragement to denominational servants to be supportive of the efforts of churches to bring their membership numbers in line with the spirit of this resolution.
It was a remarkable moment, in that the convention overturned the will of the committee in order to add Dr. Ascol’s language. I was pleased to support the amendment, and proud to be a part of this historic moment. I appreciate Drs. Yarnell and Barber for their work on this resolution, both in Texas and in the SBC. And I appreciate Dr. Ascol’s tenacious commitment to seeing this resolution adopted. As I told him yesterday, while the committee’s resolution may not be exactly what he submitted, without his determined work over the last two years, there likely would have been no resolution at all.
10 Comments
June 11th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Soli Deo Gloria!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I just got a phone call from the Convention alerting me to this. He said it was assume to watch.
Praise the LORD!
June 11th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Praise God for His Spirit working in the hearts of His people. How grateful we are for men such as Drs. Ascol, Barber and Yarnell and many others who prayed and labored for this statment from our convention.
Now may we take the resolution to heart. Its one thing to vote at the convention and another thing to see it implemented in the church.
Its a great step in the right diretion.
Grace,
Wes
June 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Praise God for this development.
James
June 11th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
It was exciting to see this come together in that session. I was glad that Dr. Yarnell’s language concerning some Baptist (dare I say it) identity added. And after all the talk about repentence in both the Pastor’s conference and convention, it was only fitting that such wording was added.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
While I appreciate the excitement about the resolution, it is just a resolution. What, if any, long-term impact do you guys see this making in SBC churches? Since these are non-binding, what’s the next step?
June 12th, 2008 at 6:53 am
brother Steve,
these types of resolutions give men of God traction back home. any pastor who cares about integrity can hold this up and say, “see…”
also…this type of resolution can give a DOM traction if he sees one of his churches out of balance in this regard.
I am truly happy to read this. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 point “Calvinists” can work together for the benefit of the SBC and this proves it, praise God!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I’ve never seen the point of resolutions other than to publish the “group-think” of those in attendance. However, I agree with irreverend fox that this can be a useful tool for pastors to demonstrate that their position, while forceful, is also popular. I hope the resolution is used wisely and well.
Ben Macklin, TX
June 12th, 2008 at 9:15 am
IR and Ben,
I appreciate your feedback and to some degree, I agree with you. It is good to know whether or not my current thinking is popular and in line with what my peers believe. However, that knowledge often means little to the church. The pastor’s view vs. their view, if it comes down to that, indicates a much larger problem in the church, doesn’t it? A wise pastor will not reflect his view or the church’s view, but will focus the church on God’s view. We can’t lose sight of that.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I am certainly glad to see that godly men can come together and be a strengthening force within our convention. We need to make our collective voice as Southern Baptists heard…for the sake of our churches…for the sake of the challenge of our convictions to other Christian brothers and sisters…and for the sake of taking an unmistakable, unshakable stand for living out the Word of God!
SOLA GRATIA!