It seems that all too often in the current environment we have in our convention today, no one is allowed to say these three words–Baptist. Distinctive. Cooperative.–without being called a liar or at least being viewed with a high degree of suspicion.  Most certainly is this the case with that group among us known as Baptist Identity.  A false dichotomy has been perpetuated throughout our convention that you are either someone who ‘loves Jesus’ or you are “Baptist Identity.”  You are someone who is for the Great Commission Resurgence or you are “Baptist Identity.” You are someone willing to cooperate with folks from other denominations or you are “Baptist Identity.”  As one who includes himself among the many in the Baptist Identity group, I know those accusations to be unequivocally false!

I have been asked why I have chosen to identify myself with this group, so let me share. My initial interest in blogging and the larger environment of Southern Baptist life began after the 2007 convention meeting and the buzz on the internet concerning motions passed and an entity head being vociferously maligned (seems the more things change…).  I blame my church’s youth pastor where I served in Oklahoma for ‘awakening’ me to all that we had going on in our convention.   Nonetheless, I began my own blog and soon reconnected with a ministry friend of mine, Wes Kenney, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The reason I have taken my stand with the Baptist Identity group has not changed since day one.  As I have stated numerous times and in various formats… Why must I be required to acquiesce my biblically-based convictions as a Southern Baptist for the sake of what some are saying is absolutely necessary for a true spirit of cooperation to be evident to the larger Evangelical community from Southern Baptists?  Why do so many of us within our convention seem all-too-ready to dismiss our commonly held confession and distinctive convictions for a seat at the table of influence in the larger Evangelical world?  Why must cultural relevance take priority over biblical fidelity?

You might ask, ‘Why mention this again?’  The fact that I keep hearing such aspersions cast at those of us within the Baptist Identity group indicates that this hurdle still exists in our convention.  I ask these questions, not to stir the pot of dissention with our current leadership within our convention; nor to highlight the error of others by name.  I am grateful for the conversations I had in Louisville with many brothers with whom I disagree on certain doctrinal issues.  I take them at their word that they are not selling, nor will they sell, our convictional Baptist beliefs for the sake of influence or popularity.  I have been encouraged thus far by the tenor and direction of the Great Commission Resurgence within our convention.  The Declaration of the GCR even including that beloved phrase…Baptist identity  .  I have those whom I consider to be good friends in the various ‘camps’ within our convention, all of whom I believe are God-honoring pastors and leaders.  May God continue to move us forward for the sake of His glory and the proclamation of His gospel to the nations!

Our purpose at SBC Today is to encourage unity within our convention by emphasizing biblical discipleship and our distinctive Baptist convictions.  I believe that will help us to aid in encouraging our brothers in the larger Evangelical community as well.  What we need in our day is clarity of conviction and resolute determination to glorify God by studying, proclaiming and applying the truth of His word to our lives.

Sola Gratia!