We are far less evangelistic … but too proud (and pragmatic) to admit it.
We are far less evangelistic than you think we are, but too proud (and pragmatic) to admit it.
–Nathan Finn
This was said in Nathan’s timely and insightful post commenting on the newly released data revealing a decline in SBC membership.
Nathan has been the only person that has actually articulated an understanding of the issues facing the SBC. If someone were to come forward and nominate him for SBC President I believe I could support that. (But, I’m not going anywhere near Indy this summer! LOL)
We are too busy fighting about secondary doctrines and building coalitions of power.
Indeed. The primary doctrines should be the ones being fought about. But the Calvinists in the convention are too worried about being liked.
You brought up another interesting point…
Who exactly is “WE” anyway? Are “THEY” the “WE” and not “US”? Who left it to “THEM” and why?
To get an idea of the SBC and their idea of evangelism, one only needs to look at their sunday school programs.
Lifeway devotes one sunday per every three months towards evangelism. Four times per year Lifeway will devote a lesson on evangelism. And then take a look at what “kind” of evangelism is it. It generally comes in the form of missions and the need to give money so “other” people can go into the world preaching the gospel.
I really wish they would encourage the believers that it is the duty of ALL Christians to evangelize the lost. If all we do it pay money into a pot, then we will become a most lazy congregation.
Brian,
Good observation. Sunday Schools were started as evangelism tools and we have certainly strayed in that area as you have outlined.
Thanks.