SBC Membership {Harmonized} Resolution
In viewing the recent blogosphere (so-called) conversations about the reported statistical decline in Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) membership the (now capitalist) Said at Southern has attempted to harmonize two resolutions that seek to address this issue.
In no particular order, the first of the resolutions are being presented by the Association of Convictional Baptists and the second of the resolutions is being presented by Tom Ascol of the Founders Ministries
Instead of having different and competing resolutions, I offer this harmonized version (Word document) below that may be used to present a united effort to address the issue of declining membership.
What are your thoughts? Anyone?
Scott,
I appreciate your efforts. Judging from the comment threads exploding about these issues, I think its going to be a real point of discussion leading up to the convention.
Tony,
The comments are interesting. One of resolution-presenting blogs deleted my comment linking back here. I found that very telling. Hhmmppf!
Scott,
There are some that do not seem to want a united resolution even though they say they do and even say they have ‘tried’. It all boils down to that pesky word: Repent.
I find it odd that Ascol has been talking about this since 2005, presenting it to committees and gaining support for it over the years and now we have a NEW one to present. We all know it takes some time for people to process these things.
Now that support has grown from his hard work we have a NEW one?
This is worthy of power politics out of DC.
Just my cynical two cents.
Lin,
The ACB resolution actually got out of committee on the state level in Texas. Therefore it has a track record of success already established that Ascol’s does not enjoy.
For chance at a bonus spin, do you want to venture a guess at who deleted my link in the comments? Hhhmmm…?
I cannot understand why the parties involved can’t do something like this. They are just too similar to have all this disagreement.
Dave,
I understand completely. Reading the two opposing comment lines all across the blogosphere is awful. Neither side wants to get along even though they say just about the same thing.
The hand basket seems like it is getting bigger and gaining speed.
Well, I can’t argue with success but can I vote for truth? For some reason, we always leave ‘repentance’ behind.
)
I did say that I would prefer a motion to stop counting all together and a resolution to repent of past counting sins and affirm regenerate membership. What do you think?
Scott, who would DARE delete you?
)
Lin,
For the record, I will not endorse either resolution nor will I decry either resolution.
Thankfully, the successful ACB resolution thus far is a good one albeit it could be better IMO with the repentance phrase brought in. Therefore, if it were to pass on the national level I don’t think it would be a disservice.
The Ascol resolution while strong on repentance weakens itself with too much specifics that will only tie itself to the 2007 ACP report and I don’t think will be seen as representative to future SBC failures. It is only for this time and will not be viewed as a policy effecting document.
My proposal brings in the strengths of both. But I am not going to Indy, I am not going to submit it to the committee on resolutions. (Face it, in this game, if you don’t kiss up to a “player” there is not way to succeed anyway. So, I’ll just “fail” because I won’t pucker.)
Both resolution sponsors are so pig headed that neither will come to real compromise. And THAT is symptomatic of why the SBC is in decline — not the membership numbers. Its the idiotic way the SBC beats each other up over issues that should not have even become issues in the first place. Closed door meetings, comment deletion…
Agape love has left the SBC.
I’ll vote for either one that finally gets to a vote or both.
As Lin said, it does feel like DC politics where we are looking for credit and no one wants to back down for fear of giving someone else the win. When a “win” in this case is a small step forward.
Let’s face facts the churches are going to do what they want to do? Autonomy can be a double-edged sword, though I like autonomy.