About the 2023 SBC
Tons of of posts and videos are circulating about what went on at the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention this past week. I was there, and wanted to share my perspective on what you may be hearing in the news.
Though it used to be a part of our lives every summer, it’s been quite a few years since James and I attended the SBC. The 2023 convention was in downtown New Orleans, and I have so many sweet memories of past NOLA conventions. It’s always fun and encouraging to reconnect with people we have known, loved, and served with from all over the country. The food was just as delicious as ever, and the café au lait and benights from Café du Monde were just like I remembered.
This time around, I went into the meetings with a heavy heart. Being a messenger with a vote and voice is a weighty responsibility, especially in times like these. James and I prayed often and listened to many podcasts and interviews in preparation to cast our votes, concerned that we were walking into an arena filled with a spirit of division and disunity. But I must gratefully say, it was not as I had feared – Praise the Lord!! He answered prayers and poured His Spirit of love and unity over the diversity of opinions on “rib” issues (non-salvation issues) that often cause broken fellowship.
It started in the Pastor’s Conference where the messages were centered around the texts of the beatitudes and the fruit of the Spirit. Nine different preachers challenged the assembled to act and react in accordance to these traits, so we headed into the business portion of the convention already having worshiped and surrendered to Jesus our own stubborn hearts. You can watch the entire Pastor’s Conference on the Acts 2 TV Network here.
Just a little FYI:
Southern Baptists are a denomination, a grouping of churches that align together in beliefs and practices. The way I process the differences between the denominations is based on what I call “rib issues.” Most evangelical denominations agree on the “backbone issues” of salvation, the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and the inerrancy of Scripture. So, it’s often the application and practices of secondary and tertiary doctrines that will affiliate a body of believers with a group of other like-minded churches.
Though I know that Southern Baptists aren’t the only denominational option, I’m thankful for what Southern Baptists stand for, and most importantly, what Southern Baptist accomplish as the 47,000+ autonomous churches cooperate together. If you’ve ever wondered what Southern Baptists believe and what sets the SBC apart from other denominations, read this small document. It’s the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, and can be accessed here.
Now, back to my thoughts:
At the convention, we witnessed missionaries being commissioned to go all over the world to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of them couldn’t show their faces or use their real names because they were heading into such hostile world territories. But NONE of them had to raise their own support or worry if they would have enough funding to provide for their needs and ministries. They are all supported by the cooperation of Southern Baptists.
We also heard reports from seminaries, ministries, and organizations training and working in the *“fields white with harvest” – all supported by the cooperation of the SBC churches. When we give our tithes and offerings, part of what we give goes into the Cooperative Program of the SBC and is distributed to ministries and missions all over the globe… for the work and glory of God, alone! Hearing about the fruit of our contributions was a beautiful gift!
About the elections and business:
I’ll be honest… a few resolutions and nominations concerned me. Not that I thought any were wrong – but I stressed over the possible heated debates (I don’t like arguing!). However, I’m so pleased to report that (despite what you may hear or read in the media) God’s spirit of humility and love among the voting 12+ thousands was abundantly obvious!
Aside from the understandably intense discussions on removing the three churches who no longer practice the guidelines that make a church “Southern Baptist,” all other dialogues were pretty friendly and were over the enhancing or clarifying details of the proposed nominations or resolutions.
When it came time to vote on affirming God’s Biblical plan for gender, s*x, marriage, church ethics, accountability, and upholding the tenants that align churches with being “Southern Baptist,” there was a spirit of bold unity, and it was inspiring to have a part in that!!
Though the SBC is not perfect (really, who is???), I’m grateful to be a Southern Baptist, and thankful to have carried my voice and my vote in representation of Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, MS to this year’s Southern Baptist Convention. My continued prayers are for its unity and effectiveness in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ until He comes to take His Bride Home.**
*John 4:35; Mat. 9:38
**Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 22:16-21
