Great Commission Resurgence

I read only as far as the paragraph on Biblical inerrancy. That would make some people hesitate, or perhaps agree to most of the rest of the document.

Some would hesitate because they do not think inerrancy is the right way to describe the place of the Bible. They do not think it is inerrant in every factoid of science or history or that one must affirm the traditional authors as the actual writers of the Biblical books.

Others would hesitate because it is not true that a particular doctrine of inspiration is the only one that can be used in a resurgence of missionary energy. Non-inerrantists can be just as passionate about advancing the faith as inerrantists may be.

Later I'll read the rest of the document to see what else might create caveats. Notice -- MIGHT. I do not know whether anything I have written above is going through the minds of those who have not climbed on board. I am just reacting as I would if I were asked to sign it.

 

Since Paige Patterson is one who has caveats, I doubt he would be concerned about that issue.

 

The practical implementation of Article 9 on redesigning the convention structure and the connections between churches, associations, state conventions, and the Convention seems to be a concern for many.

 

Are they concerns about the autonomy of individual churches and conventions, about power/control of SBC institutions, and/or other issues?

 

I think Karen is right about Article 9. There is very little that the SBC nationally can do about the state conventions and local ass'ns other than ask politely. The idea is that we would restructure so there is not as much redundancy in national, state and local people. But each level of the SBC is autonomous from the local church down to the national convention.

I signed it without caveats because I think it's a step in the right direction to get the SBC thinking about becoming more streamlined. But do i think that it will turn the baptism stats around by next years convention in Orlando, no, I don't. But it's a step.