Southern Baptist in NC

Great Commission Baptists–This Time I Promise–New Name that is not a New Name By Tim Rogers

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Tim Rogers

Don’t know what to really say right now about the new name that is really not a new name. It does seem much-to-do-about-nothing. One question and then after I think through this more I will have other questions. Does anyone acknowledge that when you have to tell people what you are about, you really are not about what you say you are about?

It is like the name change task force came back with plans from the Great Commission Task Force and said; “We want to build on the Great Commission Resurgence movement by changing our name. While the Great Commission Resurgence really didn’t go anyplace by adding this name moniker we will see a Great Commission Resurgence this time, we promise.” Of course we have already seen this move and are witnesses to it now in the world of Presidential politics. As Jay Leno said about our President’s campaign; “President Obama is going to seek reelection. His slogan this time? ‘Change you can believe in. This time I promise. Really.’”

Posted in Announcement | Leave a comment

A Suggestion to Fund the Southern Baptist Convention Name Change By Tim Rogers

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Tim Rogers

With the upcoming name change debate from now until June one thing may be overlooked and even intentionally not spoken about–the cost. There are three things that come to mind that may never see the light of day in this debate.

First, there is no way for anyone to accurately determine the cost in Cooperative Program Funds that churches, local associations, state conventions and various SBC Entities will spend in the process of changing documents and paying lawyers fees. There is an estimate of $20 million floating around. However, it is really hard to accurately estimate this cost with so many entities, state conventions, associations, and churches needing to change their constitutions and bylaws. Second, the entire process of changing the names, even a DBA, could place into jeopardy the charters of various entities. For example New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is chartered under Louisiana law. From what we are told by those at NOBTS Louisiana law is based on the French legal system, which means there are slight nuances that calls for various differences. Remember the huge debate that ensued when the Executive Committee called for every entity to embrace Sole Membership? Three, a division that results will be between those that continue to call themselves Southern Baptists versus those that will identify with the DBA name. These three points are areas I want to explore in this post and I believe, if allowed a hearing, will lead us without dividing us.

Continue reading →

The Voice of the People in the Pew–Denied by Lifeway Trustees!! by Tim Rogers

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Tim Rogers

Throughout the history of the SBC there has been an understanding concerning resolutions. Everyone knows that resolutions are not binding on entities. The reason resolutions are non-binding is we have a trustee system in place that oversees the work of these autonomous entities for the convention of churches. We have long honored the trustee system for one simple reason–they are made up of people in the pews who listen to the voice of other people in the pews. The late Dr Adrian Rogers addressed the voice of the people by assuring the Peace Committee that whatever the people said the professors were to teach. Thus our trustees, while knowing the resolutions were not binding on the entities, clearly understand that resolutions voice the will of the people. My friend Peter Lumpkins has posted his interpretation of Lifeway’s action. It is in the Lumpkins piece one will find a quote expressing the nature of resolutions. The quote on the nature of resolutions in the SBC is from Dr. Mohler when he was still editor of the Christian Index in 1992.

Due to this recent action by Lifeway there remains one question that must be answered. Why did the Lifeway trustees refuse the will of the people? There are three reasons that come to mind.

First, they did not understand the resolution. Continue reading →