Pastor Dr. Jimmy Scroggins, in an interview at the Southern Baptist Convention, said concerning giving to the Cooperative Program; “If, I as a pastor, believe there is a better investment for this dollar, than the Cooperative Program, then I am in sin leading my church to give to the Cooperative Program.” Dr. Scroggins then describes the competing agencies that Pastors could lead their churches to support–”Compassion International, Red Cross, YMCA, Mission Aviation Flights…”
Herein lies the differences that I believe are causing such a huge divide in our convention. Dr. Scroggins clearly states that he understands the mentioned SBC agencies are mission agencies that are presenting the Gospel. Let me say one thing before I move on. If, in the minds of younger pastors and SBC Leaders, we are competing with other agencies for missions monies then we are in sad shape as a convention. It is not that I give carte blanche trust to agencies just because they are under the SBC umbrella. However, the entities of the SBC have, first and foremost, for their mission to present the Gospel. Notice a few examples we see from various SBC Entities Vision Statements:
LifeWay Christian Resources exists to assist churches and believers to evangelize the world to Christ, develop believers, and grow churches by being the best provider of relevant, high quality, high value Christian products and services.
Our mission is to make disciples of all peoples in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The Ethics and Religious Liberties Committee
To awaken, inform, energize, equip, and mobilize Christians to be the catalysts for the Biblically-based transformation of their families, churches, communities, and the nation.
