An Opinion and a Weblog…

May 18th, 2006 | Posted in » Baptist Issues

You know, I read things from time to time that leave me shaking my head. Here’s one such article, an opinion piece written by Ben Brammer, 26-year-old pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC, and Ph.D. student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The article appears in the Florida Baptist Witness, and is entitled, “Emerging Leaders or Submerging Servants?“.

Here’s a few of the more interesting (if that’s the word) snippets:

While I am amazed at our potential, I am concerned over a growing attitude that seems to be tainting the reputation of my generation. This attitude is present in some young pastors and others who believe they should be privileged with a voice of leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention. These self-appointed “young leaders” are in disagreement over several methodological and philosophical issues that they believe pervade the older generation of SBC leadership.

I don’t know any of the “young leaders” (which, by the way, was not a label anyone chose for themselves, but arose out of the “Younger Leaders Summit” held at the 2005 convention meeting) who feel they are entitled or privileged with any sort of leadership position in the SBC. I would say, however, that the actions and stances taken by many demonstrate authentic leadership, particularly those who developed the Memphis Declaration.

Some younger Baptists are under the assumption that leadership is a right available to anyone with an opinion and a weblog.

Was this kind of inflammatory, broad-brush condemnation of bloggers necessary?

Leadership is most definitely not a right… I don’t think you’ll find any of the “young leaders” who would argue otherwise. That being said… many of those with “an opinion and a weblog” have demonstrated consistently the ability to lead effectively… not because of their blogging, but because of the people God has crafted them to be.

My generation is blessed to sit in the afterglow of the blazing sun of the conservative resurgence. Those who have gone before us were capable and godly men. Some of them we might even designate as “spiritual giants.” They are men who we should be honored and humbled to sit under and learn from.

Ben… you’re right. Many of those involved with the conservative resurgence were capable and godly men. Many may even be considered as “spiritual giants”. Neither of these things change the fact that many of the methods used in the conservative resurgence (admirable as its goals may have been) not only left an afterglow, but left many of our brothers and sisters in Christ burnt and charred. So… yes… we can definitely learn.

In too many cases, it appears the desire to see denominational change has trumped the desire to see life change.

I wonder just how much Ben really knows about the ministries of many of our “young leaders” to make this judgment. Those whom I know bear fruit in both areas, and actually primarily hope to affect convention change through the local church.

I am troubled when I see some young pastors caring more about whom they know and who knows them than the precious old saint stuck in her hospital bed for several weeks.

Yet another interesting judgment. But what is it based upon? Come on, Ben. This kind of rhetoric is unfounded and unnecessary.

I believe that if we are faithful to our callings, the Lord will take notice and place those whom He desires in more prominent fields when He deems necessary. But I leave that to the wisdom and providence of God.

What if God is doing just that with many of our “young leaders” and their blogging? Do we discount the influence God has granted them simply because they don’t have decades of pastoral experience, huge flocks, advanced theological degrees, or other signs of a “successful” ministry or “faithful calling”? Have we forgotten the many Biblical accounts of whom God chose to use to play large parts in His plan?

Anyway, I could go on and on about this. After all, I’ve got an opinion and a weblog.

UPDATE
Ben apparently originally posted this article on his own blog here. It’s worth your time to read some of the rest of the content on his blog, too.