Sound Familiar?
June 29th, 2006 | Posted in » Baptist Issues
Take a look at this editorial from Jeremy Green in the Florida Baptist Witness. Sound familiar?
Yeah, I thought so too. Its theme is awfully similar to Ben Brammer’s article from mid-May, which I spoke about in this blog post. (Note: Ben and I have since exchanged e-mails, and I will say that his heart was definitely in the right place when he wrote his article. I simply felt that some of the wording in his article was unnecessary rhetoric which detracted from his points.)
Now, I’m not linking Jeremy and Ben, except in the similarity of some of the statements in their articles. I would imagine that, should Jeremy and I have correspondence similar to that which Ben and I had, we’d find ourselves in complete agreement with the heart of his article (just not the wording). However, based on the text of the article, I am again forced to wonder… why is it that we continue to assign motives to “younger leaders”, assuming the positions taken in blog posts, editorials, etc., are indicative of a desire for convention leadership positions? Moreso, how can one make these assertions when so many have clearly stated that they are NOT interested in leadership positions? Maybe someone could point out for me just who these “younger leaders” are that desire leadership positions?
Further, why do we continually see statements by some that basically allege that the interest of “young leaders” in convention life adversely impacts their “day-to-day” ministries? Why do some seem to think that it’s an either/or issue, when it really needs to be both? Why can’t we highlight the positive that some of the apathy many have had about convention activities is now lifting, and that many leaders (both young and old) are now doing more than ever to be involved in the life of our convention and to keep their flocks informed?
I don’t know… maybe I’m just frustrated by the rhetoric that comes from both sides, but I, for one, would sure like to see a larger focus on the positives. I certainly am not saying that we should ignore the controversies (we have to continue to address these, and that necessitates debate), but let’s drop the rhetoric and be sure that everything we say (or write) is Christ-honoring.
UPDATE…
Jeremy has his own blog here.
11 Responses to “Sound Familiar?”
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.
By Kevin Bussey on Jun 29, 2006
Who is he talking about? I don’t know anyone who is after power! He needs to get to know some of the people I met in Greensboro. Those in the Sheraton had no dreams of being in power. We prayed together and laughed. He is wrong!
By Bob Cleveland on Jun 29, 2006
I recall someone saying that the nice part about being old is that you can remember things, whether they ever happened or not.
Methinks there’s 29-year old pastor in Texas, with the same ability.
By Kevin Bussey on Jun 29, 2006
BTW,
I wrote a rebutal to the Witness. Let’s see if they print it.
KB
By John on Jun 29, 2006
I’m interested in seeing what you wrote, Kevin. Would you post it on your blog?
By Kevin Bussey on Jun 29, 2006
I didn’t save it–oops!
I guess we will only know if they post it.
By micah on Jun 30, 2006
Kevin, just in case you are interested, James Smith from the Witness has asked me to write a critical piece on that article as well as Ben Brammer’s article. Pray that it’s well written and well received.
By Kevin Bussey on Jun 30, 2006
Micah,
That’s great. The essence of what I said is in my first respone to this post. I just haven’t met anyone interested in going up the ranks. I’m not saying it’s not there, but the guys I hung around like you and John, Alan, Marty, Wes, JRY, and others are Godly men who love God and the SBC.
By Alan Cross on Jul 5, 2006
It seems the Florida Baptist Witness has quite an agenda, doesn’t it? How do they get anything of substance done when they spend all their time telling Younger Leaders to be quiet and go home. Interesting. No one I know wants to lead the SBC through political positions. Check out downshoredrift.com the last couple of days and you will see what I am interested in.
By John on Jul 5, 2006
Sounds like you all had a great mission trip, Alan. It’s so good to see stuff like this posted in the SBC blogging world!
You guys didn’t happen to take any video while you were there, did you? I’d love to see something about your trip put together for the SBC videos site!
By Alan Cross on Jul 6, 2006
Ugh, no we didn’t! I mentioned that to you at the convention and totally forgot. My apologies. Maybe next time.
By John on Jul 6, 2006
Micah and I have been woefully deficient at getting anything new posted to the video blog, so the request was basically just my wishful thinking… hope that someone else had put something together we could post. So, it’s no big deal… It sounds as if you were all far too busy doing real ministry to do any P.R. anyway…
One of these days we’re just gonna have to make a point of dedicating a day to capturing some of the ministries going on in our area. I messed up when I didn’t take any video of our VBS. Granted, ours is very small compared to most, but God used it anyway (two children made decisions for Christ).
Anyway, surely we’ll get something posted on there again someday.