This week marks the first post-Greensboro meeting of the IMB BOT. There are so many things circulating around this meeting, it is hard for even the most prescient among us to predict which issues will take center stage. Here are a few things to consider.
The new trustees are a result of a commission by Bobby Welch to the appointment committees to present nominees who have never before served. This is not to say there are no caucus members among them, but operating in the open with a sense untouchability is a thing of the past.
The anti-caucus mood during the convention should inform the caucus to keep its head down. Some may wonder why they should bother. That is a good question. If they mind their “p’s & q’s” then they are further from the goal of removing Dr. Rankin than they ever have been. What’ the point of existing if they can’t accomplish anything?
Well, if they attempt to avoid alienating the convention, they may just survive. As much attention as they received in the last six months, I am sure that they now long for the day that their every move was not scrutinized to the nth degree and publicized to everyone – especially the missionaries around the world.
In truth, the easiest thing for those of us who oppose that specific agenda would be for them to openly move against Dr. Rankin, Wade Burleson, others or any combination of the above. In light of the impending report of the BOT to the SBC, one part of which deals with their existence and agenda, open agression would certainly seal their fate.
In the end, we have a very powerful position. If they act out, we publish it and press for their removal. If they don’t, then Dr. Rankin is safe and missions is free to take center stage at the International MISSION Board. That would include the issues of baptism and PPL which are still hindering the organization by distraction, in the least, and the unwanted theological shift of our entire denomination, in the greatest.
If nothing else, it should be an interesting week. Stay tuned.
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Jeremy Roberts
on Jul 17th, 2006
@ 1:40 pm:
Art -
What do you believe is the reasoning for some to want to remove Dr. Rankin? Is it his PPL…or something far deeper than that?
art rogers
on Jul 17th, 2006
@ 3:44 pm:
I think – and this is a mixed bag of what I know and what I speculate – that each have their own reasons, but they function together toward a common goal.
Some have direct personality issues, some have philosophical issues, some have jealousy issues and others have loyalty issues.
What do you think?
Kevin Bussey
on Jul 17th, 2006
@ 4:07 pm:
I just wish our denomination could get off the witch hunt. It is time to move forward and quit looking for problems under every rock, bush and SBC entity.
I’m praying for Dr. Rankin, Dr. Fish, Dr. Chapman and every SBC Seminary President. I’m praying for them –not against them. Isn’t that what Romans 12 tells us to do?
Jeremy Roberts
on Jul 18th, 2006
@ 11:07 am:
I don’t know much about the IMB or Dr. Rankin. Avery Willis was a great servant there for many years.
Pertaining to missions, I’ve concentrated on NAMB more since my pastor was Dr. Reccord.
If I were to speculate as to why some want Dr. Rankin’s dismissal, I would guess it is because of his PPL and other political things I’m unaware of. I’ll choose to play the “I’m too naive and young” card on this one, though.