Baptist Identity Pt. 1
Feb 15th, 2007 | By art rogers | Category: Church, General Christian, Missional, SBCBecause of travel conflicts among speakers, Dr. Frank Page led off the conference this afternoon.
His title is “The Future of the Cooperative Program.”
Phil. 1:12-20.
1. Paul’s mindset is one that says, “wherever I find myself, I will take it as an opportunity to glorify God.” When we go through hard times, we often ask for God to remove us rather than to glorify Himself through me. The future of the CP is bright if we embrace selflessness. If we continue to divide, if our agencies break down into turf wars, then our future is dim.
2. Check your motive. Paul worried only that Christ was preached. There are MANY groups who think that the SBC belongs to them, and that they can therefore control it. When we seek to preach Jesus, and cooperate to do it, our future is bright.
3. Paul’s methodology was important. Is ours, like his, one that seeks to exalt Christ in the way we go about our business. The ends does not justify the means.
The issues are great. Does the CP need adjustment? Yes. But let us work from the inside to make it what it needs to be.
I am cautiously optimistic. We have a bright future, if we approach it right.
Questions & Answers
Educating generations about the CP.
We need to talk to each other with humility.
Entities are trying to become less bureaucratic and more responsive.
The CP is working. Streamlining agencies – “I don’t know.”
Missions is the life blood of the health of the church – not just giving, but doing. If you cut missions, you cut off the favor of God.
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Ok Art, now it’s reflection time…what do you think? And should I send him a copy of Glocalization? :-D
DP
David,
It was bueno. Frank Page is the real deal. He genuinely cares about whether or not we are effective and have a future. He is also ready to admit that we have much to do. He did go to meddling, though. :)
Send it. If ever there was an SBC President that would hear that message, Frank is it. I’m not judging any previous Presidencies. Just saying he is open.
Email: Done…If you see him, let him know…
Dear Brother David,
I wish I could be sitting next to you at that conference, even if we had to sit in those impossibly-narrow hard plastic seats again!
P.S. I’m on a diet at the moment, in hopes that if I get to go to San Antonio, I’ll fit a little bit better into the seats. :)
Love in Christ,
Jeff