Has the Fat Lady Sung?

There’s an old saying that I heard growing up; “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” This saying was a redneck way of referencing the opera. It seemed that all operas had rather large ladies to sing their closing song. Therefore when you saw this large lady walking on stage and begin with that soprano voice, you knew the opera was closing. This was the final farewell and you could rest assured that you were leaving and would not return for that opera again.

This is what I would like to ask about the WMU-NC and the BSCNC; Has the fat lady sang? Is there no way that the two can sit back down at the table and negotiate some way to resolve this stalemate? There are Godly people on both sides in this situation and it does seem that we should be Christian and adult enough to resolve this difference of opinion.

I was at the meeting this past Tuesday evening when information was given out about our situation. I met Mrs. Ruby Fullbright and others in the WMU-NC leadership. All of the ladies impressed me as being Godly women who desire to see God’s will accomplished. Mrs. Fullbright sought me out and introduced herself to me. I was very impressed with her as she was very pleasing and easy to speak with. She encouraged me with my blogging efforts and we shared a couple of laughs. As I listened to her address the group I remember thinking as she spoke; she is very articulate and certainly conveyed what she felt those present needed to hear. While Dr. Brian Davis answered questions he referred various ones to Mrs. Fullbright because it pertained specifically to WMU-NC’s position.

Various reports about this meeting seemed to imply that this meeting was put together by mean old preachers that wanted to kick the WMU out of the BSCNC. Mrs. Fullbright, along with a former Executive Director/Treasurer of BSCNC and even representatives from our universities made their way to East Taylorsville Baptist Church. I believe they were pleasantly surprised when they were received as they were and were asked and even received well when they addressed various issues. Some of the information was new and some information received was already old news. I know that the WMU at the ministry I serve was very pleased they were in attendance.

Some of the issues that I found at the meeting is something I would like to address here. Mrs. Fullbright was able to respond to various concerns and some I agreed with while others I do disagree. First, is the decision to distinguish between Evangelism and Ministry. She pointed out that evangelism was a part of their focus but they were more focused on ministry than church planting. I disagree with her assessment of this because she basically presented a point that it is okay to evangelize but their emphasis was not starting new churches. I agree with the need to evangelize and use ministry opportunities in this endeavor. However, if we are going to evangelize, why not partner with the Mission Growth and Evangelism department of the BSCNC? Mrs. Fullbright gave the impression that WMU-NC desired to be in this by themselves.

One other thing that she said that raises a concern for me is that appearance of this move. Mrs. Fullbright clearly stated that the WMU-NC was not leaving the BSCNC they were merely changing addresses. I certainly do not desire to dispute her assessment and only she can tell you the heart of the WMU-NC. Brother David MacEachern passionately stated that the appearance of this move says differently. While I do not believe Mrs. Fullbright’s or anyone associated with WMU-NC has any intention of leaving the BSCNC, I must admit I have to agree with Brother David. This move screams that we are leaving and we do not desire for BSCNC to hold us accountable in any way.

Why would I say this? It comes down to the reason for leaving. Mrs. Fullbright stated that the reason for the WMU-NC making this decision had to specifically do with the hiring practices that Brother Milton Hollifield interprets. Mrs. Fullbright does not desire to have Brother Milton to sign off on anyone the WMU-NC hires. WMU-NC has their own Personnell Committee, which is different from the BSCNC. That brings me to another question. Why are we duplicating Human Resource departments? This entire move does not have anything to do with missions strategy, theology, or even conservative leadership vs. moderate leadership. This entire move centers around the fact that WMU-NC wants the BSCNC to pay their employess, issue them the same benefits as BSCNC, and give them space to operate, but does not want them signing off on who gets hired. Even Dr. Roy Smith, who was at the meeting, confessed he had to sign-off on who was hired by the WMU-NC.

After assessing this meeting, I confess there was one item that concerned me greatly. Mrs. Fullbright was asked; “The BSCNC has made it clear that they have not left the negotiating table. Would the WMU-NC return to the table to work out these differences instead of leaving the building?” Mrs. Fullbright responded that she could not say what they would be able to do. That was a decision of their Executive Committee. She pointed out that she is a hired employee and that she would defer to their Executive Committee. My concern stems from the fact that as Executive Director she has the authority to return to the negotiating table. She cannot make any decisions at the table, just as Brother Milton Hollifield cannot make any decisions to stop any funds going to WMU-NC. These decisions must be made by their respective Executive Committee’s. However, there is one small hick-up with BSCNC. When the BSCNC Executive Committee decides anything, they must make it in the form of a motion to the Board of Directors. When the BoD make a decision it must come in the form of a motion to the convention in annual session. For the WMU-NC it only comes as a discussion before their Executive Committee and these 30 women decide for the entire state WMU. No one else gets a vote.

Which brings me to my orginal question. Has the fat lady sang? As far as the WMU-NC it appears she has finished singing and sat down, because they do not appear to have a desire to return and work out differences. That is extremely sad.

Is it Right or Wrong?

We should not be taken up in the search for truth, as to neglect the needful duties of active life; for it is only action that lives a true value and commendation to virtue. —Cicero

The ethical dilemma that plagues the North Carolina Baptist State Convention (BSCNC) and the Women’s Missionary Union-North Carolina (WMU-NC) seems to be one that is very difficult for all involved. The dilemma appears to be a dichotomy between pursuing missions and working together. However, it appears the dichotomy removes itself once there is an agreement on the definition of missions.

When one looks at the Lusanne Covenant, there is a clear difference in ministry and missions. However, the WMU-NC do not differentiate between the two. According to this report, Mrs Fulbright presented four statements that outlined the reasons behind the WMU-NC’s move. In the first statement she says;

Church planting and evangelism is the vision and current direction of the
BSCNC. WMU-NC has stated: “however, we are a missions organization
believing that missions is ministry and evangelism.”

This type of combining two completely different areas of service blur the lines of missions. According to the Lusanne Covenant missions is defined as church planting and evangelism. Without evangelism church planting will not take place. There is no church planting that can be accomplished through humanitarian ministry. Granted the humanitarian ministry opens the opportunity for missions to take place, but our aim is evangelism and church planting. If we are not going to present the Gospel with the clear intention of planting a church, then we are doing no more than advancing the name of Baptist. I love Southern Baptist and believe that North Carolina is headed down the right track to become more committed in identifying with the Southern Baptist Convention. But, if I have to choose between ministry, which advances the Southern Baptist or evangelism and church planting which advances Jesus, that is a no brainer–it is Jesus every time.

You may begin to hear that the WMU-NC is afraid that they will go the way of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). Do you remember SEBTS? That bastion of moderates that refused to allow conservatives in any shape or form and only had one token “conservative” on faculty. Once the trustees gained a majority then president Dr. Randall Lolley stepped down. Once Dr. Lolley resigned some actually had a mock funeral to bury the seminary. Today there is over 2k FTE students. Not bad for a seminary that was supposed to be dead. The WMU-NC decided they no longer wanted to be considered an “auxiliary” of the BSCNC, but a “cooperative partner”.

“Cooperative Partner” is interesting language used by the WMU-NC. I understand that others use this term and one should not be concerned. However, it is very ironic that this is the term chosen when a majority of the leaders of the WMU-NC retain their membership in churches that clearly identify themselves with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. With the CBF-NC coming to the rescue so quickly after the announcement of WMU-NC, it does make one question whether they knew this was going to happen. Let me explain. Thursday, August 16, 2007 there was a telephone conference call by 75% of the WMU-NC Executive Committee. That call ended in a vote to leave the BSCNC building. Tuesday, August 21, 2007 the leadership of the BSCNC was notified by the WMU-NC of their vote and intentions. On Thursday, August 23, 2007 the regular meeting of CBF-NC Coordinating Council was in session. According to this release, in this regularly scheduled meeting the CBF-NC Coordinating Council voted unanimously to support WMU-NC in their move and they also commissioned an emergency offering to raise funds for this transition. Coincident? It is hard to imagine. As a side note there is something that causes more concern for me. The President of the BSCNC Board of Directors had to request a proposal from WMU-NC in order to present this matter to the Executive Committee. How was this information made available to the Coordinating Council of the CBF-NC before it was to the very people who holds WMU-NC accountable?

The future looks as if it will be a tumultuous convention this year at Greensboro. I predict that if we maintain this level of contention the least attended session at this year’s convention will be the election of officers. One would also have to seriously ask a question. Mrs. Lisa Horton seemed to clearly articulate what is tearing apart my insides.

Is all this really worth it? When you think about the confusion this will bring to local churches and how this could affect the North Carolina Missions Offering, I keep asking if this is necessary.

Mrs. Cindy Stevens asked if the convention had done anything to bring about this drastic of a move by the WMU-NC . Here is what I believe to be the “real” reason behind the situation we find ourselves. Mrs. Fulbright responded it was the insistence of BSCNC to be final hiring authority.

Thus, I return to the statement by Cicero. This drastic move is not about missions, and neither is it about WMU-NC’s desire to expand their missions involvement. This, according to Mrs. Fulbright’s statement, appears to be a disagreement of an employee of the BSCNC and her refusal to be seen as such.

IMB Plenary Session 9-12-07 (2)

Overseas Committe Report–Chuck McGalister

1. Trustees are going to be the field test for a new internet instrument that will enable information to flow more easily to the IMB.
2. World Hunger and Relief Ministeries–1/2 Million $ allocated to meeting the needs of hunger.

Eastern Europe Report, Central and Eastern Europe, South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, Pacific Rim, North Africa and Middle East, West Africa, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, Middle America and Caribbean, South America.

There were a number of resignations reported from each region. I asked Paul Chitwood, who was next to me, and he explained this was not uncommon. The IMB maintains an attrition rate of 5% which is low for an organization this size. The IMB has a goal of 8000 M’s by 2010. In order to reach this goal the IMB will have their M ranks swell to 12,000 M’s.

Administration–Staff size at IMB is close to 500.

Finance Report–Presented three items. One was receiving $40K estate gift. Two, I missed. Three, establishing a search fund to help pastors and student ministry.

Mission Personnel Report–recommended the appointing of 48 new M’s.

Church and Partner Services– CD available for Pastors that desire to get involved in partnering around the world. Hands-on Africa. For students up to 29 years of age. If the student goes for 1 semester, the field will pick-up the expenses. The student will just need to get there. RSI–an organization that helps churches raise funds. This group will help the IMB examine themselves in order to be better stewards. Pastors discovery trip assistance. These funds reported in the Finance Report is to help pastors do discovery trips that may desire to lead their churches in missions.

Presentation by New East Asia Regional Leader.

• A new person was elected as Regional Leader for East Asia effective November 1, 2007.
• Gordon Fort gives reasons behind this nomination.

Gordon Fort VP for Overseas Operations

1. Ask question of how much the building cost vs. overseas missions and still be considered Missions Minded.  Asked about tithing members in order to go as a M.
2. Trustees have articulated a vision.  As a result there is a task force.
3. Mobilizing 1000 students to do hands on short-term mission trips.
4. Global Urbanization–More people are now dwelling in urban cities than in rural areas.  Setting up an Urban City Training Area.  There will be training on how to reach the city.
5. 2/3 of our population is functional illiterate. (Functional illiteracy is those that can speak a language but not be able to read the language)  Storying is the big way to present the Gospel.
6. Global deaf Language.  This is a global language that is not separated by cultural dialect.

Dr. John Floyd–Board Chairman

No Business came before the body, and thus the meeting was closed in prayer.

IMB Plenary Session 9-12-07

I arrived here this morning.

Session began with Bob Graham presenting a devotion from Ephesians 6:4-10(?)

We had a retired M sing the hymn “Without Him”.

Dr. Rankin’s Report

• Began with picture of newly adopted grandaughter. Cute little girl.
• Reminisced about the July meeting where he reviewed the Nature of Missions
• We cannot justify missing a people group
• Ego-enhancing Statistics.We need to look at the true statistics instead of just the number of Baptisms and church plants.

Dr. Rankin was affirmed by Dr. Jerry Corbaley for his rescinding the endorsement of SBC Outpost.

Do We have Duplicitious Trustees Serving the IMB?

In a post here one of our IMB trustees has stated;

Any of us, however, is capable of acting one way in public and another way in private – or saying one thing when people are listening and another when they are not. I am of the opinion that the SBC is a better convention when trustees and leaders say publicly what they feel free to say privately.

This statement seems to imply that during these closed door meetings some trustees are saying things they would not desire to be repeated in public. I only have a couple of questions concerning these forums.

1. If a trustee openly stated in a contentious way that another trustee was bearing a false witness during these forums, would the one contentiously expressing the accusation want it to be made public that he had leveled such an accusation against a fellow trustee?
2. Would the trustee that was accusing a fellow trustee of bearing a false witness appreciate the scrutiny of the SBC public once it were known that the one being accused of bearing this false witness was not only a honest, humble man of God but was an elder as the Bible describes the older men?
3. I also wonder if a trustee were calling for public forums would like for the SBC public to know that a trustee being accused of bearing a false witness actually apologized? Not for bearing a false witness but for the other trustee’s offense and the accused trustee left without being acknowledged by the trustee making the accusation.
4. In fairness, according to the statement it is possible for us all to be one way in private and another way in public. A person with such a characteristic is both a hypocrite and duplicitous. While we all have the natural man battling against the spiritual man, and thus possess the possibility, as Christians we should not act one way in private and then act another way in public.

These IMB forums are private and I do not believe they should be made public. I trust our trustees. If I did not trust them I would certainly say so at a convention where trustee issues can be handled. I also would hope that we do not have trustees that will accuse others of bearing false witness and becoming contentious in their actions toward older persons, who the Bible clearly tells us to honor and respect, in the private or public arena.

September 11 and The Hounds of Heaven

For many 9/11/01 will forever be etched in our minds. I will never forget that day as long as I live. The live news footage being broadcast across the TV screen is burned into my memory like an image burned into the plasma on plasma TV’s. While 9/11/01 is a memory this entire world will never forget September 11 has other meanings for me.

September 11, 1988 brought an event that changed my life. After years of trying to do it on my own and being chased by the “hounds of Heaven”, I was captured by my Father’s Grace. I was overtaken by those hounds that were always in the background of my mind howling to the tune of Amazing Grace. Those hounds were released by our Lord at the bequest of my mama, daddy, sister, and a former pastor. Oh, they loved me. My mama and daddy directed those hounds when they saw my former pastor at a revival he was holding close to their home. They gave him information where I was residing, complete with address and home phone number. Those hounds had a new scent and track me they did. That pastor was a master hound handler. He turned them loose on me every Monday night. I knew when church-wide visitation was going on in that church better than most members. Every Monday night I would receive a knock at my apartment door. They would knock, wait 30 seconds, knock again, wait 30 seconds, ring the door bell, and then place a card on the door and leave. At about 9:00 pm after these visits there would be a phone call with condolences of missing an opportunity to visit with me. Oh, these hounds were getting tougher and tougher to run from.

At the end of August, 1988, I received a visit from this former pastor at my job. I was a used car salesman and this pastor shows up at my place of employment, not by himself mind you but, with another preacher. It seemed they were in revival that week and I was the fortunate soul that was on the “must visit with the evangelist” list. They spoke with me about my need for a savior and I politely told them I was not interested. It was then that the evangelist said something that made me mad. I was giving all kinds of excuses as to why I did not desire to receive Jesus and one was that I wanted to do this when I decided it was right for me. The evangelist then said, you are a very intelligent person Tim, do be a fool. I do not believe I had ever had anyone call me a fool. I ended that conversation with the excuse that I had to get ready for a delivery. (Most preachers do not want to interrupt someone when they are actually in the process of performing work. :>)) They wanted to pray with me and I said ok. The hounds of Heaven were howling to the tune of “Bring them In”. As the prayer began, I remember it becoming very hot and I became extremely nervous. I opened my eyes to look at the preachers to see if their eyes were closed and once that was confirmed I just looked around and rolled my eyes at the other salesmen that were curiously looking at me through the showroom windows. I remember telling them later that I will allow anybody to do anything to in order to get a sale.

They left and my former pastor came back a couple of times but he could tell that I was not interested in spiritual things so he decided to not cast pearl before swine. Events were unfolding in my personal life that made me begin to assess my spiritual condition. There was a heretical teaching going around in 1988 that marked the date of Jesus’ return as 9/13/88. The book was entitled Eighty-eight Reason Jesus will Return in 1988. This book was a big topic of discussion and I, being a good car salesman, needed to speak to anyone about any subject. I began studying about this “prophecy” and then the scriptural prophecy. I saw things that made me question and then I dropped the subject.

The hounds were now howling to the tune of “Why not Tonight?”. It was Sunday, September 11, 1988 and I was visiting my mama and daddy. She invited me to go to church with her and I responded that I did not want to go down there where all of those hypocrites were. After dinner my Pentecostal PPL sister and her husband came to the house. The hound’s howl was louder in my mind. I could here these hounds howling to the tune of “Amazing Love”. My sister and her husband were speaking about their upcoming anniversary and I inquired as to their leaving town to celebrate. She responded; “If Jesus does not come back on Tuesday we will.” I became indignant. What are those (not so nice adjective describing Black Pentecostals) folks down there teaching you? She apologized to me for offending me by that statement, but then asked; “If Jesus were to return would you go with us”? Why did God have me in such a religious family? The hounds of Heaven were howling to the tune “There is a Fountain”. I could not answer that question and she said she would pray for me.

I left and went to my apartment, but the hounds of Heaven would not leave me this time. They were on my trail, had my scent and it was a matter of time. As I was driving I remember my mind racing. Was I saved? I certainly could not answer the question posed to me by my sister. As my mind tried to rationalize I was saved there was one hound that howled the loudest. That hound did not howl out a tune, he howled out a Bible verse. It was one that I learned in my youth group. Romans 6:23. I heard that hound howling out that Bible verse over and over (in KJV), For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. These hounds were on me hard and I fought them off.

When I arrived at my apartment, I could not get this last hound off my mind. I was alone and had the TV on. I had the custom cable on my TV in Raleigh, NC and could receive at that time 125 channels plus the Playboy channel. There was nothing interesting on TV for a hellion like myself to watch. These hounds were howling so loud I could not keep my mind on anything but my need for a Savior. I will never forget one hound as he described for me my life up to that point. I lived life for no one but myself. This hound described for me how I could care less about my family or anyone else. It was sad, but true. Once this hound stopped I decided to get some help. It seemed that for some strange reason I kept all 9,999 (exaggeration) cards that the church left at my door. So I called that Youth Minister’s phone number. He answered and spoke with me gave me direction and asked to come over. I told him not to come this was something I had to work out for myself. The hounds were now warming up their trumpets and preparing for a celebration.

As I struggled with my need for a Savior, I did not know what to do. Finally, through much agony, sweat, tears and nervousness, I threw up my arms as I repented of my sins, my chains fell off, the hounds had overtaken me, and I was led me to my Father’s opened arms. The hounds then began howling to the tune of “Victory In Jesus”.

So, September 11 is special to me. It was the day that I was born again. What a joy it is to celebrate my Spiritual Birthday. We make a big deal about Spiritual Birthdays around our house. My daughter’s Spiritual Birthday is September 29 and my wife’s Spiritual Birthday is March 11. Today marks for me 20 years as a Christian. Let me just say; I am more in love with Jesus today than I was the day I met Him. He has truly changed my life and if you do not know Him, He desires to change yours. If you are skeptical, that is okay. Just let me know because I desire to pray for you and seek the Father’s face on your behalf. Oh, I will also ask Him to release the Hounds of Heaven on you. I can tell you from experience, you cannot out run those Hounds. Once they are on your trail, it is only a matter of time.

Feel free, if you are so led, to share with us the time that the Hounds of Heaven came after you.

SBC Today

Today is the date that we launch the new site SBC Today. You have read many comments on this collaborative effort. I just pray it does what we have designed it to accomplish.

While I will maintain Southern Baptist in NC, I may not post as often because of my duties to SBC Today. However, I will maintain this blog due to areas of concern that may not be covered at SBC Today. I encourage you to travel over to SBC Today and comment.

Oh, do not forget to come back over to Southern Baptist in NC. I do enjoy our time together here. Please be patient as we work through the bugs.

Censorship or Intolerance?

I remember well when the movie “The Last Temptation of Christ” was removed from the library at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  The calls of censorship rang from the rafters of academia.  When Dr. Lewis Drummond became the first conservative at SEBTS he asked Dr. Billy Graham to preach the inaugural sermon.  As a young Christian I literally witnessed seminary students, supposedly called by God, protest Dr. Billy Graham speaking in a chapel service.  Then, some of these same students, placed yellow dye in the fountain in protest of the faculty that left and were then replaced by the incoming administration.

Why tell  about this incident?  It was during this time that I heard about conservatives being intolerant views they did not agree with and they would censor debate.  Well, after reading this article here, my call is to Baylor University.  Notice the current news at Associated Baptist Press here. Evidently it is not newsworthy at Baylor either see here.  It just does not seem to be newsworthy.  In this Baptist Forum there seems to be more concern over a church serving theology on tap and endorsed by a fundamental, or a group of conservative pastor-bloggers blogging under the name SBC Today, than there is in the shutting down of academic freedom.

Where is the outrage at the censorship taking place in academia?  Where is the call to the accrediting agencies about this undoubtedly open expression of intolerance and the shutting down of academic freedom?  We are not speaking about a professor that has lied about his credentials and is imposing fundamental landmarker beliefs in a leading liberal divinity school.  We are seeing the censorship of a world-class expert in the field of evolutionary computing.

My only question is this.  Where is the outrage in the academy?

David Versus Goliath

Many have heard by now of the great win of Appalachian State University Mountaineers over the University of Michigan Wolverines. Ap. State is the reigning National Champion of Division 1-AA (Back-to-Back Champions, mind you) and a formidable adversary, but way over their head going against the #5 team in Division 1-A. This small football team from Boone, NC entered an arena where 109,000 people were waiting in expectancy to watch them lose? Well, at least 100,000 because it couldn’t have been more than 9,000 there that felt they could win. Also, do you realize this Division 1-AA team entered an arena that had 8 times more people than the population of the town where their University is based? However, they went there and conquered! But, that is not the real story.

Did you know that Coach Jerry Moore is a sold-out, born again, Jesus loving, committed Christian that is a member of a Southern Baptist Church in Boone, NC? Coach Moore is a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, NC. This is the church that Brother Alan Blume pastors, the same Alan Blume that served as chairperson of the Committee on the Order of Business for the past two SBC Conventions. However, the real story is described by Dr. Michael Blackwell, President of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Dr. Blackwell reported this on Norman Jameson’s blog. Read it and enjoy.

I had the privilege of preaching at Mount Vernon the morning after the amazing ASU win over Michigan Who?? Coach Moore didn’t arrive back in Boone until 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, yet he was in attendance at Mount Vernon’s 9 a.m. service. Spending time with him was an affirmation of his strong Christian faith. Even though the members (and many guests) wildly applauded when Pastor Blume mentioned that he was there, it was obvious that Coach Moore was gracious in victory, though thrilled that he had made ASU and Boone the epi-center of the sports world AROUND THE WORLD! Jerry Moore is not only a winning coach; he is the epitome of a Christian gentleman.

What a great day to be living in North Carolina. This is just one reason I like Calling North Carolina Home.

:>)

Church Discipline in the Wild

Thanks to Pastor Dennis Long, I have enjoyed this video. As a preacher, I have recognized the illustrative genius of this video when it comes to church discipline. Watch the entire video before you read the rest of this post. I promise you no one gets killed. My 10 year-old squealed with glee at the end.

The video is a living example of how life comes at you and you are restored in the church. Notice what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:5. When one separates him/herself from the family of God we are to deliver them up for the destruction of the flesh. But do we stop there? In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 Paul encourages the church in Corinth to restore the one that was separated. Thus they restored the one separated completely. As Paul said, if you have forgiven him then I have also. That way the entire church receives that one that is separated.

Notice the video. The herd of water buffalo is a symbol of a church that comes under attack of Satan. The lions and crocodile are symbolic of sin that pulls a believer away from the church family. The herd returns to retrieve one of their own–something the church is supposed to do, but seldom does. Please understand that the church should constantly strive to restore that one that has been separated. As the water buffalo gorged that lion and flipped her over his head, so the church is to deal harshly with sin. However, once the sin is dealt with, the sinner is to be restored.