SBCOutpost

One of the central issues in the SBC revolves around the penchant for oppositional thinking. Simply put one is either for us or against us. This statement lifted from the words of Jesus seems to settle down on human relationships and relational configurations so that we find both sides claiming the will and way of God. For instance, what have in some quarters been referred to as “establishment bloggers” assume any call for accountability nothing but disrespect and an attempt to wrest power from those who have led in the CR/Takeover in/of the SBC.

For too long we have had “sides.” For Southern Baptists to refer to factions as sides seems a bit oxymoronic when we will all admit that where three or four Southern Baptists are gathered there are four or five opinions in their midst. Some analysts may view the recent MBC Annual Meeting as “repudiation,” and it may well be. However, what would it mean if it were a signal to those on both sides that lines in the SBC are surely subject to the tide. We talk of lines in the sand but if you have ever watched the tides come in and out, you know quickly lines change in the sand.

It is interesting one time contributor and “owner” of SBC Outpost, Michah Fries, chose the title for his MBC reflections as “Quake at the Lake.” Certainly he notes this is an “overheard” reference, but to select that for your blog reporting signals the presence of fault lines and sides. Micah reports on the goings on in a series of posts laced throughout with references to those of differing positions in the MBC. This is not criticism but reflection. There is little mistaking the tactics and patterns of Roger Moran are not favored by most here at SBC Outpost. We are glad for the shift in leadership away from such legalistic factions-creating personalities. It was interesting to note Micah offered clarifying words regarding statements made by Interim Exec. Tolliver, presumably in his “red meat” sermon.

While it would be interesting to hear a debate between Roger Moran and Darrin Patrick, I for one hope Darrin will decline. You see this would play to the oppositional thinking present in the SBC and we are not in need of further polarization but of a third way. Yes, a third way must include exposure of the egregious leadership errors chiefly illustrated by taking care of the “good old boys.” So, before you, dear reader, think this is a slap at the matters Ben Cole continues to raise on this blog, read again. No one is interested in re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic (read, SBC). Rather, in answer to an oft asked question about the “vision” of some at SBC Outpost, note this author considers it necessary to move beyond the structures and systems that continue to propagate the current climate. Do not attempt to obfuscate with concern for inerrancy or your favored view of the atonement.

We tire of guilt by association evidenced by Roger Moran’s diatribes against the likes of the Acts 29 Network. We are weary, though sympathetic, of the “what took you so long” by those who left the SBC long ago.

I will take the actions in the MBC as indication those interested in cooperation are waking from their slumber. Nothing could be more promising than to think in Indianapolis we may experience this same sentiment. Could we stand in the same way as the SOC and eschew angry men desirous of leadership in the SBC who want to continue to narrow the parameters of cooperation and fellowship? May it be so.

Outpost is facing a change, once again. Since Outpost has started it is safe to say that change has been a constant refrain. This time the change will only be slightly noticeable to many of you, but change it is nonetheless. I have hosted this site since we took it over from Marty Duren. I set it up and helped get it on its feet, though I haven’t authored many posts. Through the process, however, I have realized that I need to back away from denominational politics, at least to the degree that I have been involved.

I envisioned this site to be a place where substantive dialogue could happen in a Christ-like manner. That has happened in tremendous ways at times. Unfortunately, however, I have also been disappointed to watch folks on both sides of these divides who simply don’t play well with others. I have also realized that I do not split my passions well. When I am involved in denominational politics, I get too involved. These reasons, coupled with my desire to commit my time and passion to my local church and ministry, have shown me the need to leave SBCOutpost.

As I leave, I will no longer host Outpost. Outpost will now be hosted at a neutral site and it will be without anyone to serve as an “editor”, if you will. Each contributor will have the ability to post on their own, and will have to own their words individually. I hope this new method can provoke the dialogue we envisioned in the beginning.

We ask you to be patient as this process of changing over will take a few days. As such all posts that were planned for publishing over the next few days will now be moved to Monday, at the earliest. The process of changeover will occur over the weekend, and will hopefully be completed by Sunday night. At that time I will commit myself to dealing with local church, ministry, theology, culture and missions with the possible occasional foray into denominational life, all on my own blog. I will not be involved at the level I was before.

Blessings
Micah
Psalm 67

At Outpost we are often fairly critical of what we feel are systemic problems within SBC life. Although we recognize a series of inequities and have a desire to see faithfulness in all things, we also recognize that there are a plethora of areas within Convention life which are exciting and should be commended. Furthermore, we realize that often we are guilty of dwelling on the problems and not recognizing the positives. As such we will post a series of articles that will systematically deal with each SBC entity, and spend a short time recognizing one institutional quality that they have which deserves our recognition and our respect. It is our aim that this will show our desire to be both balanced and committed to this denomination which we love as well as provide much needed recognition for our institutions.

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Today we want to begin with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a student at MBTS I have grown to love and appreciate her. Though she stands as the smallest of SBC schools, her faculty and administration is equivalent, if not stronger, to that of any school in the country. Their commitment to raising up a generation of biblically sound, faithful ministers is beyond commendable.

Having said that, let me point out one quality that MBTS shows to be supreme among her characteristics Read the rest of this entry »

God has blessed this blog with a number of missionaries who read regularly and who contact us to share their stories on occasion. For those missionaries who are reading, we would like to make a request of you. We are working on a new project (an addition to the Outpost, if you will) that will highlight, from a visual perspective, what God is doing in and through Southern Baptist missionaries around the world, both International and North American missionaries. In order to facilitate that, we need your help. We would like to ask you to send us your photos that illustrate God at work in your area of the world. They can also be pictures that serve as visual reminders of needs for prayer among your people groups. Remember, however, that when you send them you will be granting us permission to publish them so please make sure that if you send them you and/or the pictures don’t reveal any security issues. When you send them, while you can feel free to keep your identity private to help make sure that your security is intact, we would prefer that you would at least share with us some details about the pictures, even if it is as basic as the region of the world the picture was taken in. If possible, however, we would love more specific descriptions. Again, however, you are the experts when it comes to security, so please take any needed precautions when sending them. Finally, please limit your contributions to two pictures for the time being.

If you have pictures to send, please send them to photos@sbcoutpost.com.