As we close out 2010, Baptist21 wants to take a look back on the year in the SBC. We will list the top ten stories of the year in the SBC, as best we can.
1. The Passing of the GCR: the passing of the GCR could be one of the most significant moments in SBC history, though the full impact of this motion will be unknown for some time. However, the potential impact is great. Some impact is already being made (see below on State Conventions and NAMB). Follow the links below to learn all about the recommendations and challenges included in the GCR report. B21 is excited about the passing of this motion and what it may have in store for our future as Southern Baptists. It is our hope that all will strive to take up the challenges offered in this motion that was approved by an overwhelming majority of Southern Baptists at this past year’s Southern Baptist Convention.
Accompanying Resources: The Final Report, the challenges from the GCR Report, and a video highlight of the day the GCR was adopted.
2. Reaction by State Conventions to the GCR: The state conventions have had varied reactions to the GCR report, particularly the challenge in the report for state conventions to move to a 50/50 split in CP allocation. Some states formed GCR task forces and voted to move to 50/50 over time (Kentucky and Florida), while others voted to keep far less in their states (Tennessee, Nevada, New York). This means more resources will make their way to the underserved and unreached areas of our nation and the world. Other state conventions have taken a slower posture, while some have opposed the GCR.
Accompanying Resources: A Baptist Press article detailing some of the varied responses to the GCR. See also the Encouraging Trends B21 Post.
3. Election of Bryant Wright as President of the SBC: The election of Bryant Wright seems to signal the sentiment of the SBC in a pro-GCR direction. Bryant Wright had been very critical about the amount of Cooperative Program resources that stayed in the U.S. He had even suggested in the Christian Index that we needed “a radical reprioritizing of Cooperative Program funds through our state conventions” calling for the state conventions to keep no more than 25-30% of CP dollars so that more money will make its way to those people groups that have no access to the gospel. Wright’s faithful and focused service as a pastor is now coming to bear on the SBC.
Accompanying Resources: Christian Index article on Wright and Bryant Wright’s Monthly videos to Southern Baptists
4. Election of Kevin Ezell as President of the NAMB: The election of Kevin Ezell to the NAMB Presidency was a bold move that has B21 excited about the future of the SBC. Kevin Ezell has been tasked with focusing NAMB’s efforts, giving it a new look. At the heart of this commission is the call to focus primarily on Church Planting, especially in the underserved areas of North America. Ezell has been busy restructuring NAMB so they can focus on Church Planting (see article below). Ezell has stated, “every reduction we make is to put more missionaries in the field.” Church Planting’s popularity is on the rise in several different evangelical denominations, and the SBC is no different. The election of Ezell and the refocusing of NAMB coincide with this rise in popularity of church planting among the other evangelical denominations. We hope that this focus on church planting in the SBC is not a fad. B21 is very excited about the future of NAMB and its future in helping churches plant churches.
Accompanying Resources: Baptist Press article detailing some of the downsizing
5. IMB still without a President: 2009 saw vacancies at the President position in three SBC agencies: IMB, NAMB, and the Executive Committee (EC). Two of those agencies (NAMB and EC) filled their vacancies, however, one is still open. The IMB, which many consider the “bell cow” of the SBC, is still without a president. This is certainly a big story, and perhaps the most disheartening story of 2010. Not much information is known about why this is the case, and it has not been discussed whether the IMB trustees are taking steps to re-assemble a new selection committee or sticking with the one that has been doing the work so far. Whatever the case is, it is our hope that the IMB will make a bold move with this vacancy. It is our hope that this bold move might see the IMB focus on the primacy of the local church in sending missionaries, new business initiatives overseas, and team planting. Let’s all commit to pray for the search committee and the next president.
Accompanying Resources: IMB Homepage