THE 2024 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION IN INDIANAPOLIS: MY EXPERIENCE AND THOUGHTS

Main floor of Southern Baptist Convention at Indianapolis Convention Center

You may have been aware that the Southern Baptist Convention this year occurred here in Indianapolis. As usual, the first two days (Sunday and Monday) were the Pastor's conference, while the business of the convention took place the final two days (Tuesday and Wednesday).

You also may be aware that Becky and I are members of a Southern Baptist Church - Northside Baptist Church here in Indianapolis. Neither Becky nor I grew up SBC, but since '93, we've been members of 3 Southern Baptist churches for 26 of those 31 years: Stonebrook Baptist Church (Nolensville, Tennessee), Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, and Northside Baptist Church (both in Indy). 

I'll also state that this wasn't the first Convention I attended. In '08, when the convention was also in Indianapolis, I volunteered to help welcome the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) meeting, and was able to go through the wonderful exhibit hall. A year later, Becky and I went to a chaplaincy lunch in Louisville, and, of course, went to the exhibit hall. (We sat in on a live taping of Southern Seminary President Al Mohler's radio program, with his guest Russell Moore.)

Back to the present... uh, recent past. Our church was asked to  provide volunteers for the convention, and planned on sending several for the Tuesday, June 11th session. There were three shifts that day, and Pastor Jared Barham scheduled the volunteers who wanted to stay all day for two, so they could spend the third at the convention meeting and/or the exhibit hall. So I took that day off so I could participate.

Shortly before the conference started, though, the prayer committee was asked to send a couple to be greeters for the prayer room on Sunday evening, so Becky and I went downtown and served there. Interestingly enough, the prayer room was located next to the volunteer headquarters. 

Tuesday, we got in a van at Northside at 6:45am That sounds early - I'm usually awake at that time, but I also picked up my blind friend and fellow church member Brandon Marcum. (Easier than finding and paying for downtown parking spaces.) Brandon and I were free the morning session, and then greeted during the afternoon and evening sessions, helping direct people who had any questions. 

I got to enjoy the worship at the beginning. One of the selections blended the Gettys' song "Come, People of the Risen King" with the classic Wesley hymn "Rejoice, the Lord Is King." During that time, I looked at the schedule, and suggested to Brandon that we start in the exhibit hall and come back for the commissioning of International Mission Board missions. About the time for that segment, we decided to stay in the exhibit hall or go to the auditorium. We both agreed to stay.

There were a lot of great exhibits there. The majority were connected with Southern Baptists - booths for the seminaries and Bible colleges (including other schools that weren't officially SBC), Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the International and North America Mission Boards, Send Relief (which does some disaster relief, but also works with refugees), and smaller booths for various ethnic ministries in the states (e.g. Chinese, Hatian, Messianic Jews). 

A large space was occupied by Lifeway Ministries, which is the publishing arm of the Southern Baptists, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School material as well as non-fiction books. I'm not complaining - they also had free coffee! More importantly, Brandon was able to talk with G. Duane McCrary, Jr., Manager of Adult Ongoing Bible Studies about ways to make resources  more accessible for the blind.

Schools weren't the only ones that had booths not directly connected to the SCB. Child Evangelism also had a booth, promoting their internet ministry to children. There also was a booth for Musical Evangelist Bruce Sechrest. One interesting booth was by a ministry called Faith Assistant, which had a sign reading, "Try our Christian Artificial Intelligence." How's that for stirring the pot? I heard a podcast where a Christian group used AI for a video, and came to the conclusion that like all technology, it can be used for God's glory but we must be careful. On the other hand, another has come to the conclusion there is nothing redeemable about it (Becky agrees). I don't know enough to weigh in, except to remember there was a Canaanite city named Ai.

While I would have enjoyed the morning session and seeing missionaries commissioned, I was blessed by my time in the exhibit hall. However, I didn't get to see any of the controversy that the latter sessions dealt with. 

Three years ago, I was following the contested election for SBC President, which had four candidates. There were more this year, but I didn't really consider any of the candidates. I did have the honor of being in a FB group with out-going President Bart Barber.

I'll admit I'm looking forward to the next conference I can attend.

GUEST BLOG: "PRAYING WITH 'ONE MIND, ONE VOICE'" BY BECKY REYNOLDS

Today, I'm sharing an article that Becky wrote for the monthly newsletter at Northside Baptist Church concerning the Southern Baptist Convention here in Indianapolis. The theme for the Convention is "One Mind, One Voice." Becky was asked to write this as a member of the Prayer Team.

Praying with “One Mind, One Voice”

By Becky Reynolds, Prayer Team Member

Local Crossroads Association churches, and the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana wait with excitement as the Southern Baptist Convention returns to Indianapolis this month. Do you know the year and city that Baptist churches first met together to fellowship and cooperate as “Great Commission Baptists?” The city was Augusta, Georgia, and the year was 1845. How encouraging to see the Holy Spirit continue to lead individuals and churches to fellowship and cooperate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ 179 years later!

This year’s theme, “One Mind, One Voice” connects us to Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 15. Romans theme of God’s righteousness by faith in Christ, Paul affirms, is lived out in love for one another.

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves… For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:1,4-6,13. (ESV) 

Paul gives us instruction in these verses on the importance of living out the gospel with “one another.” He states the means to do this in verse 1, that we please others, and not ourselves. He gives the source of power to please others in verse 13, that by being filled (continuous action) with the Holy Spirit, God will do more in our lives and community than could ever happen apart from cooperation. He answers the question, does living in Christian community make a difference for the gospel? What does serving together produce? Verse 6, our “one voice” glorifies the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And verse 13 - Together our glorious God of hope will fill each of us with his joy and peace.

Father God, you call us as individuals, each coming to trust Jesus and follow him in a personal way. Yet we are not called to live our faith and obedience alone. Believers in closed and restricted places often have no choice but to believe alone; we pray for them to enjoy and benefit from fellowship with others. We, however, have the remarkable privilege to serve one another and partner together for the gospel! Thank you for each Southern Baptist Convention church, pastor, leader, and member. By your Holy Spirit revive each of us to please others and not ourselves. Thank you for giving us endurance and encouragement to do this in real ways. May the result be your glory, and our joy and peace. We do your will by faith in you, worked out in love. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

A VIEW AT TWO FULL WEEKS OF MINISTRY FOR BECKY AND I!

Northside Baptist Church. The sign is announcing a block party that day (June 5, '24) promoting Vacation Bible School from July 15-19.

Ready to get tired out? I'd like to share what Becky and I have done/plan on doing from May 31st to June 16th. (This, of course, is in addition to my job and our normal responsibilities.)

May 31 - Becky goes to Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, and serves at Christian Youth In Action (CYIA), training teenagers to share the gospel at 5 Day Clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship.

June 2 - I serve at church working the cameras in the media room.

June 4 - My interview with Jerrod Cunningham of I Am The Pendragon and XIII Minutes, posted a week ago. Yes, I'm in a phase of struggling to keep up with blogs on my set days that when I post it, I count that as an accomplishment. 

June 5 - I take part of a block-party at our home church, Northside Baptist, to promote Vacation Bible School in the middle of July. This is during the Crossover ministry, where in preparation for the annual Southern Baptist Convention, churches come to local churches in the city hosting the convention and help in the outreach. People came out of town and did the behind the scenes work while the church members were free to talk to any visitors. 

June 7 - Becky comes home from CYIA.

June 8 - We visit a couple of friends to celebrate the birthday of one of them.

June 9 - We go to a graduation celebration of the daughter of friends/former fellow church members we've known for years (two of three of the graduate's older brothers weren't born when we met our friends). Also, we served as greeters in the Prayer room for the Southern Baptist Conventions Pastor meeting and national convention.

June 10 - Writing this blog, which will be posted electronically at 6am the next morning. I was originally planning on writing this on the 8th so it could be up on the 9th, but yes, I missed another blog!

June 11 - When this has posted, I'm on my way to the Southern Baptist Church where I'll be spending the day being a greeter (taking a day off work for this purpose). My alarm is set earlier than normal, and I won't get home till after the time I normally call it a day. 

June 13 - Posting a book review of "31 Spiritual Lesson I've Learned From My Dog" by Raylene King. The authors and their rambunctious little dog are personal friends of mine. 

June 14 - Taking another day off work. I'll be driving up to Greentown, IN, to the Kingdom Come Festival, put on by Always 1 Ministries. Yes, I'm going to hear some good music, but I'm also going to be doing some volunteer work, and have the goal of encouraging and praying with several of my musician friends. 

June 15 - It's Saturday, so I won't be taking the day off, but I'll be returning to the Kingdom Come Festival.

June 16 - Father's Day. This will be the 5th Father's day after my dad went home to be with the Lord (Becky's passed in '98), so no plans to be with him, and the children we don't have haven't planned anything. (Maybe I should adopt some of the bands at the festival mentioned above?) But I will be at church in the media room again, and I plan on following my friend Nick Laurino's suggestion of wearing a Hawaiian shirt on Father's Day. Finally, I'm planning on posting a blog about a slight change in the day-to-day of this blog.

Yep, I'll be ready for a nap after all that. How about you?

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION THIS WEEK. THEY NEED IT!!! (WHO DOESN'T?!)

Vision Beyond Borders Prayer Calendar, March 11, 2023

For those unaware, Sunday through Wednesday will be the annual Southern Baptist Convention.

I'll make this blog short: Pray for God to be glorified, and pray for boldness to stand for God's Word even when it's out of season. And pray that we Southern Baptists love one another as Christ loved us, which is how the world will know we're His disciples!

Thank you. 

One last note - I believe the Baptist Press will be a more reliable news source than the mainstream media. But then, that's not news.

 

A FOUR DAY MISSION TRIP

 

On May 1-4, 2022, I had the honor of joining half a dozen other members of Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis on a four day mission troop at Ethnos 360 in the Ozarks in Missouri.

Are you familiar with Ethnos 360? Some of you might be more familiar with it by its former name, New Tribes Missions. Two of my college friends, Tony and Lauren Finch, joined New Tribes when they graduated. I remember Tony writing to me in the '80's and excitedly mentioning he was going to a place where "Jesus" isn't even a swear word. We learned Ethnos 360 is the third largest missionary organization, behind Wycliffe and the Southern Baptist's International Mission Board.

We came right after the missionary trainees spent a three week period of time in shelters they constructed during the first week and lived more off the land (they also learned how to butcher their meat). A billboard company gave them used billboard tarps which they used for shelter. We helped collect the used tarps and tools. Me and one other friend helped grind up pork for sausage.

The grounds were quite large and have a lot of things going on. For example, they had an auto garage, where they seemed to store everything. We also had a presentation on working with solar energy and water purification, and saw where they were growing plants hydroponically (without soil, using nutrients in water).

One thing we did was construct a place where they kept some of their supplies. We first put a couple of billboards up and then covered it with plastic to protect the structure from wind and rain. They decided to put the billboard with the pictures facing in, so anybody in that building could see a gigantic Jimmy John sub sandwich and this guy advertising truck driver training.

One blessing was finding out the grounds crew leader had served in Mexico with the Finches previously, and one of the other grounds workers who also headed up working with volunteers spent a semester at my alma mater, Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College.

We spent time with Ethnos Missionaries Dennis and Monika Farthing. Dennis and his family used to attend Northside. We had dinner with the Farthings, their children, and Dennis' parents, and Monika, who's from Germany, fixed us Wienerschnitzel. Another evening, we took a boat ride on the Lake of the Ozarks, with a former missionary piloting the vessel.

It was a blessing to spend some time on working with Ethos 360 and with my co-laborers at Northside Baptist Church.

 

 







 

RACIAL RECONCILIATION SUNDAY, 2022

 

I remember a few years ago seeing a calendar for events from the Southern Baptist Convention. Well, let's say I noted them in an on-line calendar I had. That's different from remembering, because I had forgot I did it. That is, until I noted the calendar yesterday.

When I was a member of an Assembly of God church in the '80's, I observed the denomination's weekly magazine declaring each week to have a special designation. Southern Baptists aren't different though to be fair, there might be other groups observing the same days. For example, the third Sunday in January is Sanctity of Life Sunday. In this case, the second Sunday in February is Racial Reconciliation Sunday.

As I changed my profile picture as I do at times, I also look at various frames for that photo. Surely somebody did a frame for Racial Reconciliation Sunday. Anybody? No? You mean I have to create one for next year?

As with any reconciliation, it takes two parties who, as it says in Philippians 2:4, look out not only for their own interests but those of others. In the reference, it appears to be talking about the individual, but it can also apply to your "tribe", whether we're talking skin color, nationality, gender, political party, church denomination, theology, alma mater, sports team, favorite cola, etc. 

Now some people will give a hearty "Amen" when I speak of the need for reconciliation (allow me to be speaking of any form of reconciliation, including but not limited to racial). However, they have a different picture than I do on a couple of issues:

1. They don't think I'm making enough effort, and that I should give at least 100% of my energy to it, though probably more than that.
2. They also disagree with me that they should make ANY effort. 

Do they want reconciliation? Not really. They would rather have power. They want control. They want to dictate the terms of agreement.

Let me state: Racism is real and a bigger problem than most whites are aware of. Some of that is conscious prejudice and some of it is unaware. And Christians are called to speak out against that evil. 

However, is it possible that words like "racism," "sexism," and "homophobia" are used in situations they don't fit and become a form of bullying? 

You may have heard about Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes' prayer to help her hate white people. Could she have a legitimate reason for the anger? Yes. Should we listen and learn? But is this aiding racial reconciliation? Is judging white people because of their skin color any different than us treating people with dark skin as inferior? I doubt it. Us vs. Them never solves the problem.

I've heard people comment that the most segregated places are churches on Sunday morning. Is this an example of racism? Not really. Sometimes it is based on who lives close to a church. Other times, it is people normally feeling more comfortable with people like themselves. The churches I've been in are welcoming of people of different races and nationalities (a former church had Korean, Filipino, and Mexican attenders as well as an African-American) yet are still pre-dominately white. But the key is being willing to welcome anybody.

What are you doing to promote Racial Reconciliation? Are there things we should start doing we currently aren't, or things we are doing that are a hindrance to this goal? How do we keep moving forward to this goal in spite of those who favor power to true reconciliation?

The ERLC (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission) of the Southern Baptist Convention are strong advocates for Racial Reconciliation. If you are interested in additional resources, click here for a list from the ERLC.

GUEST BLOGGER BECKY REYNOLDS: PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP

 This is a first for the blog, and one that I hope comes more often: A Guest Blogger! And that first guest blogger is my wife, Becky! 

Technically, this was not written as a blog. The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is meeting in a solemn assembly this week, and Becky wrote this as a prayer to share with friends. I asked if it was okay to post it in my blog, and she agreed. So below is her introduction and prayer.

Friends, I am sending this to a diverse group in every sense, except for our common faith in Christ, "worked out in love."  (Galatians 5)  I am uncomfortable with saying "too much," but I want you to be able to pray with me and others. (smile)

The 26 members of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is meeting this week in a "solemn assembly," with a couple of men known to seek God. Years ago, Dr. J. V. McGee said we need to put behind "sins, sorrows and blunders" Some of you already know of this very important week for the Executive Committee, but I mention it so that each of us can join in prayer (in the power of the Holy Spirit) and have our own faith, courage and joy increased. May we hear God's word, believe Him, obey Him, and bear the life of  the Spirit.Here is a start of prayer for us.

 

"Every day I thank You, Father, for Your grace that is real and personal!  God, may I believe You and believe fully Your sovereignty, goodness and grace. May I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. May I allow You to be God alone, first in my thoughts/meditations, meaning/purpose, will/choices, relationships and affections. May I grow in gratitude/thankfulness, character/truthfulness,wisdom/understanding and forgiveness/mercy. May my disciplines and schedule be strengthened as I hear Your word and trust and obey You. 

 

"As Dr. Charles Stanley says, I know that obedience is doing what You say, when You say it, and the way You say to do it. Every bit of faith and knowledge I have is from small acts of obedience, and repentance when I disobey. Father God, only Your Spirit gives joy! And joy always, always follows obedience.

 

"Father, experienced people have said that revival must begin at the top for it to last. I am thrilled that these men and women have set aside time in order to put behind the past, to hear You, and to know where You are and what You are doing. That investment of their time will bear dividends in the leadership of Southern Baptist churches, but not only SBC churches, but the American church as a whole, and then beyond. I ask that You protect their investment from the enemy of the gospel, and establish this as a marker in the life of the church of Jesus Christ for generations to follow! 

 

"Please cause holiness and love to increase. Give power to the word of God, to church leadership, church planting, and relationships at churches across this nation and the world. Cause  holiness and power to increase and give power to my local church. The generations after us will become desperate to hear 'It is written.' Let us give young families, young adults and children what they need and deserve -  the word of God lived out in truthfulness and love. 

 

"Thank You Father for the Lord Jesus and for Your Holy Spirit!My hope is to give You joy, Lord. 

 

"In Christ, Amen."

PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH: LOCAL, ASSOCIATION, AND UNIVERSAL

A globe in a fountain, International Learning Center, Rockville, VA

Becky and I had the pleasure of being here twice, both with events connected with the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention.

 

Many of you know that Becky and I are in a Southern Baptist Church. Maybe a few less of you know that the Southern Baptist Convention will be taking place in Nashville June 13-16, 2021. 

Outgoing SBC President J.D. Grear has called for prayer and encouraging fasting on the the three Wednesdays leading up to the Convention. Today is Wednesday #2. There is an on-line prayer meeting. They also posted a prayer guide.

In the first paragraph, I mentioned I'm a member of a SBC church. You may notice I didn't say I was a Southern Baptist. I have no problem being one, but those who know me know I've considered myself a Christian first and a member of a Denomination second. A large part of my life have been in two Baptist groups: The SBC and the Conservative Baptist Association of America (in which I went to a Bible College). However, I've been involved in various different churches, including General Conference Baptist, Independent Baptist, Assembly of God, Nazarene, Calvary Chapel, and independent churches varying from mild Charismatic to Fundamentalist. 

Thus, I'm sharing the areas of prayer and would welcome prayers for the Southern Baptist Convention. But could these requests be applicable to your local church, whichever denomination it is? Could it be a guide to pray for your denomination even if it's a different one? How about for the entire body of Christ across the U.S. and even around the world?

Here are the three areas of prayer they're focusing on:

1. FOR GREAT COMMISSION MOBILIZATION. Under this heading, they're asking for prayer for their missionaries and church planters. They're encouraging college people/young professionals to give two years for the mission of God either here or abroad. And the best part: they're praying that every church would judge success by sending capacity and not seating capacity. In other words, their goal is for each church to actively be involved in missions.
2. FOR UNITY IN THE GOSPEL. "Pray that our Convention would reflect the beauty in the diversity of all peoples in our nation." They also ask prayer to stand steadfastly on the inerrant and all-sufficient Word of God while celebrating our distinctiveness in geography, style, and culture, valuing all image bearers (Gen. 1:26-27). And again an important point: That we love one another as Christ commanded as a witness to the world of our redemption and reconciliation by Christ.
3. PRAY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ANOINT OUR MEETING AND OUR MINISTRIES AROUND THE MEETING. This quote is not from the prayer guide, but I believe Billy Graham said it: "If the Holy Spirit was taken from this world, 90% of church work would continue unaffected." That is not the desire of SBC leadership.

Please pray for your local church. Pray for your association, and if you feel led, for the SBC as well. Pray for awakening in the Church around the country and the world.

But finally, let me ask you three questions:

1. What are you personally doing to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)?
2. What are you doing to promote unity among fellow Christians? (I've heard it said often that unity is not uniformity - we should be unified with all who are seeking God's Kingdom.)
3. Are you seeking to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, to live for the glory of God?