Comments on: Why Should I Attend the Southern Baptist Convention?

By: Shaun

Shaun — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Well,
I am 26 and have never been to the annual Southern Baptit Convention. I have completed several degree at Southestern, and would like to be involved in SBC life in the future. You guys have got me really interested in going this year. I contacted my 3,000+ member church to whom I am a member about attending this year. They said they were fine with me going, but they offered no financial assistance for getting there. They said they usually don’t send many messengers since the “controversy years.” I think this says something about how many churches view attending the convention today.

By: Was The John 3:16 Conference Dividing Or Simply A Critique of Calvinism? « Ministry of Reconciliation

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:36:39 +0000

[...] Tagged: infighting, John 3:16 Conference. No Comments Alvin Reid’s latest post entitled Why Should I Attend The Southern Baptist Convention was a post I agreed with for the most part. I think more young people should attend and have a [...]

By: Nathan Finn

Nathan Finn — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:39:39 +0000

Sam, as a fellow Calvinist who attends an SBC church, I want to interact with your question.

First, Johnny Hunt was not “invovled” with the John 3:16 Conference, unless by “involved” you mean his church served as the event’s venue. Jerry Vines, who is a member of FBC Woodstock, was the architect of the event–that’s why it was at Woodstock.

Second, I’m not sure the John 3:16 Conference “threatens to divide” the SBC. It was simply a conference where non-Calvinists critiqued Calvinism. Now you can disagree with their critiques–I do–but they are within their rights to have the conference.

Furthermore, the same charge could be made by non-Calvinists that pro-Calvinist conferences “threaten to divide the SBC.” Our differing opinions are what threatens to divide the SBC, not any conference. And so long as most of us remain committed to not dividing over the differences, than I think everything will be OK.

NAF

By: Alvin Reid

Alvin Reid — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:48:57 +0000

Thanks for the comments. I will look for you Jeremy! Gunny, I think that quote is the point that so many completely miss. Do we really think a lot of 30somethings are sitting around wishing they could lead in the SBC? Most would rather get with three friends and talk about planting a new church.
Justin, I understand your dilemma. That is one (of many) points I will make at the Pastors Conference. And one Dr. Akin made in his Axioms message. I would just say that this year and perhaps the next two or three may be worth the while. If not this year, plan a family vacation/SBC trip next year. We did that when I was more of a “younger” minister!
I am glad you attend. I have not attended them all the last few years, opting to speak at events for singles, students, etc. But I believe this year is vital, so I will see you there!

By: Sam

Sam — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:10:42 +0000

I have just one question.

As an Calvinist attending an SBC church, will Johnny Hunt continue to be involved in conferences like John 3:16 that threatens to divide the SBC?

By: Justin Nale

Justin Nale — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:46:31 +0000

Most of the young SBC pastors I know would actually like to attend the annual meeting, just not more than attending Together for the Gospel or Gospel Coalition or one of a hundred other good conferences available these days. Younger pastors in particular tend to be at smaller churches with smaller budgets, and so they can only attend one or two events a year. Attending the SBC annual meeting is important, but in light of overall ministry to their local church, should it take priority over these other conferences? Many don’t think so. I personally do attend the SBC annual meetings (and am thankful for a church that has made that a priority), but in light of the other annual events competing for a pastor’s patronage, I understand why many don’t.

By: GUNNY HARTMAN

GUNNY HARTMAN — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:20:00 +0000

“NOTE: those my senior wanted to change the world for the gospel and believed the way to do that was through convention involvement; those my junior believe such involvement in the convention actually hinders their ability to change the world for the gospel!”

That comment alone was worth reading the piece. Thou ALMOST persuadest me to attend this summer, but I already had other plans.

By: J Luman

J Luman — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:22:32 +0000

thanks for the admonition, Dr. Reid. I had already planned to attend, and am excited to see Dr. Akin’s work towards a Great Commission Resurgence, but your enumerated points helped me further see the importance of attending. hope to see you there, and many of “our” generation :o)