I live in FAR northern New York, about 5 miles from the Canadian border. About 5 hours north of Syracuse. Montreal, Quebec is the nearest city of any size. The congregation of which I am a member runs about 30 on a Sunday morning. Just some background.

I did some research on the members of the GCR Task Force and if any of us think that there will be any criticism of mega-churches I say, “Good luck with that.” The only person on the TF that reported less than 1000, pastored a church of 650. My research shows that the average SBC church is 233. Where is that sized church represented on the committee?

Secondly, we are told to tithe to our local church, not the SBC. I have some questions that I hope someone could answer about what is done with the money that the IMB does get.

According to press releases, the blending of NAMB and IMB is off the table. My cynical side says this is a good way to avoid layoffs in a down economy. As a former US military member and federal employee, the multiplication of agencies and acronyms sounds vaguely familiar….

I challenge all of those who have commented to take a look at the make up of the GCR Task Force. If you think that this group is going to look at mega-churches and their bloated budgets with a critical eye, “Good luck with that!” My research may be off, but according to the church websites the smallest church represented had 650 average attendance. Where are the representatives for the average SBC church which research shows is 233 members? How much money did the IMB spend on those flashy info packets for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering?

Having been a member of the US military and having worked as a federal civilian employee, the names and acronyms used in the SBC sound vaguely familiar…

When wishing for CHANGE, as recent history teaches us, be careful what you wish for! Inform your congregations and let them decide what is best.

You read my mind John, but no one really addressed that as far as I could tell. Is the Lottie Moon fund a good means to get more money directly to missionaries overseas, or is it really subject to the same “2% of every dollar goes to missionaries” rule?

I stumbled on to this site and may not find my way back, but please feel free to e-mail me at MGrubb@vwstores.com if you have facts about the Lottie Moon offering.

As one who was recently called to magnify God among the nations this call for reform hits home to me. Especially after my recent denial letter from the IMB for lack of funds. Yet the SBC and the IMB are not my God and cannot dictate the calling on my life. I still continue to go. I just must look through other agencies and other means. Indeed, this is the sad story of many in my generation. God is calling them to go and yet our convention doesn’t have the means nor do they use the means well when they have it.

Many in my generation (20-30) would love to see the SBC reformed and indeed see 8000 missionaries overseas. Yet, even in this talk of reform, many of us are still going down the road we have been going down for a while now, away from the SBC. Most of us lost confidence in its practices and money spending long ago. The SBC is no longer the priority of this generation. Money is tight and we desire for every dollar to be spent for the glory of God. We see this happening more through organizations outside of the SBC. Many still have no confidence in how their money is spent to spread God’s fame even if they send it directly to the IMB because the IMB is in need of huge reform itself. How can a generation of people who are starting to see and value the primacy of the local church give their hard earned money to the IMB that says they value the church when they get their money but leaves them out of the process in everything else? How much does the IMB value the local church when they are choosing new candidates? They didn’t contact my church. They weren’t concerned with what my Elders had to say. They wanted a reference like every other business, but it is just a reference. If the SBC continues its course, there will be no SBC in the years to come because this generation will take the gospel to the nations through other means that value the primacy of the local church.

With that being said, my generation needs to take note of your plea David and take part in this reform. I fear many see the efforts to reform within the convention as an effort that will never make it. You turn their heads when you write your blog, but they still are continuing to pour their time, giftings, and money elsewhere until the SBC gains their trust. May God use the GCR to make lasting changes in our convention so it doesn’t die out like most of churches. And may many in our generation, including myself, count it a privilege to take part in a reform that will hopefully sent thousands of more missionaries to the nations for the glory of His name.

I am aware of the huge gaffe I made in my presentation.

What you understood from my post is what I said, but not what I meant. It is one of those, “I’m writing on a blog and trying to be as concise as possible. Which usually means that my thoughts are not fully and carefully expressed,” moments.

And, sometimes my views come out of balance when I want to emphasize another point than the one made by someone else. In this case Dr. Nelson. Do I think that the IMB is careless? In most cases, they are very careful.

I think what I really am trying to say here is this: I think that we here in the states as well as those whom we have sent out should be inspired by our brothers and sisters who go out with very little, who are sent by those with very little. We should also be inspired by the stories of the past in our own convention. Men and women who gave up a lot to go to other countries and share the gospel. Sometimes at the cost of their lives or general hardships.

This does not mean sacrifices aren’t made today. But only a challenge to see where we could make more. Again what was not presented was that these sacrifices should be made on both sides. The question is, “What type of sacrifices will either of us make for the sake of the gospel?”

I hope I have stated my case a little more clearly. I know there is a lot I left out.

Through Christ,
Dougald

In light of your intent to reflect some more on what you’ve written, I decided to submit a final comment here.

To me, your original comment above implied the following: Yes, Dr. Nelson has a point, but we have another significant problem here. The IMB and its workers spend carelessly, or at least more carelessly than they should. The solution is for IMB workers to live like “native” missionaries who at times do not even have food to feed their families (or at least they should be willing to live that way). If they would just do that, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

If that was not your intent, some clarification would be appreciated. If that was your intent, I pray that your tribe is small and decreasing.

Also, I think the onus is on you to justify your claim that missionaries should be willing to go with a one-way ticket.

Blessings on your PhD work. I’m scheduled for comps in a few weeks.

JH

My apologies for the use of the word luxury. I agree that that is too harsh a term. I did not mean any disrespect to your family. By juxtaposing those comments I see that I have misrepresented myself entirely. I know that you went through a lot and I am sorry that I presented it so casually. And for that, I offer my sincerist apologies to you my brother.

Through Christ,
Dougald

The comments in response to your comment made by my colleagues on the field are excellent and you should consider them thoughtfully. Also I would like to say, as the father of the toddler that you mention, my son’s miraculous recovery and God’s provision of good medical care is not a “luxury” but a blessing. Also your comparison of people’s suffering is unhelpful.

I encourage you to please rethink your comment.

Blessings,
J.M.

You have written a fine post. I will not detract from it any longer. My apologies for the detraction I have caused thus far. I was hoping I would fly under the radar.

Others,

You can visit my blog at http://www.meditationsonthelaw.wordpress.com where I will seek to respond, clarify, and if I have overstated my case retract some of my comments.

My goal was not to offend you, but I do like to stir the pot from time to time.

I would recommend some reading of IMB/FMB history, especially those times when financial problems have struck the board before. This is certainly not the first time this has occured. Nor will it be the last.

I appreaciate all your service for the gospel certainly as I do those who serve in the U.S. as well. I give to Lottie Moon and have always supported the CP.

It will take me some time to respond, though I expect a post to be out by the weekend at least. I am a Ph.D. student working on a independent study and my blog will be dealing with this as well since I have chosen this method to communicate with my professor.

I will warn you I have radical views on missiology. When I post I will not cite these responses per se, but I will be happy to continue the discussion there.

Through Christ,
Dougald