In recent days Danny Akin and now Ronnie Floyd have addressed what they believe to be myths about the Great Commission Resurgence, or at least the work of the GCR Task Force. A few bloggers and at least one state paper editor have responded. A common theme in these responses is that the blogger or other interlocutor claims he has not heretofore heard of the myth. Some have asked for evidence of the myth in either hard print or in the … [Read More]
Myths Concerning the GCRTF: A Postscript
In June at the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, I had a conversation with my father in the ministry and hero in the faith. That man is Dr. Paige Patterson. My love for this man cannot be measured in human words. My gratitude for his investment in my life is impossible for me to express. Now, I know he does not always agree with me, but I have never doubted he loves me and wants … [Read More]
Myth #8: The GCRTF plans to abolish NAMB or dissolve it into the IMB.
To be fair it is easy to see how this myth has arisen. In fact it only constitutes as a myth as it relates to the current work of the GCRTF. Beyond that, as far as it being an item of intense discussion and interest, it is anything but a myth!
In the “Axioms message” I raised the question of some possible mergers (I was not specific) to increase efficiency and avoid duplication. Tim Patterson, chairman … [Read More]
Myth #7: The GCRTF is about diluting our Baptist identity and distinctives so that we begin to look more like the American Evangelical Convention than the Southern Baptist Convention.
This myth was unknown to me. I had not heard about it. However, a member of the TF for whom I have great love and respect assured me it was out there and that is would be helpful if it were addressed. As it relates to the GCRTF the fear was we would bring recommendations for partnerships and alliances that could compromise our Baptist identity and distinctives. In a sense this concern is similar to … [Read More]
Myth #6: Many members of the GCRTF are fundamentally opposed to the work of local associations and state conventions.
The GCR has always been about energizing and mobilizing Southern Baptists to get the gospel to the unreached peoples of the world and the underserved regions of North America, and to do so as effectively and efficiently as possible. Nothing more and nothing less is the goal and agenda of this movement. If something stands in the way or hinders this then it needs to change or be set aside as unhelpful and unnecessary to … [Read More]
Myth #5: The GCR is actually a grand Calvinist plot to infiltrate the SBC and gain control or at least greater influence in the Convention.
This may be my favorite of all the myths. The wild imaginations that have produced it are a wonder to behold. I mean, you have to stay up late and work really hard to come up with something like this. These brothers ought to write science fiction or mystery novels! There are millions for the making. Now, what are the facts?
First, the “Axioms Message” has only one passing and playful reference to Calvinism. The point … [Read More]
Open Letter from Ronnie Floyd
Note: You will find below an email letter sent out by Dr. Ronnie Floyd, chairman of the GCR Task Force. It expresses so well his heart, mine, and all the members of the Task Force. Let me encourage you to: 1)read it and 2)pray for our work in the days ahead. We truly have an awesome, indeed an impossible, assignment that will only be accomplished through the prayers of God’s people who intercede for us … [Read More]
Myth #4: The goal of the Great Commission Task Force is to dismantle if not destroy the Cooperative Program as we know it today.
Recently a Baptist Press article lamented that, “Some leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention tell us that the CP is dead or is no longer effective or efficient, or needs to be redefined. Simply stated, these leaders tell us the CP doesn’t work; it’s a relic of the past; it’s the old way; it’s a program, and programs are an anathema; and that CP is all about old denominational loyalty.” Then just a few days … [Read More]
Myth #3: The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is attempting to influence and even control the search committee process at the Executive Committee, the IMB and NAMB.
Conspiracy theories are usually entertaining. And, they often contain a modicum of truth, but not much more. I believe this is the case with this myth as well. The GCRTF has watched, as have most Southern Baptists, with great interest the events that have unfolded in recent months (and days!) at NAMB, IMB and the Executive Committee. It would be dishonest to say we did not anticipate or see some of these things coming (others … [Read More]
GCR Myth #2: The goal of [certain members of] the Task Force is to turn North American church planting over to Acts 29 or to at least enter into a formal partnership with them.
This myth may be my favorite because of the incredible imagination needed to come up with it! The creative imaginations behind this myth deserve a medal. The fact is that Acts 29 has never been an item on the GCRTF agenda. In fact, I suspect a number of the Task Force members have never heard of Acts 29. Amazingly, this was my experience when meeting with leadership at NAMB several years ago. Acts 29 was unknown to them.
Now, … [Read More]
