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A Contract with Southern Baptists – Part 6
Posted by Dave Samples in Baptist Life
Based in Humility – a necessary foundation
Authorized by Scripture – a necessary standard
Powered by the Holy Spirit – a necessary energy
Transformed by Worship – a necessary voice
Identified by Unity – a necessary obedience
Shaped for Mission – a necessary result – Matthew 9:37-38, 22:1-14, 28:18-20; Luke 10:2, 24:46-47; John 15:5, 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-15.
The Baptist Faith and Message states that, “It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations”. The phrase does not leave much room for exceptions: “every follower” and “every church” are to “endeavor to make disciples”. Jesus actually commands us to, “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 18:18-20). In addition, the founding document of the Southern Baptist Convention states that the SBC is, “being created for the purpose of eliciting, combining, and directing the energies of the Baptist denomination of Christians, for the propagation of the gospel” (SBC Charter of 1845).
It seems that Southern Baptists exist to make disciples through sharing the gospel message. And yet, we are content to look the other way when our SBC churches disobey the clear command of Christ to go and make disciples. Has the SBC, a state convention, or even an association, ever separated themselves from a church that did not baptize anyone? Has the convention ever refused to seat messengers from churches not reporting even one baptism? Is a church who has not reached even one person for Christ in a single year truly a “cooperating” church?
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). It seems that the expectation of Christ is that His church will bear fruit. The infant church saw three thousand saved and baptized in one single day (Acts 2:41-47). Shouldn’t the two thousand year old “mature” church be even stronger yet? It is perhaps a minimum expectation that a “Baptist” church would practice–baptism.
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Good point, and one which may well (hopefully) cause some real self-examination by local churches.
Disciples are learners so it may prove hard to distinguish who is actually making disciples and who is not (baptisms are not the sole indicator and could be a false indicator). And, much like the dilemma our country faced when deciding how to treat the small and large states fairly, a small church may get the short end of the stick as they don’t have as many workers. In addition, it seems to me that the messengers are refusing to seat the convention! So the punishment may not be as severe as one might think.
Overall, I like the idea of accountability but I like it within the context of my local church. I like the idea of having my buddy say to me: “John, who’d you share with this week, did you leave any tracts, how’s your prayer life?” It really gets to the point when your brother or sisters asks: “So how ya livin’?”
Bob: Maybe we could publish a list: “Churches and Pastors who Baptized Not One Single Person in the past 365 days”
John: The “refusing to seat messengers” idea is more tongue in cheek than anything else. I’m trying to point out that if evangelism is essential (and I think that it is), then our denomination should treat it more seriously (perhaps with accountability). It seems that “refusing to seat messengers” is the biggest stick that the SBC (as well as state conventions and associations) carries. Take a look at the statistical information from your association’s ACP and you will notice MANY churches baptizing no one (or at least not reporting). What “God-called”, “Bible-believing”, “Jesus-loving” pastor can’t lead at least ONE person to Christ in a twelve month period? I agree with you that baptism is not always an indication of evangelism. However, “Baptist” churches should as a minimum expectation–evangelize and then baptize.
All,
This is a must read by all those who profess to be a Christian. Eph 5:14 .Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light..-Ephesians 5:14.
“The Church Aroused” a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon.
http://www.recoverthegospel.com/Old%20Recover%20the%20Gospel%20Site/Spurgeon/Spurgeon%201-1000/716.pdf
Wayne Smith