News: deadline for missionaries to sign - Texas Baptists aiding missionaries........

Regardless of whether the SBC is "very different" is not the point. Based upon how the convention functions, they can alter their statement of beliefs ever how they choose (right or wrong) and hold their representatives accountable for that change. The Priesthood of the Believer element enters the picture in that each individual must choose whether they want to align themselves within that statement or not.

The statement was adopted in the prescribed manner adopted by the SBC in its beginnings. Each individual/church/state is autonomous to agree or disagree with the overall consensus. Everyone who is opposed to it can vote against it at the appropriate time. The "it doesn't represent everyone" argument is silly. The BF&M2K was adopted in the same manner as every previous one. Just b/c someone does not like the results doesn't discount the procedure.

 

SBC,

My point was not that what the IMB is doing is wrong, I'm just pointing out why the issue is a complex one.

I am concerned to hear a baptist say that they are ordained by a denomination, but that's another issue.

Regardless of where a person stands regarding the dramatic changes in the SBC, a large number of people and institutions who have historically identified themselves as Southern Baptists were disenfranchised by those changes. That number includes missionaries and churches; and as a result actions like these cause turmoil.

Joshua

 

Based upon how many missionaries have refused to sign, resigned, etc., I would say it is far less complex than some would suggest.

You must be referring to another poster. I do not believe denominations ordain, but I do believe missionaries can choose to align themselves with a certain group and need to have the integrity to work in accordance with that group's stated beliefs.

IMO little turmoil has occurred that did not need to happen. Evidently you use the term "large number" loosely. With the direction of the SBC, few have left that did not need to leave (IMO).

 

Sherrie, you ask a good question and I hope that I can give you a good answer.

1. An individual is called by God to be a missionary.

2. The individual is ordained by a SBC church to be a missionary.

3. The individual seeks to be an SBC missionary through the IMB.

4. In order to receive funding from SBC churches, the IMB mandates that all IMB missionaries affirm the statement of faith approved by SBC messengers.

The missionaries are called by God, but are funded by SBC churches who operate...and fund...as they are directed by God.

Does this help?

 

Joshua I understand your concern and i apparantly misspoke. I did not say BY the denomination but IN. as in the church is a SBC church. Sorry for the confusion. Good point though, Joshua. some of the missionaries had begun under a prior article of faith.