David Phillips quoted a retired SBC pastor that he has spent some time with this week. His words got me to thinking. Here is what he said:

The liberal good 'ol boys were leading us to liberalism. The conservative good 'ol boys are leading us to stagnation.

The battle for the Bible is over. Now the battle is for theology, for missions, and for ecclesiology. The eccleisological ridicule from the Vine's of the world continues through the Steve Gaines of the world.

[UPDATE (per David Phillips who heard the quotes): The context for the second quote above is the following:Vines has that tendency to take the "pot shots" at contemporary worship and churches that use it. According to my (David's) pastor-friend, Gaines is now making similar comments.]

I have respect for both Jerry Vines and Steve Gaines. I believe they love the SBC and have pure motives. I assume this because I don't know them personally. But this quote caused me to really think. There is always the danger of liberalism creeping into the church and denominations. How do we find balance? Most of the pastors I am in contact with are conservative. But we have seen the power-hungry, mean-spirited and ugly tactics in SBC life --at least since I have been an adult. Accountability is needed. But, I take correction much better when I am approached with a humble spirit. I don't see that very much anymore. Church, especially denominational politics, copies the Democrats and Republicans! There is spin, rhetoric, name-calling, etc... Jesus was not a political leader. As much as his own disciples wanted that- He resisted! I don't see Jesus running for the President of the SBC. I'm not saying it is bad to be President. But we need humble men like Jim Henry. We need people who are "cooperative conservatives." I drove through Greensboro on Monday and was thinking about the future of the SBC. I believe it will be a pivotal time for the SBC. God doesn't need the SBC. But we need Him! My prayer is that we will continue to pray and work towards sharing Jesus in the world and stop destroying our own. I pray that those of us younger SBC leaders will not copy the bad example we witnessed over the last 2 decades! God help us all!