I really appreciate Alvin Reid’s post on why he is a Southern Baptist, and Nathan Finn has this introduction for those not familiar with him:
Alvin occupies the Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern, where he has taught since 1995. He is the author of numerous books, including a widely-used evangelism textbook and a forthcoming book (co-authored with SEBTS ethicist Mark Liederbach) devoted to living missionally in an emerging culture. Alvin is a devoted churchman and a popular evangelist and Bible teacher, with a particular passion for teenagers and collegians. He is a gift to Southern Baptists.
Particularly good is Reid’s fifth point:
5. Finally, I am a Southern Baptist because I love a challenge, and these are challenging times. A close friend of mine said something in our seminary days I have never forgotten. It was the height of the conservative resurgence, when so many like us longed to see our leaders, our schools, and our agencies unapologetically affirm the Scriptures. “Alvin,” he said, “I want to tell my grandchildren that when it came time to take a stand for truth, I did so.” I agreed. And I agree.
Here is some reality check, as well as some hope for the future of the Southern Baptist Convention:
At many levels the Southern Baptist Convention is sick. And even worse, in many circles leaders are in denial. We are in decline. We have been pathetic at evangelism in the US for a long time, not just recently. We have too often confused preference for truth in embarrassing ways. Imagine that, we are at the place where we have no hope but to trust in God to move us forward. I like that challenge. I am giving my life to the next generation, in particular those under 25. I still believe God is at work and we can turn this big old aircraft carrier toward a new horizon.
