Point of View

Over the past few months I have found myself becoming increasingly involved in the dialogue surrounding current Southern Baptist Convention issues. As time has passed, I have come to notice a troublesome pattern, particularly between those who differ in their view of church methodology: the tendency of many individuals to attack people and motives rather than simply discuss issues.

Recently, articles have been published by young SBC pastors regarding a new generation of pastors and their attempts to become involved in convention life. Florida Baptist Witness published such articles by Jeremy Green (June 22) and Ben Brammer (May 25). Both articles were carefully thought-out, well-written pieces detailing their understanding of the issues and the people involved. In reading their articles, I appreciated much of what they had to say. Their words were strong and encouraging to many young pastors who have become involved in convention life.

However, as I have read further in their articles, I was struck with the thought that some of the concerns these men addressed in reference to a new generation of SBC pastors, must arise from interaction with an entirely different set of pastors than the ones who I know.

There are pastors from across our convention who have unofficially become known as “younger leaders.” This term is somewhat inaccurate in that many who are involved are not young, and almost none of those involved are leaders within our convention life. Nonetheless, that has become their moniker. I have been privileged to get to know many of these men and women, and I have learned some truths that I believe need to be communicated, particularly in response to articles like the ones recently penned by Brammer and Green.

First, both Brammer and Green, among others, often identify this segment of pastors as individuals who are trying to grab power, or “make a name for themselves.” In my experience, this is the complete opposite of the truth; I have yet to find one person in this group who has even expressed an interest in a position of leadership within the SBC. In fact, when meeting with a SBC leader who was part of the conservative resurgence, one of these “younger leaders” expressed our desire to serve, not hold positions within the SBC. This wise man simply smiled and responded, “Good, because if you are trying to grab power, you are doing it in the worst way possible.” He is right.

This group of exciting and innovative pastors is not trying to “grab power.” They generally are some of the most servant-minded pastors I know. They have taken an interest in convention life, and have become involved in such; and for that, I am thankful.

Another claim that many, including Brammer and Green, make is that these “young leaders” must be deficient in their pastoral and preaching roles because they simply cannot have enough time for both ministry and preparation due to time spent online with websites or blogging. Green said, “After all, how does one have time for sermon preparation with all of the new requirements for ‘younger leaders,’ such as networking and web logging?” These are ridiculous claims. Involvement in one area of life does not necessarily negate involvement in another. Most of these pastors, at least in my experience, are not sacrificing ministry time for their involvement, but rather, personal time. It is also interesting that “networking” and “blogging” are ridiculed in some circles, and yet weekly associational pastor’s lunches or regular phone conversations with peers are applauded.

No, these “younger leaders” are generally not damaging their ministries to be involved; they are simply finding new ways to do what many pastors have been doing for years. They want partnership, friendship and communication, and they find that “networking,” “blogging,” and other such activities provide outlets to do so. It would be wise for many in our convention who are disparaging some of the activities of these pastors to try and understand what they are doing rather than simply dismiss it because it is new or because it is something they do not yet understand.

Finally, there is the claim that many “younger leaders” do not rightfully respect those who have gone on before us. Most “younger leaders” I know highly value those who have paved the way for us, but we do not idolize them. To assert that simply because someone has been extremely valuable to our convention that they are automatically exempt from any potential future criticism is an unwise and unwarranted position.

From my own experience, I have felt deeply honored and privileged to learn from some of the great men in recent Southern Baptist life such as W.A. Criswell, Paige Patterson, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, and others. I have had moments where I was literally awed simply to be in their presence. To claim that I or other “younger leaders” do not honor such men is insulting, at the very least. However, we do not or will not allow ourselves to simply follow leadership blindly. We are scripturally bound to examine their actions and hold them accountable if it appears that there are inconsistencies.

In conclusion, I believe that much of this misinformation is due to a lack of relationship. Those who stand on either side of this methodological divide all too often make statements about each other without genuinely trying to understand those on the other side. I would challenge all involved to actually try to get to know one another. I would also encourage us to continue to hold each other accountable for the things we say and the actions we take. As we do so, let us ensure that we point to specific actions and activities that are out of line, avoiding generic claims and harmful rhetoric.

Such rhetoric is simply incompatible with righteousness.

Fries, 27, is pastor of Missouri Valley Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Mo., and owner of the Web log, http://friesville.blogspot.com.