I am NOT at all OK with this...

I know that this prediction will be seven years old next week. It is good to know that the predicted split in the SBC hasn't happened. I would ask after reading the article: Are we working toward preventing a split or are we working to make sure that Dr. Patterson's prophesy comes true?

I am just not OK with throwing in the towel. We have work to do, I am certain of it.

Let's get mad and show the world how Baptist we are

I have tried to broaden the scope of my reading in the Baptist blogoshphere (now THAT's a dangerous combination of words). My blogroll over in the right-hand column intentionally includes conservative, liberal, moderate, and assorted flavors of commentary coming from differing perspectives within the Southern Baptist Convention, and more specifically the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Rarely do I find a topic from any of those sources that matches my feelings/opinions exactly. I read something this morning that comes very close to how I feel about being a Baptist...and if you have not read anything of Wade Burleson's blog, be sure to read this December 16, 2006 post. It includes the following:

There are those who say, "This fussing and fighting make me wish I weren't a Baptist."

Don't say that.

The truth is, we may seem to 'fuss and fight' but all we are really doing is establishing the fact that we are by nature Baptists --- nobody dictates, demands, or dominates our beliefs. The Word of God is our guide, and no human instrument will bind our conscience. The presence of free debate and dissent is a sign of a 'healthy Baptist denomination.'

Wade's comments fit my definition of who we are as Baptists. What seems to have changed for many of us that we just don't seem to know how to fight fairly. What the world sees is the unfairness of our tactics and misses the free debate and dissent..and now electronically-on-the-web, the open display is often a bad combination of unfair,ad hominem, free debate and dissent.

I would hold up Wade's blog as a shining example of gracious and reasoned response in the face of criticism. I believe that he demonstrates what electronic debate should look like. We may not agree completely. But with Wade, I am confident that our fellowship is not in danger due to our differences. For me, that is a core, historical, Baptist value that needs to be cultivated more among Baptist bloggers.

I still contend that whenever two or more Baptists are gathered in His name, there is a Meat and Three somewhere nearby.(my apologies to Matthew) We may fuss and fight, but we sure seem to have fewer problems when eating with one another.

There is no limit to anger born from ignorance or misinformation

It must be something in this morning's coffee, but I have been pondering what others have had to say about a certain value, belief, icon (i.e the Bible), or institution (i.e. the family) coming under 'attack'. I'll confess to my tendancies to become defensive when faced with an opinion, comment, or ideology that either conflicts with my own values or makes me uncomfortable. It is because of that discomfort that I leave you with the following words from Mark Twain:

"We despise all reverences and all the objects of reverence which are outside the pale of our own list of sacred things. And yet, with strange inconsistency, we are shocked when other people despise and defile the things which are holy to us."

Maybe I just need more creamer...perhaps one of those fancy flavored varieties.

Baptist & Reflector Editor Interested in Fairness

There is hope. Following a small hiccup in jounalistic standards, Lonnie Wilkins published "In the Interest of Fairness" as a follow up to this article. The Baptist and Reflector editor concludes with what I feel to be an honest reflection, worthy of consideration by all of us:

"It is a reminder that we need to be careful about not only what we say, but how it may be interpreted. We should never leave any doubt that we believe Jesus is “the only way, the truth, and the life.” And we should never, ever be ashamed to proclaim that Jesus is Lord."

I, too, will stand by what I wrote based upon Lonnie's story.

Dr. David Dockery - Baptist Olive Branches

I really, truly like David Dockery. He is a great match for the Union University community and the mission/goals/vision for the school. I hope that the trustees recognize the jewel that they have at the helm and support and encourage his ministry in leadership.

Dr. Dockery has stepped up to the plate to mend fences and extend olive brances within the ranks of Southern Baptists. His efforts are commendable. I hope that his most recent foray into Baptist diplomacy doesn't pull him too far from his focus at Union. I say that in all sincerity and know from experience and history that a misstep in any direction can be disasterous. We Baptists still tend to bury our wounded.

The following is a quote from a recent Concerned Tennessee Baptist news story, "Dockery calls for consensus on theological issues of primary importance":

Dockery traced his own experiences growing up as a Southern Baptist in the 1950s, when being Southern Baptist carried a cultural and programmatic identity no longer seen today. Instead, in recent years, Dockery said the Southern Baptist Convention has become a gathering of loosely-connected groups – including fundamentalists, evangelicals, revivalists, purpose-driven churches, quasi-charismatics, culture warriors and Calvinists, to name a few.

Dockery acknowledged that tension may exist between some of these groups – as tension exists in some basic Christian doctrines. But he said tension doesn’t have to lead to fragmentation or division.

“It is possible to hold hands with brothers and sisters who disagree on secondary and tertiary matters of theology and work together toward a common good to advance the kingdom of God,” Dockery said. “But we need to be of like mind on first-order issues, issues such as the authority and truthfulness of the Bible, the deity and humanity of Christ, the Holy Trinity and the exclusivity of the gospel.”

I feel pretty confident that Dr. Dockery's statement, "But we need to be of like mind on first-order issues" is something that most every Baptist would agree to. It may, however, be naive (and un-Baptist-like) to believe that his list of first-order issues will gain consensus in light of on-going debate over the Baptist Faith and Message (choose your version). I wish Dr. Dockery godspeed in his quest and will be watching for the wings of his words.

Refugee Baptists have affirmed Dr. Dockery's status as a Baptist... there is the burning question of whether or not he believes that fried chicken is the concensus Baptist bird. It is a first-order, Baptist fellowship issue, isn't it?

Not Under My Christmas Tree, No Way!

I have a historical appreciation for the folks over at Focus on the Family and their original projects that focused on parenting. In spite of what I perceive as a shift toward a focus on politics, there have been expansions of programs that I appreciate. I have generally found their entertainment reviews at PluggedIn to be fair and on target. I do take issue with the latest game recommendation.

First, read their review and endorsement for the computer game. Then, check out the reactions to Left Behind: Eternal Forces over at EthicsDaily.com. Sorry, guys, I believe the Focus on the Family crowd missed this one...particularly:

"Eternal Forces is the kind of game that Mom and Dad can actually play with Junior—and use to raise some interesting questions along the way. Production company Left Behind Games is pushing it as an evangelism tool for teens, and I can see that, too. You certainly don't have to be an eschatologically minded seminarian to appreciate it."

Oh, just in case someone chooses to lump me in with the "rock throwers", I HAVE seen and played the game. I consider the downplaying of "defensive violence" to be dishonest...it is probably the only part of the game that "Junior" would actually "enjoy". I would place this "tool for evangelism" in the same category of sharing the four spiritual laws using a hand puppet...it might feel good, but it is just not quite right. The primary benefit of the review might be parents scrambling for a dictionary to define eschatologically minded seminarian.

There are Baptist parts of the Left Behind Game game...while playing, it is essential that the leader keep his followers supplied (at least spiritually). Again, the lack of actual reference to fried chicken, green beens, or pecan pie was a real disappointment.

Concerned Tennessee Baptists - Searching for Sin

Larry Regan and his wife used the seach feature on web sites for Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, and Meijer using the following words: "lesbian, gay, homosexual, transexual, and bisexual". The intent of the research project was to get some indication of where these stores stand on these cultural issues, particularly since WalMart announced (but has yet to fully implement) a change in corporate giving to homosexual causes. I have re-created Larry's findings in chart form below (the numbers in each column represent the number of items that link to a word in the left-hand column):

	WalMart	Kmart	Target	Meijer
lesbian	614	0	0	0
gay	1315	0	3	0
homosexual	26	0	30	0
transgender	42	0	0	0
bisexual	38	0	9	0

Your response to the figures in this chart may have been like mine. I was surprised, shocked, dismayed, and genuinely concerned. So, I ventured into WalMart's search feature to see just what kinds of products these homosexual search terms referenced. As it turns out, the vast majority of the products are books.

Since WalMart isn't where I generally shop for books, I decided to apply the same search terms to the places where I have been known to shop for books. Here are my findings:

	Lifeway	Borders	Cokesbury	Amazon
lesbian	1	2000	101	44,872
gay	115	2000	311	146,201
homosexual	64	291	81	51,959
transgender	0	146	20	3,532
bisexual	0	241	30	17,758

If these search terms are to be the basis for a boycot, then I might suggest that Amazon appears to be a far greater offender than WalMart (noting that LifeWay doesn't look any better than Kmart, Target, or Meijer at this level...perhaps indicating a flaw in the thesis for the research). Which leads me to the following thoughts:

Generally, I am not one to boycot an institution because of a stance on cultural issues that differs from mine. I say that in one breath and will tell you in the next that I will not darken the door of an 'Adult Bookstore' or 'Gentleman's Club'... I make what I consider a common sense distinction (i.e. I doubt seriously that anyone enters an adult bookstore expecting to find bread, milk, and eggs).

I am not of the opinion that a boycot of an institution will bring that institution to saving grace. By focusing on the institution, we somehow miss the mark to reach the people within that institution (including corporate leadership) with the Gospel. I am pretty sure that the great commission mentions 'people' and not 'institutions' (although the imagery of immersing a Wal-Mart does have a certain appeal to my imagination).

I am not saying that we should throw in the towel for institutions that we see headed in the wrong direction. If any group understands how to make those kinds of institutional changes, I would expect that group to include strategists from the conservative resurgence. One share of stock in WalMart get you a vote and a seat at a stockholder's meeting...you can take it from there. Other groups have succeeded with a similar strategy.

Bottom line: I am not making plans to boycot WalMart although I am far less likely to purchase books from the store... call it a WalMart Book-cot if you like, but things that don't sell at WalMart are replaced by items that will. Now, I am struggling with how I should respond knowing a little more about Amazon. Thank goodness Amazon doesn't sell groceries!

I am pretty sure it shouldn't be like this

John the Methodist concludes a recent post regarding blogs being used to label someone unfit for ministry with the following:

It's amazing how bloodthirsty and ruthless Christians can get under the disguise of "correcting an errant brother in a spirit of love".

Amazing, indeed.

Dr. Gabhart in Good Form

I hear that Dr. Herbert Gabhart is progressing well in his physical therapy at Vanderbilt's Stallworth Hospital. For those of you who do not know the man that I consider Tennessee Baptists' senior statesman, take a look at part of a message that he delivered at Union University nearly 55 years ago (January 1952). It is cited in Calvin Miller's book, The Book of Jesus: A Treasury of the Greatest Stories and Writings About Christ. These are the words of Dr. Gabhart and the reason why that I love the heart of this man so dearly:

Let us call the roll of some of the professions:
To artists, He is the One altogether lovely.
To architects, He is the Chief Cornerstone.
To physicians, He is the Great Physician.
To preachers, He is the Word of God.
To philosophers, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the dying, He is the Resurrection and the Life.
To geologists, He is the Rock of ages.
To farmers, He is the Lord of the harvest.
To professors, He is the Master Teacher.
To prodigals, He is the forgiving Father.
To the lost sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.
To thirsty souls, He is the Water of life.
To the hungry, He is the Bread of life.
To philanthropists, He is God's Unspeakable Gift.
Nineteen centuries after His sojourn on earth, His shadow is larger and growing larger than ever before. No one can measure His height or His influence.

God bless you, Dr. Gabhart, I pray for your return to good health and happy times. We miss you!

Tounges Tied - Another Southern Baptist Divisor

For a snapshot view of the most recent Southern Baptist squabble, I believe Sam Hodges' Tongues tied: The lowdown on a Baptist spat treats the subject fairly and succinctly. There is a quote at the end of the article from Freddie Gage, a Dallas-based Southern Baptist evangelist, that I embrace. It is how many of us perceive the direction that our convention is headed:

“We’re no longer fishers of men, we’re keepers of an aquarium,” he said. “People need to be reached.”

"Keepers of the aquarium"...that is painful.

Paige Patterson on Non-Conservative Baptist Colleges

I have seen a couple of references to a 'let moderate and liberal colleges go' statement attrubuted to Dr. Paige Patterson, but did not know of a source until a Refugee Baptist reader sent me this link (thanks, Charles).

In an EthicsDaily.com post titled, "SBC Leader Says Fighting Over Baptist Colleges a Waste of Time", Dr. Patterson is quoted as saying:

"Most of the colleges and universities that have chosen not to move with the conservative movement are not going to move with the conservative movement," Patterson said. "[There's] nothing you can do that will do anything but create more hostility and more difficulty."

Please excuse my cynicism, but I believe that most of the colleges (and seminaries) who moved with the conservative movement did not do so by 'choice'...although, there were some colleges who did. Patterson clarified his position in later sections of the story:

"I thought frankly when we started out that out of the 56 Southern Baptist state-run colleges and universities we wouldn't get (emphasis mine) more than four or five of them for the conservative movement," he continued. "We've actually ended up with about 15 of them."

"There's no use fighting that battle any further in my estimation," Patterson said. "The thing to do is keep our own house clean."

In the cases of Belmont University and Carson-Newman College, I believe that Paige Patterson's estimation is correct. "We" (whoever-the-heck 'we', is) probably won't 'get' Carson-Newman or Belmont into the conservative movement. The question of whether battling institutions can cooperate in ministry after the dust settles from the feuds still remains to be asked or answered. I am still hopeful that partnerships between Belmont, Carson-Newman and the Tennessee Baptist Convention will happen in spite of the rift between the institutions. I cannot image that anyone in the ranks of Tennessee Baptists view Belmont or Carson-Newman students as a mission field that should be thrown out, discarded, or abandoned. There are examples of non-affiliated institution who completely abandoned their Baptist heritage, and there are examples of institutions who remain Christian with Baptist roots who continue the cooperative spirit that once was the glue that held Southern Baptist Churches together. I am willing to allow those who wish to "follow the conservative movement" to do so, and am still willing to find common, cooperative grounds for ministry...it is what I see that makes Baptists different from other denominations.

We Moved to Beta Blogger

I am not sure what this means for anyone who has The Refugee Baptist in their feed reader or blog roll, but if something isn't working on your end, it may be due to our change to blogger beta. I am guessing that whatever has happened is related to this.

And if all the above sounds like Greek to you, you are in good company.

Baptist Christmas Music - The Outtakes

Who would ever have imagined that the 1980's heavy metal band Twisted Sister would be singing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"... Somehow, I don't expect it to make the cut at any of this season's Christmas pagents...but it did make me laugh.

Thanks to our resident systems person for the long telephone conversation to learn about posting YouTube videos. Who says that you can't teach an old dog...

Hat tip: Reformed Baptist Thinker

Even (Real) Journalists Make Mistakes

Many bloggers make themselves easy targets for professional journalists to point fingers at the blogosphere as a harbor for unethical/unprofessional journalistic practice. It would seem that it still happens in mainstream journalism as well. The editor of the Tennessee Baptist and Reflector, Lonnie Young, inadvertently slipped into that chasm this week. His recent commentary, Poor Advice, is based upon poor factual reporting by the Tennessean. Without checking his facts first, Lonnie (and others) re-gurgitated the misinformation, insulted Dr. Camp, and then broadcast it in print to Baptists in the state of Tennessee.

I am certain the mistake was not intentional on Lonnie's part, however, thousands of Baptist readers across the state may never learn of the error. At least in a blog, the opportunity exists to correct the problem immediately. Come to think about it, the online version of the B&R has that same flexibility...perhaps we'll see an errata/apology.

Bill Hobbs had the following to say (and it applies to Mr. Wilkins error):

"You don't trust The Tennessean on a regular basis to get the facts right or to represent conservative viewpoints accurately when it comes to a variety of issues, yet you blindly accepted their version of events yesterday. You ought to know better. Like you, I took immediate offense at Dr. Camp's alleged remarks as quoted by The Tennessean yesterday, but it soon occurred to me that he may have been misquoted, or taken out of context..."

Here is some Good Advice: If someone in Christendom is quoted in the newspaper as saying something that sounds completely outrageous. Go. Phone. Email. Ask the individual if, indeed, that is what they actually said. (Note to self: That is good advice for bloggers as well...it is basic, ethical journalism for those who call themselves (or emulate) professionals).

I only wish I had said this first...

Agree or disagree with Wade Burleson as you may...but denying that he has the heart of a Baptist would be completely off the reservation. Wade reposted his feelings regarding conservative politics in Southern Baptist circles, and I quote him here because it defines where I am, better than I have been able to do myself:

"I, and others like me, are now being isolated by political conservatives who want to rid our convention of fellow conservatives who don't interpret Scripture like they do, or express dissent with the power politics of the SBC. These political conservatives refuse cooperation in favor of conformity, and I really think it is because they have forgotten how to minister in the power of the Spirit through prayer, humility and cooperation.

I do not want to fight with my fellow conservatives. I want to cooperate with every conservative to win the world to Christ. I don't want to even argue, I just want all of us who call ourselves Southern Baptists to realize our convention is big enough for different interpretations of the non-essential doctrines of Scripture. Let's accept the Baptist Faith and Message, but let's not demand conformity on doctrines that are not even addressed in our 2000 confession of faith before agree to cooperate with each other."

I confess my frustrations with the political tactics of the conservative resurgence and promise to work harder to avoid using the same ends-justifies-the-means strategies that have caused pain and confusion for far too many years.

I want my fried chicken and I want it now! (There must be a fried chicken = "Baptist cooperative spirit" metaphor somewhere that will preach...there is certainly more than one way to make good friend chicken instead of arguing over white meat or dark meat, right?)

Dr. Herbert Gabhart Hospitalized

Dr. Gabhart has been hospitalized and is now in Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital. Tennessee Baptists know this man well as one of Belmont's early presidents and the epitome of Baptist statesmen. I am praying for Dr. Gabhart's return to the active lifestyle that this 90+ year old young man enjoys... join me. (He is missing far too many deserts...and we can't have that, now can we?)

The Nativity Story - Quick Movie Review

Yes. I went to a movie theater. I watched The Nativity Story. If you are expecting a Charleton Heston, voice-of-god-like, narrated reading of the Christmas story from Luke, you will be disapointed. What you will see, however, is a wonderfully engaging project that gives a real feeling of what day-to-day life must have been like in Roman occupied territories where Jesus was born. You will be transported into the sights, the sounds, the customs, and community of Nazareth and the surrounding coutryside. There is a villianous Herod. There are shepherds whose faces show the wrinkles and roughness of a life lived outdoors. There are Mary's family and friends who struggle with Mary's announcement and react in ways that are believable. Mary and Joseph are not shiny and glossy people, but are portrayed in a manner that lets you know that they had real faith, hopes, fears, and questions... I'll not give away the ending. Just leave it to say that I don't think you will be disapointed. Take the family and friends. It is a beautifully portrayed story and a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Belmont University's Cafeteria - Subversive?

You read it right. What Belmont University is doing in their cafeteria is down. right. subversive! They are after our children. If I didn't know better, I think they might even want them to be Baptists! (relax already, I am joking)

Many of you attended college and I dare say that a large per centage of you would agree that the cafeteria food from those years was a motivator to get you OUT of school rather than keep you there. Gracious, I remember little bowls of chocolate pudding that had to be the precursor to Wham-O Super Balls (you know what I'm talking about)... oh, the nightmares!

A new link appeared recently on Belmont University's home page just right of the news stories and it is called Bruin Blog. I started reading what students have to say about life on Belmont's campus and stumbled on this story: "Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good" Dear me! There are actually choices in Belmont's cafeteria:

The "Caf" or cafeteria is probably the most well rounded meal choice, always serving an entree with probably a few veggies, a vegeterian choice, a special chef prepared treat, a salad bar, dessert bar, cereal bar, ice cream bar, pizza bar, and hamburger/chicken sandwich/grilled cheese bar. Enough bars? I'd like to think so. My favorite meal thus far at Belmont is probably the Belgian Waffles at breakfast... where you can use all the whipped cream, syrup, and fruit that your heart desires. Wow, I'm getting hungry just writing this!

Well, there you have it, folks...fodder for a Baptist debate: Conservatives can jump on all the bars at Belmont. Moderates will find food in the middle of the room... and liberals can ask the chef to water down the gravy. See, I think this place IS Baptist and the cafeteria is a covert, subversive, instrument . I offer the closing paragraph of Mmmmm Good as proof:

Food is important! Don't underestimate the power of food! I can assure you that you can always find something to chow down on at Belmont, and if you don't believe me, see for yourself!

You DO understand that I am kidding about the caf, right?... but I'd like to think that the "you can always find something to chow down on at Belmont" speaks metaphorically of the good things going on inside the classrooms on campus.

Hopeful Carson-Newman Faculty - Beware of Wolves...

If you haven't been following the struggles at Carson-Newman College, this post will be of little interest to you. If you have any connection to the college as a student, faculty, staff, or alumni, I hope that you will find encouragement in the words of a faculty member regarding a recent 'listening session':

"I was inspired beyond description by the integrity, honesty, and genuineness with which my colleagues shared their concerns about the state of Carson-Newman College. Their commitment to students, to Jesus, to academic excellence, was a delight to hear... My hope for the future of C-N was rekindled in a way that it has not been for years... I have never been more proud of Carson-Newman faculty. I am proud to be counted among them."

There are many needs at Carson-Newman, but a dedicated and committed faculty of Christian educators is not something the school lacks. I hope that Tennessee Baptists will recognize that fact and that they will rally around those individuals who are prepared to lead the college forward.

There are some in the Tennessee Baptist Convention who are proposing that Carson-Newman be changed to reflect the conservative resurgence within the Tennessee Baptist Convention:

"The theologically liberal Religion department at C-N should be replaced with Bible-believing faculty members. The Biology department should be replaced with teachers who do not teach evolution as fact. The Trustees from CBF churches should be replaced with Trustees from churches whose theology and worldview are representative of Tennessee Baptists."
- Bill Carden, FBC Tullahoma

It may just be my refugee roots, but Bill Carden's suggestions sound like conservative Baptists want more than just a change in direction...don't be surprised if a conservative pastor becomes a candidate is called to replace Carson-Newman's current president.

The Prodigal Blogger

I spent much of last week reading other Baptist blogs. I could be way off base, but I see much more reasoned discussion going on than venom-filled, personal attacks. It may be that I have discovered the places where reasonable Baptist have gathered...and if so, I forgive them in advance for not sharing their favorite 'meat-and-three' (which preaches as 'meet-and-two-or-three' Matthew 18:20 )...I regress.

One of my discoveries is The Prodigal Blogger. I commend Brother Wade to you for several reasons and plan to have his blog added to my reading list. He is currently a student at Campell University and is a recent graduate of Southeastern College... if you do not read anything else on his blog, please take the time to read In the Name of Fairness, his personal journey as an older student called into ministry, relating his experiences at Campbell and Southeastern. I consider is closing paragraph to be of Refugee Baptist, prophetic proportion:

I find myself in a unique position. I see both sides of the issues and do not subscribe to either one. I will not choose sides. In all fairness to both institutions my opinion on both schools is that they more than likely stand on equal footing as abominations to the Lord God of Heaven. Both schools have flaws in their core beliefs. Southeastern has gone too far. Campbell has not gone far enough. Southeastern worships a book and themselves. Campbell has all but chunked the book out the window and worships themselves. Liars and hypocrites! When will the two sides wake up and realize that all they are doing is dragging the body of Jesus and nailing it back on the cross over and over again. Truly the time has come for both sides to quit acting like fools in the name of Jesus and discover that there is indeed equal footing at the cross of Calvary.

There are many good posts on The Prodigal Blogger and I sense a kindred spirit in Brother Wade's frustrations with the polarized ranks of Baptists.


Brother Wade and I have never met, but I'm thinking that conversation over Cracker Barrel's beef stew and corn bread would be some-kinda-fellowship!

I Don't Think So

The Houston Chronicle (12/2/2006) apparently thinks that Rev. Jett is the outgoing president at Belmont University... Has anyone told Dr. Fisher?

I am just hoping that the Houston Chronicle will stick with the news and stay away from prophesy.

Belmont University Students are Upset with TBC

The student newspaper at Belmont University, The Belmont Vision, recently posted a story on the university's response to the law suit filed by the Tennessee Baptist Convention against the university. Dr. Todd Lake, the university's Vice President for Spiritual Development had this to say about the ideological aspects of the conflict:

This conflict is between “Baptists who believe that we become a stronger school by including other Christians and those who think we stay truer to our mission by excluding other Christians,” he said.

“Usually we Baptists can see clearly enough to see that our mission is enhanced by including other Christians,” he continued. “It is unfortunate that in this conflict, some see that our mission is better served through exclusion.”

Lake said he also sees the conflict as fueled by the inherent struggle between tradition and progress.

“Belmont is moving ahead, and we need a Board of Trustees that reflects the reality of the school…We want to be more robustly and vibrantly Christian, and so [after breaking with the TBC] we can widen our trustee selection.”

Those who fear that this is a step leading to the secularization of Belmont should realize that this is a fear without basis, Lake added, saying that universities that become secular do so as a conscious choice, not just because they drop an affiliation with one denomination. Lake said he believes it likely that after the conflict has blown over, little of Belmont’s core nature will be changed.

“I’m sure that in the long run, people will look back and wonder what the big deal was,” Lake said.

The graphic on the left appears in the sidebar on the same page with the Belmont Vision story. It gives a clear indication on how the students feel about the conflict. While this mess is being cleared up in the courts and back room meetings, it looks to me like this is still a big deal to some students.

It is a Refugee Baptist Thing

This is what happens when your system support people have too much time on their hands. Thanks to friends over at Nashville is Talking for pointing out a web site where you can generate your very own seal. Have some fun with it!

We were joking about preacher lapel pins and other adornment some time ago... somehow, this strikes me as the kind of design that says, "Hey, let's sit down and have a cup of coffee and talk about this...it is a Baptist thing" (Isaiah 1:18 loosely translated).

And for the other Refugee Baptists, we could adopt Matthew 23:25 (NIV) as our call to arms (and legs): "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."

How Tennessee Baptists Can Help Their Higher Education Institutions the Most

It is pretty clear to me that the three, Baptist, higher education institutions that Tennessee Baptists claim as their own are each different. Through the years, I have watched the reports at Tennessee Baptist Convention annual meetings and on those occasions have listened to testimonies, heard musical ensembles, watched slide shows, and viewed videos from students and administrators at the different schools. I have always felt good about Belmont, Carson-Newman, and Union...always. I still hold all three institutions in high regard. In today's competitive world, there seems to be a natural tendency to select favorites and I would guess that each of us in the three grand divisions of Tennessee tend to favor the Baptist school closest to home, I am no different.

In the closing sessions of this year's annual meeting, budget figures were bounced around for supporting Carson-Newman and Union. They both need and depend upon the financial support provided by our cooperative program gifts. Belmont's growth and success has placed the institution in a position where it is no longer dependant on cooperative program monies, in essence the school has done exactly what the TBC wanted it to do: succeed. We should be celebrating the freedom to have more funds available to help other institutions strengthen their wings so they too can fly. I am still amazed that the TBC turned down millions of dollars in student scholarships for Tennessee Baptist families to send their children to Belmont...but that's part of another story.

I am writing today to tell you that there is something each of us can do to support our three Baptist colleges that won't cost you a cent. Many Tennessee Baptists send their children off to college each year...and I would venture to say that most end up choosing state schools over our own Baptist colleges. I am not saying that everyone should attend one of the three schools, but at least make sure that each family knows of the programs at each school so that they are included in the mix of options. More students for each of these schools means more income...it is pretty simple economics. It is my understanding that there are financial models demonstrating that schools with an enrollment of over 4,000 are much more viable than young(er) institutions, without huge endowments, whose financial (enrollment) base is smaller. Belmont is already there. Union is moving steadily in that direction. Carson-Newman is struggling, but optimistic.

The children in my extended family (including their friends and their families) know Belmont...they wear university t-shirts, they hear of student mission trips, and they go to events on campus. Some have already gone to Belmont and if I can have any influence in the choices of other little ones in my family, they will certainly know that Belmont is an option. If I lived closer to Carson-Newman or Union, I know that I would do the same.

Does my loyalty to Belmont mean that I agree with everything that is taught in the classrooms on campus? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, I am glad that my family is exposed to a diverse cross-section of ideologies. I would be disgusted if only one philosophy of thinking, living, or believing were offered to them. My family walks onto Belmont's campus with a Christian foundation. I expect that foundation to be tested. I would much rather it be tested in a place where there are other Christians available than someplace where the environment discourages Christian activity. I am encouraged by the level of critical thinking that develops in a liberal arts environment. I can guarantee that there are opportunities to meet and associate with other Christian friends, more so that one will find at state schools.

So, what can Tennessee Baptists do to help their colleges the most? Let the youth in your church know about Belmont, Carson-Newman, and Union. Do not take it for granted that they already know of these schools. Who knows, there may be a future TBC president among those future students and alumni.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all my friends (and to those who I have irritated this year), I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is the one special day of the year when Baptists give fried chicken a rest and do our best to keep the Turkey population in check...a public service of sorts. It is what we Baptists do well.

Please pass the cranberry salad,
Will

She is my hero, Too

This is a commercial. You need to buy this as a stocking stuffer, Christmas gift. I ordered mine yesterday. If I had copies, I would sell them myself right here. Bring Us Peace is the latest recording project of Ginny Owens... soon to be recipient of the 2006 Artist Award for the Mayor’s Council on Disabilities here in Nashville. Proceeds from the project will be used to support the Fingerprint Initiative, an extension of Ginny's ministry to “bring hope to the world, one touch at a time.” Ginny writes on the Fingerprint Initiative web site,

"I love the thought of God leaving His fingerprints of beauty and creativity not only on His world but also on His children. How wonderful would it be if we were so excited by this truth that we would choose to spend each day of our lives as His living fingerprints; bringing His touches of love, grace, and healing to those in our cities and throughout our universe."

And, by the way, Ginny is a Belmont University graduate, blind since the age of 2...and another reason that I feel good about the cooperative funds that I contributed to Belmont University via the Tennessee Baptist Convention. She is a jewel, an inspiration, and my hero.

No Belmont Report at the Tennessee Baptist Convention Meeting

Belmont University president, Dr. Robert Fisher, was scheduled to deliver the Belmont University report at the TBC annual meeting in Cordova. An early announcement was made that no report would be given. I have given that lack of a report some thought and do not blame anyone from Belmont for not reporting. Let's review some of the circumstances from a perspective that you won't find in print at the Baptist state paper:

1. Belmont jumped through the hoops and gained the approval of a requested, new covenant relationship from the TBC Education Committee. That covenant included a super-majority of Baptists on Belmont's Board and a recommendation to use designated TBC funds for Baptist student scholarships. The TBC executive committee voted against the proposal. Belmont cooperated, the TBC chose not to.

2. Belmont provided the TBC a Resolution on Relationship (again, approved by Education Committee of the TBC Executive Board) at the Clarksville, 2005 TBC Annual Meeting that would have re-defined Belmont's relationship. That proposal was never voted on (tabled). Yet, without voting on a revised relationship, the convention extemporaneously re-structured the budget and re-allocated the cooperative funds that had been budgeted for Belmont. Again, Belmont cooperated, the TBC chose not to. (Interesting that budget alterations were so problematic at this year's meeting.)

3. The day after the TBC announced their irresponsible loss mis-placement of a 1951 document, Belmont produced a copy of the document on their own accord from historical files at the university. If Belmont had meant any ill-will toward the historical relationship between the two institutions, how easy would it have been to say, "Sorry, we could not find any such document". When provided to the TBC, this document became instant fuel and proof that Belmont's trustees (all duly elected by the TBC) are "liars and thieves - Tim McGehee". Belmont demonstrated integrity, the TBC chose not to.

4. In a contentious, called May meeting at Jerry's Place, the convention voted one-by-one, to vacate Belmont's board of trustee members without allowing any discussion whatsoever on any of the individuals who they were asked to remove. Put these in order: Acusation. Execution. Trial.

5. After charging the Belmont Study Committee to negotiate, mediate, and arbitrate...and as a last resort, litigate; the committe met only a few times (in 6 months) and engaged vacated board members minimally before filing a lawsuit, without even the professional courtesy of notification extended between opposing legal counsels. TBC claims: No malice intended. (really?)

6. Most recently, part of Belmont's counter-complaint included allegations that TBC leadership advised Belmont to file its revised charter before the annual convention meeting in 2005. Those claims have been refuted in the B&R: The TBC Executive Director and the conservative leaders all deny the claim. In light of the history between the university and these same people, I can easily understand why their recollection of that conversation might be misplaced different.

I suppose Dr. Fisher shouldn't have taken any of the above personally. He is, after all, busy running a successful university (with the help of some incredibly Baptist and Christain trustees) and has run ito nothing but resistance from TBC leadership and the conservative takeover crowd. If the TBC's own newspaper wasn't willing to provide coverage of the good things going on at Belmont, why then, should the institution's president subject himself to a group that has demonstrated nothing but contempt for Belmont for the last two years.

From my perspective, Dr. Fisher did the right thing. His priorities are focused on the success of some 4,000+ students... and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the TBC is not interested in being a team player in that effort.

When this is all over. I want Tennessee Baptist families to understand that conservative convention leadership led the charge to turn down millions of dollars in scholarship monies to help Tennessee Baptist families send their children to college. I am still hopeful that Belmont will prove to be more gracious and extend that opportunity in spite of the grief heaped on the university and the slanderous claims against duly elected Baptist trustees. Do not be fooled by those who use the guise of "doctrinal accountability" to cover their motive of "institutional takeover".

Tennessee Wasn't the Only Interesting Baptist Convention Meeting

Caught in the Middle provides a brief overview of other interesting Baptist annual meetings. (way-to-go, Scott!)

A Third Party in Baptist Governance

I am more guilty than most in declaring that Tennessee Baptists have adopted (or inherited) a political party system for denominational governance. Honestly, the thought that rational Christian men and women are so divided that they can no longer trust one another creates a knot in my stomach. I hope that God has a sense of humor. The behavior of Tennessee Baptists on all sides of the conservative, moderate, and liberal debates is laughable...sadly laughable. The reality of today is that one group feels that they have unique ownership of the truth and tends to bully-pulpit their agenda...I do not have to put a label on that group. Suffice it to say, if the shoe fits wear it.

The Baptist situation in Texas is bigger more out of control. A Texas blog titled aintsobad offers several interesting thoughts on creating a third party that is Internet based, with a single paid position whose job is to disburse funds based on the consensus of the party. Essentially, the objective of this third party network would be to collect funds and distrubute funds where they are needed most, without a mountain of institutional overhead. In light of the highly engaging but less-than-productive squabbling within Baptist ranks at the convention level, I am beginning to think that there are many of us who would like to get some cooperative ministry work done without as much BS (Baptist Superfluities) native to the political arena. It is an interesting, forward thinking blog post that closes with the following:

You may not like the blogger(s) or his(their) message(s), though I am now seeing the courageous editor of the Baptist Standard (TX) start to repeat that message in tones loud and clear. Like the bloggers or not, the truth is things are much harder to sweep under the carpet now.

Can we not find better ways to relate/account/cooperate with one another with the use of current (and then future) technologies? If the Elitist Party now in control continues to marginalize the presence of the messengers (and so the local church), what is our alternative? Do we dare settle for more of the same?(my emphasis)

Hat tip to Just Todd.

Paige Patterson on "blogs"

I have hesitated to write anything in response to an October 14, 2007 Florida Baptist Witness article where Dr. Paige Patterson is quoted,

"Patterson said being a pastor of a local church is now the toughest assignment in all of history. "It's worse than being a high school football coach on the high plains of Texas," he said with a knowing grin.

"Because we have encouraged the rugged individualism rather than a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led congregation, we are now reaping the results," he continued, noting 21st-century technology allows dissatisfied church members to attack the pastor with impunity by launching a blog, an online digest (my emphasis).

"We have lost our way on integrity," he said, adding, "We need to make clear to our people, and the seminaries need to join you in this, what congregationalism means and what it doesn't mean."

Personally I believe it is much tougher to be a good pastor than any kind of football coach...just as it was probably tougher being a seminary president than a pastor in the early 1980's when covert hatchet jobs and yellow journalism were the order of the day. I would suggest that if blogs had been around in the early 1980's that good men like Duke McCall would have at least stood a chance against the prevailing winds of whisper campaigns common to the hallways of Southern Baptist Convention meetings of that era. Dr. Patterson is much more familiar with that type of "rugged individualism" than he is with blogging. It is comforting to see Paige Patterson's admission confession that we have lost our way on integrity, indeed "we" have.

Dr. Patterson is right, to a degree. It is quite easy to start blogging with impunity (although blog technology began in the 20th century, not the 21st century)...considering the Patterson-Pressler era of Baptist politics, it does make me wonder if Dr. Patterson remembers how dissatified conservative leaders attacked hijacked changed a denomination with impunity by launching an era of busing campaigns, voter guides, and defamatory innuendos. Pot. Meet Kettle. (knowing grin added here)

Associated Baptist Press - TBC Annual Meeting Summary

Just in case anyone missed the Associated Baptist Press story from November 17, it is here: "Conservatives win battles during Tennessee Baptist Convention".

There was evidently more discussion over criteria for selection of Executive Board members than has been publicised before now. One board nominee was replaced by another due to the small per centage that his church alloted to the cooperative program. I am so glad that we're focused on getting the most qualified people on our boards and that it is not about the money. Oh. Wait!

The Bible is No Longer Good Enough for Tennessee Baptists

Dr. Danny Chisolm over at Signal Mountain Musings has a post that is well worth reading. He concludes with the following:

The real news out of Bellevue this week is that the Bible isn't good enough, at least for the TBC. The 2000 BFM got more votes than the Bible. After this week, it's not enough to affirm the Word of God as the sole authority for faith and practice. (Dr. Bill) Sherman tried in vain with that idea. It used to be that being known as a "people of the book" was good enough to work and fellowship together. You can't be trusted to serve on a committee or board now unless your doctrinal card has been stamped "2000 BFM approved." ...I serve a great church where the folks know what being a Baptist is about and we do our best to keep the main thing the main thing. No one can tell us what to do. We take the Bible seriously and choose ways to best carry out the Great Commission in our community and beyond. That little song I learned in Vacation Bible School stills rings true: "The B-I-B-L-E, now that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

Amen, Danny! If there is still fried chicken anywhere near that orchid growing place on the mountain, I want to take you out for a fine Baptist lunch some day.

TBC Presidential Challenge

I have not met Ron Stewart, but the words in today's Tennessean article give me hope for all of our Baptist institutions, even Belmont University. Here is my challenge to the man the Tennessee Baptist Convention selected to lead us through the coming year:

Dear Ron,
I challenge you as the newly elected TBC President and a graduate of Belmont University, to make Belmont and all Tennessee Baptists proud. If you allow your conservative party affiliation to dominate your decision making, you will fail to represent us all, you will fail Belmont, and you will fail at demonstrating that Tennessee Baptists are bigger than near-sighted, ill advised, spitting contests. I would much prefer that history would record your presidency as a return to cooperation of all Tennessee Baptists, regardless of creedal definitions, to missions and ministry rather than the president who lead the convention through a fight that divided fellow Christians and affirmed to non-Christians why they should not be Baptist. The ball is in your court, Ron.

Peace,
TBC Elder

Tennessee Baptist Convention Annual Meeting Summary

You might get a strong cup of coffee before reading this. There isn't anything particularly earth-shattering to report from the Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting that wrapped up yesterday evening after being evicted from the main sanctuary at Bellevue Baptist Church and relegated to the smaller (yet spacious) chapel.

As expected, the Concerned Tennessee Baptist agenda ran like a well oiled political machine.
• CTB candidates were elected to the key leadership positions and "Conservatives are quickly moving towards a majority on the 99-member board (TBC Executive Board)."
• The CTB agenda item that became the RJSV of the Committee Nomination Form passed.
• The Belmont Study Committee failed to resolve the issue and opted to initiate what looks to be an expensive litigation process
• The budget passed with enough confusion, fatigue, and discontent that no one seemed particularly happy...'sorry Union and Carson-Newman, I was pulling for you.

I was encouraged to see individuals blogging convention events. This should be viewed as an encouraging turn in communications. I commend those who blogged, for their clarity and integrity in expressing themselves even when we did not agree on issues (maybe some of that will rub off on me...I'm trying hard to be less snarky)

Note: the Boldly Credaling logo (above) was provided by others... it does seem to reflect what some thought about the 2000BFM motions.

I guess that is all for now...I guess we'll have to wait a week for Lonnie and friends at the Baptist and Reflector to put their spin on things...maybe they will give better coverage of meals than I could provide (perhaps they need a blog?).

Are We Confused Tennessee Baptists?

WTVF has posted an Associated Press story that attributes outgoing Tennessee Baptist Convention President, Philip Jett, saying that, "money is not the object in a 57 (M) million dollar suit against Nashville's Belmont University...the primary goal is to return Belmont to the Baptist fold." In the waning paragraphs of the article, the following appears, "In its lawsuit, the convention says it wants back a total of 57 (M) million it has given Belmont since 1951."

Which is it?: the TBC wants Belmont back into the fold? OR, the TBC wants 57 million dollars back? OR, the TBC wants Belmont back and wants 57 million dollars back?

From my perspective, here is my translation of what Mr. Jett was saying: The TBC has filed the lawsuit in order to put pressure on Belmont's leadership to give up their quest to place other non-Baptist Christians on their Board of Trustees (and return to the flock). I have heard from two sides on the money: one side says that those monies were intended as gifts, the other side views the 1951 document as a contract (that over-rides any other agreements thereafter) and feels that the money should be returned. From the little information that I can get from Belmont, they view the change in Tennessee Baptist Convention leadership as a threat to academic accreditation and as an effort to dictate what is taught in the religion and biology departments (there is probably more, but Belmont isn't talking).

Unfortunately, much of this turned into a spitting contest. Things have been said by Belmont's president that hurt feelings and abused egos. Things have been said from the floor of the convention and from the pulpits in our Baptist churches that I would qualify as "less-than-Christian". There are personalities in conflict here, and unfortunately, both sides appear to be willing to roll the dice and see what the courts have to say. I blieve that one side will not be happy with whatever long, drawn-out, and expensive legal exercise that we'll read about in our newspapers. I would venture to say, that neither side will come out winners. Both sides will lose, particularly in the eyes of the non-Christian world.

By the way, someone needs to point out where, in this document, that it mentions anything about "returning Belmont to the Baptist fold". This document IS about the money, Mr. Jett. Please show me a document that welcomes Belmont "back into the fold" that doesn't include worldly intimidation.

Union University President Affirms He is Baptist

Not that there has ever been any doubt about Union University's president, Dr. David Dockery... it is just that this report confirms his status:

About 300 friends and supporters of Union University attended the university’s dessert fellowship (my emphasis) Nov. 14 at Bellevue Baptist Church as part of the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.

I would like to have heard more about the dessert...I understand that the kitchen crew at Bellevue is awesome!

As an aside, I agree that Union and Carson-Newman should not get the short end of the budget stick just because the Belmont Study Committee failed to resolve issues in a timely manner. I tried to warn Union and Carson-Newman back in September. In terms of need, I really believe that Carson-Newman could use all the help we can send their way.

Tennessee Baptist Convention Media Coverage

The relative quiet nature of issues within our disfunctional family of Tennessee Baptists means that the mainstream press will have little to say. Robert Markus' Associated Baptist Press coverage zeroed in on the 2000BFM affirmation motion. Nathan Finn over at The Fullness of Time blog takes issue with Robert Markus' substituting "vitriolic rhetoric--for journalism". That sounds a little harsh to me, but who am I to accuse someone else of being abrasive. (I do endorse the use of the word vitriolic... it has a nice Baptist-ic ring to it).

The official voice of Southern Baptists, BPNews, is busy headlining South Africa's gay marriage bill, Intelligent Design in Ohio, Darwinism in Pennsylvania, and embezzling pastors in Texas. There is a State Annual Meeting Roundup 2006 page on their site, but there is no mention of Tennessee (yet). There is one story that caught my attention: Canadian Southern Baptists consider changing their name. No official recommendation will be heard for some time and the words "Canadian" and "Baptist" seem safe for now. I'll suggest one to follow the spineless change of "Baptist Sunday School Board" to "Lifeway" (yes, that still bugs me)... Why not, "Canadian Lifeway Baptist Convention, Eh?"

News from the Georgia Baptist Convention - A Tennessee Baptist Omen

As I mentioned in a previous post, there are several state conventions meeting during the same time frame as the Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting. The news from the Georgia Baptist Convention meeting headlines, " Georgia Baptists finalize split with Mercer University". That saddens me on a personal level. A former Mercer president was a favorite dinner guest of mine on trips to Atlanta and Macon back in the 1960's. Dr. Harris championed the admission of qualified students into higher education regardless or race, and caught much criticism for his stance among conservatives (and Baptists) in Middle Georgia. It was Dr. Harris who convinced me that the traditionally accepted "equal but separate" philosophy was wrong, legally and morally.

So, yesterday, Georgia Baptists blew off 170 years of history due to the labeling of Mercer as "too liberal". I find that troubling. I did not agree with the gay groups who met on that campus or the faculty who supported them. I did not agree with the liberal direction the university was going, however, I never ever considered that the university had drifted from its historical Baptist roots. Just as Dr. Harris disagreed with the equal but separate segregationists, I suspect that he would argue that labeling moderates and liberals as second-class Baptists (or Christians) would have disgusted him as well. Yesterday, the conservatives in Georgia who wanted control over Mercer lost any opportunity for influencing the university's future by pushing it away rather than embracing their differences. There is still pushing going on in Tennessee at this very moment that will result in similar Tennessee newspaper headlines of the future. Baptists will lose yet another part of their history because they simply refuse to accept other Baptists... how sad is that?!

Making Me Feel Better about My Conservative Baptist Friends

I doubt seriously that my CTB friends actually include me on their Christmas list or agree philosophically with much that I have to say, however, I can affirm that there are conservatives among us who are certifiably Baptist. More proof from Jeff Wright:

"The night was finished well with a full rack of ribs at the famous Rendezvous here in Memphis. If you’ve not enjoyed their wares let me suggest that a drive to West Tennessee might be in order – they’re really that good."

Memphis BBQ is at least one thing that Jeff and I agree on, although, I consider myself a regular fan of the Germantown Commisary just because it is on the way home from Memphis (mildly dropped hint).

Fortunate for this year's convention, adopting a motion for the best BBQ in West Tennessee wasn't on the agenda. See, there is something for even the liberals and moderates to be thankful for!

Next year, I'd like to hear what brand of iced tea that each committee nominee affirms...(Jerry, I guess that would be question number 9); you can tell a lot about a Baptist when it comes to iced tea preferences.

Report on TBC Day Two from Jeff Wright

Jeff is taking notes and providing good blog coverage of the Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting near Memphis. Keep it coming Jeff, I'd much rather hear from you than from the media.

Tennessee Baptist Blogger Round-up

The system administrator person here in the Refugee Camp did a little research for me today. I asked the question, "Are there any other people blogging at/about the TBC annual meeting besides the people on our blog roll?" Well, here is a sampling of what the research found:

Tim Ellsworth - including this from a commenter: "...they have wireless available at Bellevue, but it blocks almost every site imaginable, including this one. I mean, what’s the point of even offering Internet access if you can’t access timellsworth.com? Like there are other more important sites out there or something."

Jim at Mainstream Baptist - "There is no organization outside the US Congress more befouled of political maneuvering than state and national Southern Baptist meetings. Power hungry souls manipulating and misrepresenting and even deceiving, simply in order to advance their careers. It really is quite disheartening."

Steve Weaver - Short and to the point...he's going.

At the City Gates - lists a bunch of other states having their convention meetings now

Wednesday Morning Update:

Michael Beach - made the long drive from east Tennessee - and includes his perspective on the passing of the 2000BFM affirmation inclusion into the RJSV Committe Form.

Steve Weaver (updated last night) - Is happy about the TBC's direction and 'doctrinal accountability'

If there are others, please drop me an email: refugeebaptist@yahoo.com

I'm running for/from a Baptist committee and I affirm this message

If you plan to hold a committee position in the Tennessee Baptist Convention, you will be officially asked to affirm your belief in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. Rumor has it that the TBC messengers approved the revisions to the Nominating Committee Information Form today...hereinafter referred to as the RJSV (Revised Jerry Sutton Version) , or, What some people won't do to keep women pastors off a committee.

Not to be outdone, here's the Refugee Baptist Top 10 list of things that we'd like people to affirm before serving on Tennessee Baptist Committees:
10. I affirm that dessert at regular Wednesday night fellowship is not an option, it is sacrosanct
9. I agree that "Mo-tea?" is a perfectly acceptable interruption to any Baptist conversation.
8. I support the substitution of coffee pot perculation sounds for singing in early morning Sunday School.
7. I affirm that women should not have children after 35 (really, 35 children are enough).
6. I believe that "turning over in your hymnal" to any page, should qualify as a cardiovascular exercise.
5. I believe that the wearing of wireless microphones into bathrooms prior to a sermon by pastors should be banned from all Baptist life.
4. I affirm that women who prepare caseroles for covered dish meals should qualify for sainthood...(and I want someone to support that with a Biblical reference, please).
3. I believe that church pianists across our convention have the authority to play the Vacation Bible School "sit down chords" at any service where the pastor goes over his alloted time by more than 15 7 minutes.
2. I affirm that church committees who meet in consecutive meetings without food being present must confess that they are not accomplishing nearly as much as those who understand the value of a slice of pizza before beginning deliberations.
1. I affirm that parking lot assemblies that follow regular committee meetings are not required to keep minutes if the conversation includes any two of the following words: coffee, dessert, fishing, hunting, car trading, or honey-do-list.

Is there a cathedral door where I can nail the Refugee Baptist Top 10?

It IS about the Money...and it is about the Students

As the Tennessee Baptist Convention gathers for what may be a doozy of a Baptist gathering, the meeting will likely involve contentious discussion about Carson-Newman and Belmont University. For the messengers in attendance, I hope we will not overlook a large contingent of people who will not be there: the students. Frankly, Carson-Newman doesn't have enough of them and for whatever reason, the declines in enrollment have not been highlighted in the Tennessee Baptist Convention state paper. Belmont may have twice as many students as Carson-Newman, but the vast majority of those belong to denominations other than Baptist, but they are still our students, even if the institutions are not owned by our convention.

This year's convention will have an impact on every student at Carson-Newman and Belmont, yet the students from these two institutions are not likely to personally represented at the microphones in the aisles of Bellevue Baptist Church. Most will be on their respective campuses, just looking forward to a Thanksgiving break. They will, however, be watching how the people at this convention act, speak, and deliberate on their respective institutions.

As we deliberate, let's think of how we define "the church" as the body of believers and not a brick-and-mortar institution. Carry that thought through to how we speak of these two schools. Much will be said of the physical assets that Tennessee Baptists call Belmont and Carson-Newman. From a student's perspective, however, college is about the body of students, faculty, and staff much more that the physical plant or the names on the buildings. So, the next time someone stands on the floor of a convention meeting and cries out, "Liar", "Thief"...it is naive to believe that the students will not take that personally. Please take the rhetoric down a notch, ok?

Tennessee Baptist's One-and-a-half Political Party System at Work

The Tennessee Baptist Convention's annual meeting is in progress. Last night, the one well organized political faction within the convention announced its proposed slate of convention officers:
President: Ron Stewart, Grace Baptist Church, Knoxville
Vice-President: Tom McCoy, Thompson Station Baptist Church*
Second Vice-President: Tim McGhehee, Grace Baptist Church, Tullahoma

Three conspiracy-theory issues were discussed as secondary concerns: allegations that conservative nominee nominations are being misplaced/lost at the TBC, a witch hunt concern for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship infiltration into the TBC, and issues surrounding all those high-paying TBC salaries that aren't published for the entire convention to see.

If any other factions within the Tennessee Baptist Convention have met to select a slate of candidates, they have done so only half-heartedly. I have heard nothing from the Moderately Concerned Tennessee Baptists, nor have I heard from the Liberally Concerned Tennessee Baptists...the latter two comprising the 'one-half' of the political system within the TBC. It is somewhat comforting to know that Voter Guides won't be as popular at the convention, at least let's hope not.

Hat tip to Jeff Wright for his excellent blogging from the convention...and for giving kudos to the kitchen crew at Bellevue Baptist Church. Two things I wish he had mentioned in the same sentence: "French Silk Pie" and "Go-Box"...oh well.

* I haved loved watching Tom and Leighann McCoy as they matured in their ministry...and wonder if their association with the CTB has affected their feelings towards Woodmont Baptist, a CBF church who provided support in the early days of the mission.

Jim Porch - Tennessee Baptist Scapegoat of the Year

It is really quite sad. Tennessee Baptist Convention Exectutive Director, Dr. Jim Porch is apparently the latest target of the conservative resurgence within the Tennessee Baptist Convention. In a recent Concerned Tennessee Baptist newsletter updates, Dr. Porch is singled out as an accomplice to the Belmont University Board of Trustees actions that resulted in the filing of a new charter with the State of Tennessee. Larry Reagon, pastor of Adams Chapel Baptist Church in Dresden and the current TBC 2nd Vice President is quoted here:

"If we examine all the evidence, we will find that Dr. James Porch has assisted Belmont for several years to go in this direction," Reagan said. "He has repeatedly told the messengers, the Executive Board, and various committees that the TBC does not own Belmont."

From that same article (without attribution):"Should a conservative slate of officers be elected, as expected, at the Nov. 14-15 Tennessee Baptist Convention at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., attention could turn to Porch's leadership, both for his handling of the Belmont issue and long suspicion by fundamentalists that he has aided the nomination process to give churches sympathetic to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a moderate breakaway group, disproportionate leadership on TBC boards and agencies."

Now, it seems, labeling someone as having any association with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, present or past, is enough to have them removed from leadership in the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Dr. Porch, we'll keep the coffee hot for you over here with the rest of the refugees...you can bring your own mug regardless of whether it is conservative, moderate, or liberal...just as long as it is Baptist.

Tennessee Baptist Convention Meeting - Thermometer Calibration

In the next few days, I expect the conversation here at the Baptist Refugee Camp to get a little snarky. Snarky is a word that needs more respect in Baptist circles...it is what we do when we are at our worst, but yet at our best being Baptists.

There will be words here about my fellow Baptists over at the Concerned Tennessee Baptists Party that they will not like. It is not personal, my friends, it is just that I hate to see a group of conservatives have all the fun when it comes to innuendo and character assasination in the name of righteous accountability.

The CTB group is unequivocally Baptist. I have irrefutable proof: The published menu for the Concerned Tennessee Baptist, convention dinner, at Bellevue Baptist Church on Tuesday night is as follows: "...grilled boneless chicken breast with mushroom sauce, wild rice, julienne spring vegetables, tossed salad, rolls, French silk pie, and beverages."

The group will be forgiven (this time) for not including mashed potatoes, caseroles, or homemade ice cream. Without a doubt there is more pressing business to attend to when political groups gather...traditional Baptist delicacies are overlooked when there are doctrinal integrity papers to be signed and candidates to rally around.

I understand that wives are welcome at the church dinner, as long as they remain silent*.

*snarky remark

Thank You, Baptist & Reflector

I am impatient, it seems. I had hoped that some of these stories were more newsworthy back in May...but Good News is good news regardless of the timing. The latest issue of the online Baptist and Reflector carries two Belmont University stories about student missions involvement. The first speaks of Betty Wiseman's championing the platform of sports evangelism:

Wiseman was pleased that Belmont sports evangelism was invited to be a part of the year- long 25th anniversary of partnership missions. Involvement in partership missions has been a huge part of her ministry and has spanned 20 years.

“I saw 13 Belmont students connecting with people of all ages through the language of love,” she remarked about the Venezuelan missions trip.

“There was laughter, smiles, hugs, tears, high fives, handshakes, and touches. I saw God at work bringing together two countries, not through politics or religion, but through a relationship. There are no barriers, no hidden agendas, no egos, no power struggles. There was only the love of Christ being demonstrated and proclaimed through the platform of basketball.*”

Part of that same B&R story included this:

Belmont University’s dean of the school of religion, Darrell Gwaltney, led the 15-member team to Otwock, Poland, to assist IMB missionary Steven Reece in his church planting efforts. Though the team members were predominantly Brentwood Church members, a goal was to bring more Belmont students on a follow-up missions trip for next summer.

According to Gwaltney, Reece has seen unresolved conflicts in Polish society that hinder the gospel including the awareness of the Holocaust and barely 2,000 Jews remaining in the country.

With no one to tend the Jewish cemeteries, the abandoned and vandalized cemeteries serve as a stark reminder of a part of Polish life that has been destroyed. “Restoring the cemeteries is a way to heal old wounds and to show how believers living out the love of Christ, changes communities,” said Gwaltney.

Thanks, Lonnie. That wasn't painful to publish now, was it?

* (Note: this quote from the B&R may look familiar)

Inner City Death Watch for Baptist Churches

My dear Baptist friends,

I asked Will if there was room for an editorial that is heavy on my heart and the next thing you know his Blogger administrator friend sets me up with an account. Let's be clear up front. I am TBC Elder. I am a Baptist and have been for almost as many years as there are white hairs growing out of my ears. I am 'elder' by the definition of being aged and and providing counsel and friendship to many a baptist pastor/leader. I am not "Elder" with a capital "E", so don't go bothering Lloyd about writing on a blog (maybe he should. It is much easier to publish than BSSB literature ever was). Just love me for being the Baptist I am. I promise to return the favor.

Inner City Death Watch
It's a sensitive subject, but is there not a solution to stepping in to the often Elderly Congregations, much like we do with our own Parents health and lifestyle issues? Terms like merge, sell, close, or even donate their facilities to another form of Ministry are like curse words to the dozen or two remaining senior Members, as they sit in hallowed halls that once burst with hundreds and hundreds.

Our Convention, Associations, the North American Mission Board send in young Pastors with guns-a-blazin' to save the Church, save the also-dying neighborhoods, change the music, and reach new Families. Then poof, these young pastors leave in short periods of time, leaving behind more bitterness, and a few new faces that also don't understand. It saddens my heart. It hurts deeply in the lives of those who feel helpless as their church family dwindles around them.

Is there an answer? Has there ever been an answer?

Prayerfully yours,
TBCe

Belmont Challenges Tennessee Baptist Law Suit

I guess we can stop calling the Tennessee Baptist Convention's lawsuit a complaint. The Tennessean reports today that Belmont has filed papers challenging the TBC lawsuit. That sounds a lot like this matter will be settled in court and not with arbitration, mediation, or negotiation. I could be mistaken. For those in the TBC who stood in the May meeting and said that they'd rather sue than accept a settlement, apparently your wish has come true.

Clay Austin was quoted after the October surprise filing of the suit:

"This action allows the parties to pursue the next option of mediation (my emphasis) in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution of the issues," said Clay Austin, chairman of the special convention committee named to negotiate with Belmont over the dispute.

I am sorry that I won't be there to hear Clay's explanation of why the strategy to file suit didn't turn out like he expected. I certainly hope that someone holds the Belmont Study Committee accountable for the "effort" that they made to keep this mess out of court and out of my pocketbook.

So much for Belmont University rolling over and playing dead. So much for a nice quiet Belmont Study Committee report at the upcoming Tennessee Baptist Convention annual meeting. The media is breathing a sigh of relief right now. Finally, there is a contentious Baptist story to be told at the Memphis gathering. Maybe the Steven Lockhart connection with the Tennessee Baptist Convention will be overlooked. And hopefully, the Bellevue Baptist Church crowd has resolved last month's issues with their new fence-jumping pastor.