The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report (GCRTFR) passed with relatively little change. The expected fireworks never materialized despite ominous predictions by those on all sides of the issue. Component 3, on Great Commission Giving, had some language amended to reiterate that the Cooperative Program is still a valued means of supporting the work of the convention and is the most significant method that Southern Baptists have to work together for the advance of the gospel.
Johnny Hunt’s convention sermon was an impassioned apologetic for the GCRTFR and Morris Chapman’s final report as President and CEO of the Executive Committee was equally impassioned against it. Some people were a bit unnerved by the strong language that both men employed and more than one messenger referred to the “tensions” or “divisions” that marked the debate about the report.
As one who lived through the Conservative Resurgence battles in the 1980s and 90s, I found the alarm a bit amusing. Strong words were used, but there were no personal attacks and the debate was kept on a high level. That was greatly aided by the fact that some folks (who have repeatedly demonstrated a tendency to make unfounded and personal attacks on those with whom they disagree) were left standing at microphones, unable to speak before the final vote was taken.
At one point, at the request of a messenger, Dr. Hunt led the convention in prayer and expressed that he did not see any improper emotions being vented, but merely strong passion for competing visions about the future of the SBC. He mentioned Morris Chapman by name, thanking the Lord for him and acknowledging his love for the SBC and desire to see the gospel advanced. It was a gracious expression of the kind of attitude that disagreeing Southern Baptists ought to have.
A few parliamentary knots had to be untangled by Barry McCarty, the convention’s parliamentarian. He navigated the chairman carefully through some muddy waters with grace and charity. I am convinced that the kindness and goodwill of Dr. Hunt and others on the platform ultimately won the day for the report. When the final vote was taken, it was an overwhelming majority that voted to adopt the report. I would estimate at least a 70%-30% margin.
What is perhaps even more surprising than the majority by which that report was adopted is the fact that in a 4 man race, Bryant Wright of Georgia garnered more votes that the assumed favorite of the GCR crowd, Ted Traylor. My take on that is that the vote was a clear indication of the numbers of younger Southern Baptists who participated. The runoff vote has not been tabulated as I am writing this. But I noted that many of the younger crowd had left the room when the second ballot was taken.
As I wrote last week, I support the Task Force report, though I listened to some compelling arguments against it over the last two days. I believe it is a step in the right direction. If it is not regarded as a type of panacea to all that ails us as a convention, it may provide a helpful road map forward for the next several years. At least it provides some talking points that involve things more important than programs and policies. The report is loaded with the language of the gospel.
Nearly everyone said that today would be a historic one in the life of the SBC. And it was without a doubt. Not necessarily for the GCRTF vote, though–at least not only for that. For the first time ever, a motion was made in rhyme (or hip hop, or rap, or lyrically–forgive me for not knowing the exact designation). Josh Shank, a church planter from Ohio, made a motion that we express a
ppreciation to Acts 29 for the help that they have given to many of our Southern Baptist church planter. It was funny, and received in good spirit. Once it received a second I almost went to a microphone and to ask the chairman to repeat the motion for the messengers. Now that would have made history.
