Jerry Vines Blog

Apr19

SBC Politics

2010 at 10:13 AMPosted by Jerry Vines

I have always had an aversion to religious politics. I’m sure that sounds strange coming from someone who was intricately involved in SBC politics for a number of years. But, there was something about it that was distasteful to me. Realistically, however, I don’t know how it can be avoided. And, I must say some of it was quite exciting.

I went to bed at a Convention one night thinking Dr. Ed Young would be nominated for President the next day. Instead, I nominated Dr. Charles Stanley for his first term as President! I was elected two times as SBC President myself.

Fact is, in any deliberative body politics plays an imperative role. It just goes with the territory.

So, how do you avoid the pettiness and ugliness that sometimes emerges? I tried to follow some basic principles.

First, I affirmed the right of any person to be nominated for any position who felt led of the Lord to do so. No one should seek to deny this basic right to any other brother.

When I was elected SBC President, Dr. Richard Jackson was nominated the first year and Dr. Daniel Vestal the second year. I was never offended or upset by that. It was their perfect right to be nominated.

Second, I never felt any group could dictate these matters. I’m not naïve. I think it is always the case that certain groups coalesce around certain candidates. There are times when it is greatly desirable that this be so. Fortunately, during the days of the Conservative Resurgence, there was great unity and oneness. The battle to return the SBC to its conservative roots cemented thousands of us together. But, no group should ever think its decisions pre-empt anyone else from reaching different ones.

Third, refuse to be involved in rumor and character assassination. Sadly, even religious politics gets mired in those swamps.

When candidates are nominated, prayerfully vote for the person you feel is best suited for the position. Then, when the outcome is ascertained, trust the results to the providence of God, love the brethren, and then all of you go out for a good supper that night!

Posted in Baptist , Opinions , SBC Make a Comment (3)

  1. robert eubanks

    April 19, 2010 @ 11:39 PM

    wonderfully said, Brother Vines.....I'm not in seminary, but I proudly sit under the preaching of Bob Pearle at Birchman and love Dr. Patterson.....It upsets me when I hear disparaging comments about the brethren, particularly fulltime ministers, especially when they have no Biblical basis. We left one church because I particular group tried to run off a longtime conservative pastor....the Lord led us back to that church, mainly for our son's needs, and they then were successful.....interim was man who was too liberal for Southwestern and fulltime pastor believes in emerging church, often dresses casual, and dialogs rather than preaching. has mail order doctorate. lovable guy, but needs his theology wrinkles ironed out. I have vowed before the Lord to respect his fulltime servants despite personality flaws as long as the Holy Spirit is their guide. this applies to the entire church body. Birchman is a special place and we are bless. By the way, I love Johnny Hunt and was fortunate to hear you preach at Woodstock one Sunday. I grew up in Tate, 35 miles north of Woodstock.

  2. Andrew

    April 20, 2010 @ 12:47 AM

    Thank you Dr. Vines for your candor and your right spirit in this area. I am glad that a elder statesman in our convention still reflects on the days of struggle with grace and not bitterness. I hope that this spirit will pervade our churches and our messengers so that we can "trust the results to the providence of God, love the brethren, and then all of you go out for a good supper that night!"

  3. Fred Smith

    April 20, 2010 @ 10:23 AM

    This is perfectly in line with historic Baptist understandings of how God works through His people! Early Baptists rejected the idea of a church heierarchy, on the grounds that the Holy Spirit speaks to groups, not just to individuals, and that the congregation could better determine together the will of God than could a single Bishop or even a board of elders.

    Ideally, Baptists gather, listen, pray, and vote, confident that whatever the outcome, it will be of God.

    In the case of our conservative resurgence of some years ago, this was certainly the case!

Reply to this Post: