Jerry Vines Ministries

I was elected president of the SBC in 1988. Some half-jokingly said I was the first independent Baptist in history elected president!  Actually, all my roots are in Southern Baptist life. I was saved, called to preach, educated, and  served in only Southern Baptist churches.

In the earlier years several of us were so concerned about liberalism in the SBC we thought we might indeed become independents. Adrian Rogers and I talked about it frequently. Of course, you know the rest of the story. The Conservative Resurgence was successful in restoring the convention to its conservative roots.

However, properly understood, every Southern Baptist church, pastor and member is independent Baptist. Each local congregation is independent and autonomous. No association, state convention or national convention can dictate to the local church. Local churches can choose to do their own mission work.

Some churches I served sent their own missionaries as well as supported Southern Baptist mission work. I think of First Baptist Jacksonville’s support of Bob Tebow, father of Tim, who has an independent work in the Philippines. Many larger churches can do some things in ministry and missions that smaller ones cannot. God bless them.

But, through the years I have witnessed the work of the Southern Baptist Convention. Imperfect? Yes. Can it be improved? Certainly. Needs constant study and analysis for effectiveness? You betcha. But, I have come to the conviction that the adage is true: We can do more together than we can do separately.

For instance, just watch the way the Florida Baptist Convention organizes and mobilizes churches to help those suffering in Haiti. The result will be millions of dollars spent on human relief and ultimately, thousands of Haitians coming to know Christ as their Saviour.

It troubles me that some who seem to have little understanding of the SBC are so quick and hasty to criticize it without really recognizing its value and worth. This independent Baptist likes cooperation!