A Loyal Southern Baptist

Who is a “loyal Southern Baptist?”  I raise this question because of an incident involving an Alabama Baptist.  This particular lay person for decades has been loyal to the local church, supported and been involved in Southern Baptist missions and served the denomination in various capacities.  In other words, a faithful, dedicated and involved person in the local church, the association and the state convention. This person recently was nominated for a committee position.  When the nomination was under consideration, however, the comment was made that the position should be filled by a “loyal Southern Baptist, ” insinuating that the nominee was not a loyal Southern Baptist.  In truth, a more loyal Southern Baptist could never be found.  A person more committed to Southern Baptist missions could never be found.

            Why was the question of loyalty raised?  The nominee supports the stand of Mainstream Alabama Baptists for the historic Baptist principles of freedom.  Mainstream is critical of the current SBC leadership and the direction of the convention away from these principles.  But most Mainstream Alabama Baptists are in Southern Baptist churches and support Southern Baptist missions.  They simply challenge the current direction of the convention toward creedalism, and away from the sole authority of scripture, the priesthood of the believer, the autonomy of the local church and religious liberty for all.  But their continuing support and service as loyal Southern Baptists is unquestioned.

            This incident is just one more illustration of the thinking of the “conservative resurgence” leaders and followers.  Loyalty is not defined by missions involvement, faithful giving or any other evidences of commitment.  Loyalty is defined solely as a willingness to accept the creed, the Baptist Faith and Message, and not raise any questions about the direction of the convention.  In other words, “a loyal Southern Baptist” will be submissive and quiet.  Loyalty is not defined by enthusiastic support of SBC missions but by doctrinal conformity.

            The price of nonconformity, for exercising one’s priesthood, is exclusion.  You may continue to support the convention, but don’t expect to serve on a committee or board in the SBC, or in a state convention or association which is controlled by these who wish to control you.