SBC in Houston

by Art Toalston                                                                                                    Vol. VI, No. 4, May 1993

The SBC last met in Houston in 1979 when a conservative movement emerged to elect Memphis, TN, pastor Adrian Rogers as convention president, igniting a theological/political controversy of more than a decade in which conservatives have bested moderates for control of our 15 million member denomination. [Editorial Comment: While almost everyone of whatever persuasion agrees conservatives have won at the national SBC level, the struggle has turned to the states. Although the spiritual battle is hot and heavy, perhaps especially here in Virginia, there are many encouraging signs that the Holy Spirit is working in our state. Every conservative pastor and church should already be working to bring the maximum authorized messengers to the next Virginia convention 9-10 November in Richmond.]

Messengers will gather in the home of the country's largest local association, with 515 churches and missions in the Houston area. The Baptist visitors will have opportunity to join hands in "Crossover Houston" evangelistic efforts and a slate of mission projects organized by the WMU. Also scheduled are such traditional pre-SBC meetings as the Pastors' Conference and the WMU meeting June 13-14. The theme of the three-day (15-17 June) meeting in Houston's George R. Brown convention center is "For Such a Time as This."

Vitally important votes which come up every year include the SBC budget for the following year, approval of members of the new Committee on Nominations, election of nominees to fill open slots on the various trustee boards of SBC agencies (It is these folks who ultimately make SBC policy, so they are of critical importance), action on resolutions, and of course election of SBC officers for the following year. In addition, each year there are unique issues.

This year messengers will face the question of Freemasonry's compatibility with Christianity. The Interfaith Witness Department of the Home Mission Board was charged by last June's convention with producing a study on this subject. The study has been the center of controversy since it came to light that its director, Gary Leazer, had shown a copy to leading Masons, sought and incorporated their advice, but refused to show a copy to the leading critic of Masonry, Dr. Larry Holly. Leazer has subsequently moved to another job at the HMB. The study will NOT come before convention messengers for vote. But the recommendations of the HMB trustees on this topic will. Reportedly the recommendations will state that some aspects of Masonry are compatible with Christianity and some are not, and each church and individual Southern Baptist will be urged to use their most prayerful discretion. It is understood that both Dr. Holly and Masonic leaders find the recommendations acceptable.

There is no item dealing with the Woman's Missionary Union on the agenda. In June it would not be surprising if some messenger offered a motion from the floor. Messengers should be familiar with the two articles on WMU printed in the last Banner.

From action at last year's SBC meeting the convention will take the second of two required votes on a proposed change in the SBC constitution to disfellowship churches for actions which "affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior." Last June's vote was overwhelmingly (at least 99%) in favor of the amendment. [BP]