The SBCV and the BGAV
by T. C. Pinckney Vol. VI, No. 9, December 1993
The question is often asked, "Why stay in the Baptist General Association of Virginia? Why not just pull out and form a separate, conservative state convention?" Fair question. Deserves a fair answer. But let's not look only at one side; let's consider both the pros and cons, and try to make a balanced reply.
Reasons to Separate
First the biblical case: Amos 3:3 says, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" One thing both conservatives and moderates agree upon is that they disagree regarding many things. That being the case, would it not be better, even be more biblical, for the two groups to go their separate ways, forget about internal struggles, do their own thing, and then see whom God blesses?
Second the personal perspective: Many on both sides are tired of denominational politics. It would be a great relief to quit the battle, to associate ourselves with folks of like theology, and to focus on studying the inerrant, infallible Word and putting it into practice.
Third the organizational imperative: Many conservatives feel the chances of turning the BGAV back to its historic roots of biblical inerrancy range somewhere between slim and zero, and that we should not waste time and energy on a lost cause. Rather, we should form our own state convention, witness to the lost, and disciple our members.
Fourth the resources consideration: Resources are always limited. They consist of time, talent, and talents (money). And there is never enough of any. The effort to win the BGAV back from the liberal control clique requires all three: time, talent, and money, and all three can be put to very good use building our local churches and supporting a new, conservative state convention. Couldn't God put our resources to better use if we stopped the bickering and established a separate state convention?
Reasons Not to Separate
First the SBC example: In the 1960s and 1970s there were many conservatives in the Southern Baptist Convention who felt they should leave the SBC for essentially the same reasons outlined above. And some did leave either individually or by taking their local church independent. They felt the fight was hopeless and could not foresee the future. But now aren't we glad only a relatively few departed and the great majority of conservatives continued in the battle? Look at how God has used those who continued to stand (see Ephesians 6:10-18 in which Paul cautions the Ephesians to stand three times, to withstand once, and to persevere).
God has won the SBC back to His standards of biblical authority from the insidious seductions of intellectual pride, from the dominance of program over doctrine, from the acceptance of diversity to the extent of trivializing sin, from an intellectualized universalistic dead-end detour to the strait gate Jesus described (Matthew 7:13-20). And as a result He has already begun to bless the SBC again as a mighty instrument to work His will. For example, in 1992 eight out of ten measurable standards were significantly improved. Praise God for what He has done in our convention. Praise God for those who remained faithful through the bitter battle.
Second our progress in Virginia: Today we face a very different situation within our state from that of, say, 1987.
– Numbers: At that time conservative pastors were a definite, isolated, discouraged, impotent minority. Only 373 conservative pastors could be identified while there were 584 known moderate/liberals (as well as 251 pastors whose position was unknown and over 200 open churches). Today we can count 547 moderate/liberals, 638 conservatives, about 140 unknowns, and the remainder open churches.
– Organization: In 1985 a small number of conservative pastors were meeting in about three fellowship groups, but there was no statewide organization, no networking. Today we have volunteer regional and associational coordinators throughout the state. Of course the most dramatic recent development has been the establishment of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia which offers great promise for the future. Somewhere between 900 and 1,000 met in Lynchburg for its founding meeting on 28 January.
– Communication: Until 1988 we had no newsletter through which we could communicate with conservatives around the state. Then the first issue of The Baptist Banner came out in February 1988, going to just 375 addressees and comprising only four pages. Now The Banner circulation is almost 11,000 and it consists of twelve pages.
Third, our mandate: We are promised peace in our hearts, not in our circumstances. And we are to seek that which is gone astray. There are tens of thousands of Virginia Southern Baptists who have been misinformed, uninformed, or misled. To leave the BGAV would be to lose the opportunity to reach these many folks, for in most cases because of their poor information they would take the path of least resistance ... which would be to remain in the BGAV. One can coast without energy; it takes exertion to change course. We want to maintain contact so that we can inform and educate these folks in order that they can make biblically knowledgeable decisions. When they truly understand, the great majority will vote biblically.
Fourth, the goal of peace: Which route, separation or struggle, would bring meaningful peace? In a way they both would, but they would do so in opposite time spans.
– Separation means less confrontation in the short term such as at the next state convention.
– But continuing the struggle means less confrontation in the long term. When conservatives are elected to leadership within the BGAV, there will be one Virginia state convention loyal to the full authority of God's Word and to the Southern Baptist Convention. A few of the most liberal churches will drop out by moving to the CBF, the American Baptists, or elsewhere, but the great majority of churches will remain in the new BGAV, thus providing a long-term opportunity to encourage them to mature in the faith, to focus on evangelism, to move their churches from what so many are today – primarily social institutions which have not been taught the need for change – to energetic, active units within God's church universal giving of self for the sake of the gospel.
Fifth, our example: Conservatives in other states know that Virginia has for long been the most liberal SBC state, and they are intently watching what we do here as indicating what they may be able to do in their own states. In short, many think, "If Virginia conservatives can win back their state to its historic, inerrant stance, then we can do it here too." If we fail, particularly if we give up, it will discourage conservatives who face similar battles all across the SBC.
Sixth, our greatest strength, our weakness: 11 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weak ness." II Samuel 22:33 "God is my strength and power; and he maketh my way perfect." Psalm 37:39 "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble." Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Conclusion: Not because of our strength, for in ourselves we are weak; not because it's enjoyable, for it is anything but; not because we expect immediate success, for we do not know the schedule, but rather because the Lord's strength will be made manifest, because His victory will be to His glory and the increase of His kingdom, and because His victory is inevitable in His own time, we can, we must, we will continue until Virginia is turned around.