Texas convention ends ties with SBC publisher LifeWay

by Tammi Reed Ledbetter                                                                                                   Vol. XVII, No. 4, April 2004

The Baptist General Convention of Texas is ending a longstanding cooperative agreement with LifeWay Christian Resources, the Nashville-based publisher for the Southern Baptist Convention. By pulling out of the ministry investment plan when it expires Sept. 30, BGCT stands to lose several hundred thousand dollars from LifeWay to support ministries and church growth initiatives while gaining the freedom to promote its own BaptistWay Press curriculum.

“I’m surprised and saddened by the decision, but I respect the BGCT’s right to make it,” stated LifeWay President and CEO James T. Draper Jr. “LifeWay has enjoyed a long relationship with the convention, and I fully expect this will continue throughout the many Southern Baptist churches and associations in Texas that will keep using our resources.”

BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade advised Draper of the decision, pledging to continue working with LifeWay to meet the needs of Texas Baptist churches. “To the degree these churches acquire and apply LifeWay’s products to achieve their mission of service to our Lord, we will endeavor to assist the church in accomplishing its purpose.” The BGCT’s BibleWay Press was launched over more than four years ago.

According to records LifeWay releases annually, literature purchased by churches affiliated with BGCT from LifeWay has gradually declined, with $12.967 million in revenue in 2001, $10.641 million in 2002 and $9.823 million in 2003. Although revenue from churches affiliated with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention has risen from $2.46 million in 2001, $2.729 million in 2002 to $2.954 million last year, total Texas revenue declined from $15.427 million to $12.777 million when sales to churches of both conventions are combined.

Receiving no Cooperative Program funding, LifeWay depends upon sales to undergird the work of churches in the areas of ministry to which LifeWay relates. “Since we are self-funding, we operate on sound business principles which enable us to carry out our vision of helping people and churches know Christ and seek His Kingdom,” LifeWay spokesman Rob Phillips said. “We return funds above operating expenses right back into ministry -- supporting the SBC Executive Committee, state conventions, associations and churches.”

LifeWay’s state convention allocations – totaling $6.71 million last year – are based on Cooperative Program giving and improvement in three areas on which the health of cooperating churches is measured, as well as growth in the sale of LifeWay products. State conventions are asked to demonstrate growth among their churches in three areas of their choosing, including church health (Sunday School and Sunday morning worship attendance combined with increased enrollment in discipleship training and music ministries), baptisms, FAITH evangelism strategy and Vacation Bible School. Taking those factors into account, LifeWay allocated $711,074 to BGCT ministries in 2001, $457,261 in 2002 and $291,060 in 2003.

Using the same formula to determine allocations to Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, LifeWay allocated $131,850 in 2001, $258,948 in 2002 and $341,298 in 2003 as SBTC churches increased Cooperative Program giving and demonstrated improvement in selected areas of church health. Combining allocations for both conventions, the total “Texas investment” declined from $842,924 in 2001 to $632,358 last year.

In exchange, state conventions are asked to provide space for LifeWay’s display and bookstore at annual meetings along with visibility in the written program and plenary sessions. LifeWay curriculum materials are showcased during LifeWay-sponsored state training events.

LifeWay curriculum writers follow the current Baptist Faith and Message for doctrinal guidance, while BibleWay Press utilizes the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message preferred by BGCT. [BP]

[Editorial Comment: This last paragraph points you to the meat of the issue. The Baptist General Convention of Texas has been taken over by anti-SBC liberals who reject the SBC’s return to full biblical authority. The development and promotion of the BGCT’s “BibleWay” products is simply one of a series of moves which are intentionally turning the BGCT away from the SBC. TCP]