High Time for a Conservative State Convention

by Terry L. Harper                                                                                   Vol. VIII, No. 9, October 1995

     Senior Pastor, Colonial Heights Baptist Church

For several years I have felt the drastic need for a new State Convention but to this point have felt that the timing just wasn't right. However, I've come to the conviction that those of us of like minds and faith should "launch out into the deep" and stand together in the things of God.

There are many reasons why I feel we need a new State Convention, but for the sake of time and space I'll mention just a few. For many years now those of us who are of a conservative persuasion have been totally disfranchised in the BGAV. Not only are we allowed no place of leadership or influence, we're hardly even allowed to speak. It seems clear and evident that conservatives are not wanted in the BGAV. The recent by-law change concerning messengers has made it all but impossible for us to strengthen our influence. (After all wasn't that the purpose of the by-law change in the first place?)

Furthermore, those of us who hold to the inerrancy of the Scripture and to traditional Christian values are out of step with the position of the BGAV. At its annual meeting of the State Convention the body has refused to take a strong stand on the authority of the Word of God, to stand strongly and firmly against homosexuality and abortion. Virginia Baptist funds continue to go to the Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg which unapologetically performs abortions. Huge amounts of Virginia Cooperative Program dollars still go to the University of Richmond where co-ed dorms are common, drinking on campus is advertised and openly promoted, and heretical teaching is documented.

But, as if these long endured offenses are not enough, there are a string of recent developments that insult my conscience. In recent years the BGAV has budgeted for such things as the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs (which is anti-SBC), the Associated Baptist Press, and of all things the Baptist Seminary at Richmond, and must we forget the Baptist Theological Seminary at Ruschlikon. Brethren, these things to me are overwhelmingly offensive. Well, "designate your contributions" some say, "and you won't be giving to these things." Dearly Beloved, the fact still remains that I am affiliated with a body that supports and promotes these things that to my conscience are anathema!! When I go to the State Meeting I feel great tension, resistance and rejection, and the programs and speakers are often offensive.

Recently in the Regional Evangelism Conferences held by our SBCV, there was unity, oneness, and a joy in Christ. Why should we continue to be the source of contention within the body of the BGAV? Let us draw apart, those of us who are of like mind, and serve the Lord together and support the SBC together.

Why is the timing right now? Because of the by-law change which has ended any hopes of a turn around in the BGAV. Because the SBC needs our full moral and financial support at a time of unprecedented opportunity. Because the time for fighting and politicking has come to an end. The time to really move ahead in support of our Mission Boards, Agencies, and Institutions is fully upon us. Because the bureaucracy of the BGAV continues to mushroom and we don't need to fund it. Because the fields are responsive like never before to the Gospel and we must unite with those of like mind and faith to reap a great harvest. Let's "just do it"!

[Editor's Note: Terry is not a ‘Johnny come lately'. He is a native Virginian and has been in Baptist work here all his life. He and his congregation have been the top church in giving to the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia this year.]