A Crucial Decision

by T. C. Pinckney                                                                                                                                        Vol. VI, No. 8, October 1993

Every pastor, every layman faces a crucial decision, "Will I go to the state convention or not? Will I encourage others to go, or not?"

Looking at it only from the perspective of Baptist polity, we know that the system doesn't work right unless there is a full and representative turnout of voters. After all, voting is how we Baptists make decisions.

On the other hand, from the standpoint of experience it's easy to understand the feeling that, "I don't want to go again. All we do is get beaten around the head and shoulders, lose votes, and see actions and resolutions passed that we conservatives believe are at best unwise and upon occasion unbiblical and ungodly. Why should I go again?"

I'm glad you asked. Let me suggest some reasons why you ought to be at the state convention and encourage every other conservative you know to go as a messenger too.

One, as Baptists it's our responsibility before God to exercise our influence to try to make our state association the best possible steward of God's resources entrusted to it. Most conservatives do not believe that is the case today. We can never change that situation until we show up in larger numbers than we have in the past.

Two, God calls us to faithful struggle ("contend for the faith" Jude 3-4), but He does not guarantee organizational victory. Now I believe we can and will win Virginia eventually. But even if we don't we are still called to be true to God's banner. During a decisive battle only those soldiers in the fighting lines count; those relaxing on leave, those not at the front (even though they may consider that they were busy about otherwise important matters such as enlisting and training new recruits) play no role in the victory and receive no rewards. In fact, afterwards their Commanding Officer will demand a full explanation of their absence from the fray.

Three, we have the potential to win. Our numbers are such that if we bring our messengers, we can win.

Four, everything the liberals do, believing it will help their cause, hurts them. For example, budgetary support for the seminary of rebellion in Richmond opened the eyes of numbers of Virginia Baptists. Creating the WM-3 budget track to facilitate taking money away from the Southern Baptist Convention and giving it to the CBF opened more eyes.

And the resolution on homosexuality last November shocked and dismayed many previously naive Virginia Baptists.

Five, the conservative victory within the SBC means reinforcements are on their way. Already Southeastern Seminary is graduating strong conservative young pastors who have begun to be called to Virginia pulpits. Southern Seminary is not far behind. And about 58% of all Southern Baptist pastors in Virginia are graduates of those two schools. The more the full Word is preached and the connection is made between scriptural guidance and what is happening in our state, the more eyes will be opened.

Realistically, it may take us a while to achieve a majority. Different people see the light at different times. But it will be very encouraging to those who are still in process of making up their minds if they see our voting strength increasing. So, even if we don't win this year, it is vitally important that we report for duty where the struggle will be taking place.

It is only two days a year! See you in Richmond Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 & 10 November. ... and remember, on Wednesday don't leave early. Stay for the votes on the first and second vice presidents; all three of those posts are important.