Reflections of the Past

by  Fred H. Wolfe                                                                                                                                    Vol. VI, No. 9, December 1993

[Dr. Fred Wolfe is pastor of Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, AL, and Chairman of the SBC Executive Committee. He spoke at the Virginia Baptist Bible Conference on 8 November.]

As I reflect on the conservative resurgence of the past 14 years, some things really stand out in my heart:

1. The prayer of Bertha Smith in the early 70s for God to turn our denomination back to its conservative heritage. God answered prayer!

2. The desire of the leadership of the conservative resurgence to walk in love, to glorify God, and to do His will regardless of the cost. The total dependence on God by conservative leaders for His leadership.

3. The mighty things that God has done in these last 14 years. Southern Baptists are the only major denomination to turn back to conservatism. This is the Lord's doing and marvelous to behold.

4. The conservative movement has not been without flaws. However, I believe the errors have been of the head and not of the heart. The desire has been to please God. God's will above man's will has been desired!

5. The whole movement was about "God's Word," liberal versus conservative theology

and the direction the SBC was headed. I know the cry has been made that it was all political, a power grab. While the SBC make-up is such that political things happen, I know that I know that political power was never the motive of conservative leadership. Only a return to an inerrant Bible and conservative theology.

As I think of the future of the SBC, I am greatly excited. As I see men like Jimmy Draper, Morris Chapman, Larry Lewis, Al Mohler, Paige Patterson, Jerry Rankin, and others in places of strategic leadership, I know great things are ahead for Southern Baptists. We need revival. As a denomination we need; a new touch from God to stir us and change us. I believe revival is coming. Our prayer is, Oh God, make us the people, the denomination to make a difference in a needy world.

In conclusion, there are good and godly people who have disagreed with the conservative resurgence. Some feel led to move in other directions. I do not sit in judgment on them, their beliefs and motives. I simply say I believe God has led Southern Baptists back to our conservative heritage and l know in my heart God is pleased. Yes, Southern Baptists, the best is yet to come! Move, O Lord, among us and glorify your Name. Amen!

Jesus is Lord!