American Family Association published a very informative article on May 21, 2020: Is the Southern Baptist Convention a Sinking Ship.
“The Southern Baptist Convention is a good old ship that has taken on much water and is slowly sinking. The choices seem to be to abandon the ship or to man the pumps.” This is how the late Dr. Adrian Rogers described his concerns for the convention to which he would eventually be elected president and go on to serve three two-year terms.
Whether the SBC is once again taking on water and sinking is a source of contention among many in our denomination. Due to increased tensions and unresolved issues, this year’s annual convention, to be held in Nashville June 15-16, will likely reveal what the people are really thinking.
The Southern Baptist Convention has needed course corrections in the past. The SBC organized in 1845, and by the late 1800s, liberalism had already begun to creep in. By the 1950’s and 60’s the SBC had been corrupted by leaders that questioned the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture. Leaders challenged the historicity of chapters 1-11 of Genesis, denying Moses’ authorship, and suggested that many of the stories were merely symbolic and were not to be taken literally. They also challenged whether or not Adam and Eve were actual historical figures, whether there was a worldwide flood and even the supernatural destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In what we have come to know as the Conservative Resurgence began in 1979. The efforts to remove theological liberalism with the election of conservative presidents to the convention who would appoint conservative committees who would then appoint conservative trustee boards for the various SBC agencies was a success for nearly two decades. Men with unwavering commitments to the Lord and His Word made the course correction possible and Dr. Adrian Rogers certainly set the example.
Now in 2021, Southern Baptist face issues like critical race theory, women pastors, sexual sins, and continued support of Israel, among other things. I feel we must take a stand again. I believe the “good old ship” of the SBC is once again taking on water. The question is, “Are there any good men left to ‘man the pumps?’” Are there any Dr. Rogers left? I for one will stand with men of courage who boldly and without compromise stand on the Word of God.
Christ Above All,
Pastor Mark
