MAINSTREAM MESSENGER
Vol. 1, No. 1 April 1998
Denominational Relations Committees
Most congregations are still not well informed as to what has happened in the SBC. Many are perplexed and want help in understanding.
Because of the complexity of the situation, some churches have created a Denominational Relations Committee for the purpose of informing the membership. In order to do this, they are obliged to make in-depth studies of principles involved and the basic historical traditions and beliefs of Mainstream Baptists.
The membership must recognize, as should the committee, the necessity of prayer in the process. There must also be a desire to find the truth and a willingness to listen, examine and analyze, while recognizing the worth of every person and his or her opinions. Where there is doubt, there must be light shed to reveal the truth. If there are falsehoods, they should be revealed and challenged. All should be done in a Christ-like spirit.
The advantage of utilizing a Denominational Relations Committee is that it prevents the pastor and other staff from receiving accusations of trying to impose their will upon the church. Instead, the Committee leads the whole church in examining the issues that are involved. Another advantage is that by being informed, when the time comes that the church is looking for a new minister, they will be able to better understand what type of person would be more comfortable in that church. It would also be of aid to anyone who might be interviewed because he could be informed of the personality of the church. It is imperative that the Committee be composed of fair-minded, reasonable people, who represent the broad spectrum of the church.