MAINSTREAM MESSENGER
Vol. 2, No. 2 April 1999
The Laity of the Land
As Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists (MOB) has steadily increased its membership, one question is continuously raised. "What can I (a lay person) do in a church that denies or ignores the change of direction in the SBC?" For Baptists who are by nature non-confrontational, the question is doubly perplexing.In forthcoming issues, I hope to assist you in defending your beliefs in a manner that is firm but not mean-spirited.
In this issue, I will briefly describe what the disagreement is all about. Fundamentalists say a "conservative resurgence" was necessary to change a "liberal drift" in the SBC. I disagree with their terminology and believe the change is best described as a "Fundamentalist takeover." Everyone agrees that there have been changes.
Two words describe the entire problem — freedom and control. Baptists throughout history have recognized the God-given right to exercise free choice. We are free because God, and God alone, holds us personally accountable for the decisions we make.
God gave us the freedom to accept or reject his grace and forgiveness. When we accepted his grace, God gave us the Holy Spirit and the freedom to follow the Spirit’s guidance within our own hearts and minds and consciences. God gave us the freedom to unite with other believers in democratically governed autonomous congregations, associations, conventions and fellowships. God gave every believer the freedom and responsibility to be their own priest and to minister to others.
Baptists used to believe that it’s no one’s business but God’s as to how individuals and local churches voted on who will be a pastor or deacon (male or female) or whether they will give to the SBC, BGCO, CBF or any other organization.
Freedom frightens Fundamentalists. They thought there was too much freedom in the SBC. A small group of them designed and executed an admittedly brilliant scheme to take control of the SBC and limit the freedom of Baptists within the convention . Under the guise of a "conservative resurgence" your God-given freedoms have been seriously compromised! Now, they are trying to intimidate all who oppose them.
If you agree, let us help you keep your friends and relatives informed about the changes that have taken place in Baptist life. Send us their names and we will send them copies of the Mainstream Messenger free of charge. We can also provide speakers to talk to groups in your church or home.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have questions or comments. We encourage responses of all kinds — including criticism, as we lay no claim to being an "inerrant" organization.