In the 1970s and 1980s, I was pastor of two churches that gave 20 percent of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program. They did it because of a radical commitment to missions and the mandate of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts l:8). But they also did it because of a robust support of Christian higher education, the aging, and children’s homes.
I am delighted that Southern Baptists are focusing on missions. However, I am concerned that we are “downgrading” our support for widows, orphans, and the poor (Matthew 25:40).
When I was on the Executive Board a few years ago, our Baptist Homes for the Aging almost went bankrupt. The Executive Board gave an extra portion of their reserve funds, the churches took up special offerings, and many of us made repeated trips to Bethea Home to voluntarily do maintenance, repairs, painting, etc.
In his book, “Radical,” David Platt challenges us to share the good news of Christ with the world, but he also urges us to a radical commitment to share our riches with a hungry and dying world. I am afraid some of us Southern Baptists are being selective in which words of Christ we wish to hear and obey.
Are you sure, dear brothers and sisters, that the major downgrade in support of our institutions and agencies is wise? Is there not a biblical mandate to care for widows and orphans, as well as to teach and train our young people?
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