In the final weeks before the annual meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Nov. 15-16, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, five things are clear.
HolmesOne, our theme for the year, Immeasurably More, is immeasurably more appropriate that anything I could have imagined 11+ months ago. Back then, though there has never been a lapse in faith, we could not have anticipated the ways God has proven His faithfulness to us personally, and to our denomination, corporately, throughout the year. Truly, if our hearts are calibrated to His, this meeting will be a celebration of the One who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. Pray that it will be so.
Two, miracles still happen. That the GCR task force appointed by president Fred Stone last November could consider, discuss, and come to agreement over the final recommendation to be presented on Tuesday evening, is nothing short of a miracle. These 35 individuals argued, stated positions, prayed, debated, prayed some more, studied, listened, prayed some more, preached, took stands, prayed some more, and finally came up with a brilliant solution to some significant challenges. The one who is able to do Immeasurably More guided this process, too.
Three, Baptists are more diverse than I ever imagined. Being across the state this year has taught me the rich heritage of our churches and the vibrant fervency of our commitments. Of course, I haven’t been in every church or association. But there have been enough visits to more fully comprehend how mission among such a variety of congregations can only be the work of this Immeasurably More God. This is really a blessing!
Four, biblical agreement is hard. Having been a South Carolina Baptist for 51 years, and having served as a pastor in our state for 30 of them, I do have my opinions, preferences, biases and peculiarities – as do we all! Finding common ground among such an interesting group of churches and leaders just isn’t possible. So the Immeasurably More God leads us to higher ground. And that can be painful. Releasing our hold on things we are passionate about is a test. Yet, all things are possible to God. I’m trusting Him to guide our meeting to that higher ground.
Five, we need revival. No, that’s too broad. I need revival. Being involved at this level has exposed me to some of the inner workings of Baptist life that are, how do you say it, more unseemly. You know, political positioning, parliamentary maneuvering, the schemes and devices of people who want to get things done, yes, even our own personal agendas. So this is nothing new. But that doesn’t make it right, and I’m praying for God to work in me to bring a spirit of genuine revival to my house, and then to our house.
Being president of our state convention has been an honor and genuine blessing. Harriet and I could not have endured the tests of the past three months without the love and care of the Baptist family. This is perhaps the sixth thing I see more clearly as the dust of the busy year begins to settle. Now we’re praying for the Immeasurably More God to give us the entire cornucopia of spiritual fruit as we anticipate our annual meeting together.
“Now to Him who is able -” (Ephesians 3:20).