I have been a pastor in South Carolina for 28 years. The issues of a private prayer language and speaking in tongues have been divisive and harmful within several of the churches that I have served as pastor. Both of these practices usually go together. When is it wrong for our trustees to follow scripture?
The trustees’ action does not prohibit cooperation with other groups that may view such practices to be legitimate. Neither does this action dictate to other Christians what they can or cannot do. It is my understanding that the action by our trustees sets a guideline only for those who seek appointment as Southern Baptist missionaries. If individuals wish to follow such practices, then let them seek appointment somewhere else.
Surely, our trustees have this right to uphold Baptist beliefs. The practice of a private prayer language has neither a historical nor theological basis within mainstream Southern Baptist life. I certainly was not taught that it was legitimate at Anderson College or New Orleans Seminary.
How can we turn off something in public that we practice in private if the Holy Spirit is in charge? I commend the trustees for their courage and have expressed such to them. I call on other like-minded South Carolina Baptists to do the same. You can express your support at imbtrustees@imb.org. It is time to quit minimizing who we are doctrinally and historically as Southern Baptists.
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