I am writing concerning the letter of Mark Krieger (“Your Views,” Feb. 4), who wrote in response to the article that reported the calling of Rev. Kelly Dickerson Strum to be co-pastor of Eau Claire Baptist Church (Jan. 21).
For more than 80 years, Eau Claire Baptist has been a strong supporter of the Southern Baptist Convention, annually giving 10 percent of our budget receipts to the Cooperative Program. We have started other churches in the Columbia area and sent a number of present and former members to seminary and to the mission field. In that time we have ordained two women to the ministry – one a few years back, with the blessings of the convention, and now Rev. Strum. We seek to carry out our ministries in an inner-city, transitional community, primarily according to God’s word and secondarily to the Baptist Faith and Message.
I read Mr. Krieger’s letter and, after some prayer and Bible study, I felt led to write and contribute some additional thoughts. I reviewed again the Baptist Faith and Message (VI. The Church) and was reminded one more time that this document, unlike the Scriptures, has changed over the years. The latest version (2000) may have been adopted by the convention, but certainly not unanimously, and the reference Mr. Krieger refers to is one key reason for the dissension. In addition to the Scripture referenced by Mr. Krieger, I would like to share some other verses: Proverbs 3:6, Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Matthew 28:19-20 and, probably most on point, Galatians 3:28 and Acts 2:17. Having two small granddaughters of my own, it saddens me to think of young women being taught that these verses might apply only to males. Throughout the history of Christianity there are examples of how the Bible has been used to justify discrimination of one kind or another against our fellow human beings. We all know that all human beings are made in God’s image and that, as Christians, we all become children of God, but maybe Fred Craddock was correct when he wrote that “learning what we already know is painfully difficult.”
As a member at Eau Claire Baptist, I would not ask anyone to compromise their beliefs. At the same time, as a Baptist who believes strongly in the autonomy of the local church and the priesthood of the believer – both founding principles of our denomination – I would ask to be given that same respect as a fellow Christian and that Eau Claire be given that respect as a congregation. I, too, encourage us to uphold the word of God as our guide in daily living as individuals and as a church, even though I recognize that very few of our churches today are actually organized and operated like those described in the New Testament. We could find all sorts of things others may not be “doing right.” Maybe we should spend less time worrying about who should not be proclaiming the gospel and more time worrying about how we can help them reach the world for Christ.
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