The approval of the Great Commission Resurgence report at the Southern Baptist Convention has brought tensions and concerns to our state convention and to our churches. The report has brought focus to our weakness in fulfilling the Great Commission. Our failure should break our hearts and bring us to our knees. We must find a way to do a better job in reaching people.
Henry SimmonsAmong several issues raised by the report, there is one that is a matter of great concern: How shall we allocate funding in response to the challenge? The suggestion of the GCR report (as it applies to South Carolina) is to change the percentage of funding from nearly 40 percent to national and international causes and keeping approximately 60 percent in state to a 50/50 split. Approval of the report also brings to an end cooperative agreements with the state conventions and the associations. The net difference for the South Carolina Baptist Convention is between $3.8 and $3.9 million, affecting more than 60 different missionaries. The new emphasis will move financial support to larger metropolitan areas and other areas in North America beyond the old South. Less money will be available for institutions, ministries and church planting in our state.
The fulfillment of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment are not mutually exclusive. Loving our neighbor and going to the ends of the earth are both important. I feel strongly that we must continue to support our institutions. South Carolina Baptists spoke strongly about the Ministries for the Aging in 2005, when there was an attempt to sell Bethea Baptist Retirement Community, and rallied to its support. The ministry is financially strong and is growing. In addition to ministers and missionaries who are cared for at Bethea and Martha Franks, the far greater majority are folk without vocational ministry connections. As one whose mother was there until her death, I know of the excellent care she received, both spiritually and physically.
But what shall we do in relationship to the other institutions? What about our excellent universities? While they receive only a small percentage of their funding from the Cooperative Program, this funding is important. It is not only important to help universities financially, but it is also important to maintain the vital connection between our convention, churches and the universities. Our schools are sound and are making a huge impact for the kingdom of God. South Carolina Baptist universities are a major source of Christian leaders for churches, ministers and missionaries.
Connie Maxwell ministers to children. Crises in families have made our work more important rather than less important. Children who have crisis forced upon them have an opportunity to redirect their lives, come to Christ, and to become Christian leaders through this ministry. I know former Connie Maxwell children who are superintendents of schools, pastors, deacons and outstanding church leaders. The impact of Connie Maxwell is great in the kingdom of God and goes far beyond caring for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of children.
We must look beyond short-term solutions or reallocation of funding. We must continue to fund our institutions. The real issues relate to the heart. Long term, our best way of funding missions and ministries will be to focus on reaching South Carolina for Christ. Reaching people will enlarge our base for giving. Please understand that I am not suggesting that we reach people with a motive to increase our funding. If we strengthen our base, we will have more to give the world. Let’s move from a position of reallocation of resources to a position of growth.
– Simmons is director of missions for Florence Baptist Association.