The general drift of Brad Whitt’s first-person article in the March 3 edition of The Baptist Courier was offensive and divisive, and contrary to the standards that South Carolina Baptists expect from our state publication. Dr. Whitt criticized many very effective kingdom pastors and leaders, usually because they exist and serve outside his personal preference list. To publicize his personal interpretation of ministry and missions as the norms for all other congregations is a dangerous precedent in such volatile times. At any rate, such an attitude does not edify the church and should not be published by the Courier.
As president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, I must take issue with his broad characterizations and negative assumptions. Specifically, his claim to represent the majority of Baptists cannot be substantiated. What is more, a broad-stroke depiction of this so-called new breed as contrary to Baptist polity and doctrine indicates a very limited study of Baptist history and precedents. Also, we affirm no private interpretation of Scripture. Dr. Whitt’s theology and methodology are not necessarily infallible, nor are they the template required of our 2,103 other congregations. If the new thing God is doing around our nation is outside of Dr. Whitt’s context, perhaps it is Dr. Whitt who is out of step.
This kind of rhetoric threatens the very cooperation that he suggests as our model. We must be reminded that ours is a partnership of autonomous churches whose historical orthodoxy is the confession “Jesus Christ is Lord,” the articles of The Baptist Faith and Message, and whose mission has been, since 1845, reaching the nations with the glorious gospel of Christ.
Dr. Whitt’s passion is commendable. To speak to the issues of the day is the privilege of every Baptist leader, regardless of their bona fides. To do so in such a venue, however, threatens our partnership and maligns the cause of Christ. Such self-serving polarization should be avoided if we are to continue the remarkable work that has touched so many lives worldwide. Perhaps the “mind of Christ,” rather than our personal preferences, should be our guide as we seek Him through these complex times.
You have given me the privilege of 550 words in each issue, and I am grateful. My pledge from the start has been to edify your readers and challenge those committed to our mission partnership. Please pray for me as we seek unity in fulfilling the mission of Christ.
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