On Feb. 27, our church studied 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, which appeals for unity and urges us not to form groups that rally around certain preachers and preferences. Three days later, I opened up The Baptist Courier to find Brad Whitt’s article. In his article, Mr. Whitt seems to be rallying a group that agrees with his personal preferences (coats and ties, pulpits, choir specials, etc.) and his personal favorite preachers (Rogers and Vines). For the record, I share most of his personal preferences and I greatly miss the booming voice and biblical faithfulness of Adrian Rogers. In full disclosure, though, I also love to hear God’s Word proclaimed by John Piper and C.J. Mahaney – two of the most gifted, yet humble, preachers of our day.
I was shocked by the divisive tone of the article. I could just hear the “I follow Paul; I follow Apollos” mentality. I could hear the loud and proud “Amens!” coming from those who agree with Whitt. I could see that group growing more and more suspicious of any preacher who quotes Tim Keller, sits on a stool to teach and does not end every sermon with an “altar call.”
Perhaps the most troubling line was at the very end: “But styles change, and so does possession of the microphone.”
How is that to be taken if not as a threat?
What good comes from this? Whitt just gave disgruntled church members more ammunition to use against their young pastor who is sincerely trying to lead a church in a biblical direction. Whitt just added another rip in an already tattered state convention by rallying his traditionalist brothers to be more skeptical of his young, reformed brothers.
The reality is that the Southern Baptist Convention – and, more importantly, the gospel – is losing ground in America. Something is not right. For us to fight over who is most loyal to the denominational “ministries and institutions” only serves to prove what’s wrong with our denomination and why so many young pastors are restless in it.
I, with Paul, appeal for unity.
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