GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Lonnie Wilkey): Us and them
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP)–I am now in my 30th year as a denominational journalist. That in itself is hard to believe. But after graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1980 I worked in public relations for North Greenville College (now University) and have been employed either at the state level or national level ever […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Michael Watson): A likely GCRTF scenario
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–In the event the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force’s recommendations are approved by the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Fla., the following will likely occur: The North American Mission Board will notify the states of their breaking the cooperative agreements. This information will reach the associational missionaries, and the pioneer state associational missionaries […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Bill Shiflett): You can be pro-Cooperative Program and pro-GCR
LEXANA, Kan. (BP)–You can be pro-Cooperative Program and a GCR supporter. The two elements are not mutually exclusive. Who can argue that the Cooperative Program is a marvelous, God-centered entity that must be preserved? We can still accomplish more in missions as a team than as individuals. As a former state convention employee, I can […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Danny Sinquefield): The motivation behind the mission
BARTLETT, Tenn. (BP)–The Southern Baptist Convention is talking about the Great Commission with a renewed sense of energy and expectancy. This is a good thing. Our Great Commission Resurgence Task Force has worked faithfully and prayerfully to bring a proposal to our annual meeting that will capture a compelling vision for our churches, state conventions, […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Ernest J. Kelley): GCR plan sends SBC back to pre-1950s era
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–The question the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force brings to the Southern Baptist Convention is not “whether,” but “how” will we facilitate this divine commission. Key proposals this task force is bringing before the SBC could potentially weaken, lessen effectiveness and divide our convention. Specifically, there are three critical areas of concern: First […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (J.D. Greear): Why younger S. Baptists should pay attention
DURHAM, N.C. (BP)–I want to address those of you who, like me, have a Baptist past but have often found yourself wondering, regarding the Southern Baptist Convention, “What is the point? Aren’t denominations a thing of the past?” I want to try and persuade you that this movement, the Great Commission Resurgence, is something of […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Mark Coppenger): Groundhog Day or Chariots of Fire?
EVANSTON, Ill. (BP)–When I became executive director for the Indiana convention in 1988, I was surprised to see that most of the Cooperative Program dollars that came from Indiana churches stayed in the state and that many of the dollars that went on to the SBC offices in Nashville eventually returned to Indiana through programs […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Randall Adams): Okla. Baptists’ Great Commission Resurgence
OKLAHOMA CITY (BP)–The June meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention promises to be the most significant meeting in decades as messengers will vote on the recommendations of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. Reading the GCR Task Force report has prompted me to think about the Great Commission impact of Oklahoma Baptists. As one well […]
GCRTF Viewpoint (David Williams): The missing link of the task force report
ROCHESTER, Minn. (BP)–There is much to be commended in the final report of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. I like the mission statement: “to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all nations.” I agree with the core values: Christ-likeness, Truth, Unity, Relationships, Trust, […]
GCRTF VIEWPOINT (Timothy Boyd): Emphasize equal sacrifice
TOPEKA, Kan. (BP)–I recently had lunch with Dr. Johnny Hunt, our SBC president, at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was there to speak to a student conference. During lunch, the eight or nine of us who had been invited had the opportunity to discuss the Great Commission Resurgence emphasis that Dr. Hunt has championed. It […]