Guest Editorial for Jan. 13, 2005
Jimmy Draper, president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, recently discussed with Facts & Trends magazine why he's concerned about the SBC's declining baptisms and interested in greater denominational involvement by emerging leaders. Here are excerpts.
F&T: Why do you feel these two issues [emerging leaders and declining baptisms] are directly related and why do you believe they are significant to address at this time?
JD: They are actually issues we as a denomination should have addressed years ago. On the first issue, decline in baptisms, I feel this shows a lack of focus on evangelism. … Baptists came together for the express purpose of evangelism and missions. Those things are in our DNA, but unfortunately we as a denomination and as churches have strayed somewhat from that foundation, often focusing on a lot of things that have nothing to do with either of those. …
Now here is why I believe it is important to connect evangelism … with this generation of emerging leaders. This is the most visionary generation I've seen. My generation dreamed of a country club membership in a county seat town while serving at First Baptist Church. This generation doesn't even think like that. They don't even necessarily want to go to an established church. They are just as likely to go start a church somewhere. This is a powerful combination: their passion for evangelism and the willingness to go anywhere. We've got to find a place at the table for that in the SBC.
F&T: Do you believe there is a place for emerging leaders in the SBC at this time?
JD: I believe so. We can do a lot better sharing leadership opportunities. … We older folks have got to pull a chair up to the table for the younger ones. The enthusiasm and passion of the younger people is needed in any setting whether it is the association, the state convention or the SBC. At the same time, the younger leaders need to learn from the experience of those who have gone before. … The younger generation needs the prayer and guidance of the older generation and the older generation needs to have the fervor and passion that used to characterize their lives.
F&T: So are you saying there should be more emerging leaders in positions of status?
JD: Not necessarily. These emerging leaders see life in terms of ministry more than they do status. And that is why if we allow this whole emerging leaders' movement to evolve into, “How can I have more status in the convention?” then we've done them a disservice.
F&T: But many times the methodologies of emerging leaders are so different than those used by their predecessors. Do you really believe there would be acceptance?
JD: I like the ballads of the '50s rather than the rock sound of today, but it doesn't make the music I like any better or worse than what younger people like. They're simply different. We are too hung up today on worship styles, on evangelism methods. We've got to get beyond that and look at the fruit the church is producing. Are people coming to Christ? Are lives being changed? …
We've got to come to the point where we celebrate diversity. We don't want diversity in the message, but we want it-we need it-in the methods. Look at God's creation. Each of us is so different from everyone else and everything in our world is so different. Why then would we think God expected all churches to be the same? That's contrary to God's nature. There are a lot of folks out there doing it a lot differently than I've done it, but that's OK. …
F&T: Do you sense there is a disconnect with younger Southern Baptists from their denominational heritage?
JD: I think there is a frustration on the part of emerging leaders because they see the denomination as being against everything and everybody, even each other. They are effective in their ministries and see the denomination as not being able to contribute because of the politics. I understand their concern in this area. We as a denomination have got to get beyond the Bible wars of 25 years ago and do something with what's been gained. That's why I say we must refocus on evangelism. … That is what the emerging leaders are focusing on. I believe if they will involve themselves in the denominational process it can help us get on the right track.
Baptist Press