There are few conventions like a Southern Baptist Convention. Many things are voted on, but our nonbinding resolutions will not enslave its members. Not all of our Christian friends can make that claim. Our new president stated that “radical change” is needed to stop the decline in membership. Amen to that. What changes do we need?
There is some evidence to indicate that we are a denomination run by grumpy old men. One report from the convention speaks of purging members. Our church did that last year and I don't recommend it. I suspect that the father of the Prodigal Son would feel the same way.
Also mentioned are new requirements for service on SBC committees, commissions and boards with piercing questions for candidates bordering on inquisition. Why treat such distinguished people as if they were on trial with the burden of proof of their righteousness on their own shoulders?
With our previously known condemnations of Disney, Harry Potter, Halloween and public education widely documented and promoted, is it any wonder that many of our grown sons and daughters attend non-Baptist churches? That would help explain our fall in baptisms.
Yes, let's go for “radical change.” Stop waging wars in the public domain that we can't win and cease all witch hunting within our own ranks.
John Townsend, Memphis, Tenn.