Reason #47 that the Southern Baptist Convention Is Shrinking

Earlier this year, I was somewhat dismayed by the decision of LifeWay Christian Resources to pull Gospel Today from the shelves of their stores nationwide because its cover story featured five women pastors. Today, the AJC ran a story entitled "Georgia Baptists take aim at women-led churches" that had a similar theme but a much more ridiculous storyline. 

Apparently, the Georgia Baptist Convention (GBC)--the state convention of the SBC in Georgia--approved a policy this week, which gives them the ability to refuse funds from Georgia Baptist churches who have women for pastors. While the policy is broadly written, it is clearly aimed at the one and only church which falls under its guidelines--First Baptist Decatur, a church that has given the GBC millions of dollars since 1862. 

"I kept waiting for someone from the Georgia Baptist Convention to call us or come visit with me and other leaders of our church to inform us that these matter were being discussed," said FBD's pastor, Julie Pennington-Russell, who was not present when the policy was been discussed. "I assumed that a 146-year relationship was worth, at very least, a personal conversation."

I haven't totally made up my mind on women in ministry, and I know many sound theologians on both sides of the issue. But regardless of whether women should be pastors or not, this is disturbing. When the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845, the founders issued the following statement: "We have constructed for our basis no new creed; acting in this manner upon a Baptist aversion for all creeds, but the Bible." In other words, what historically binds Southern Baptists is not specifically-outlined doctrines, but rather a commitment to the word of God. 

Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans, Catholics--they are all, to varying degrees, bound by theological doctrine. But Baptists have never been. That is what makes being a Baptist so great, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic echelons in our denomination seem to swell daily and the list of requirements to actively participate seems to get longer and longer. The message we send is, "either step in line or get out!" When Southern Baptists make non-essentials a prerequisite for participation, we promote unnecessary division and actually cease to be Baptist. 

If anyone is taking a count, chalk this one up as reason #47 that the SBC is shrinking: Making non-essentials a prerequisite for denominational participation.

Dare I ask ... Anyone disagree with me on this?

A New Generation of Religion and Politics

My recent interview with PBS' Religion and Ethics Newsweekly has been posted on their website and is titled "Jonathan Merritt: A New Generation of Religion and Politics." Rather than add a bunch of commentary on this post, I would rather you go check it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts. Where do you agree with me? Where do you disagree? Do you you think I am crazy?

The full spot will begin airing this weekend, and is based on a new survey of young evangelicals being released. You can find some of the details here. The full PBS segment on younger evangelicals includes B-roll footage and narration as well as other's opinions.

On a side note, you will notice that I am wearing a To Write Love on Her Arms shirt for the interview. TWLOHA is an amazing organization that deserves a minute of your time. Check them out.

**Update: The whole television report has been posted on PBS' website.**

**Update: The following email was sent out today from Marc Andreas, who serves as VP for the top US adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services:

Dear Friends of Bethany,

Here's a link to a short 3-minute video of national expert Jonathan Merritt that does an excellent job of representing the philosophical shift going on in the younger evangelical community. This is having a significant impact on our marketing strategy as we reach out to new adoptive families, foster families, donors and volunteers in the greater church community. Our message of global orphan care resonates very strongly with this younger audience. Thanks for being a partner with us as we reach out to help the more than 143 million orphans around the world.

(The only problem I have is that he calls me a "national expert." More like "national troublemaker.")**

Have Your Thoughts Heard by a National Audience

This weekend, I was interviewed by PBS' Religion and Ethics Newsweekly and today my contact there sent me an email with information on how you can add your thoughts. The producers are currently collecting the political insights of young evangelicals (18-29 years old) by asking them to send in a 2-3 minute video clip stating their attitudes and views on religion, politics and America's role in the world, and the readers of my blog sounded perfect to them.

You can record this with a webcam, cell phone camera or a real video camera if you have one. The quality of the video is not important. The best videos will be posted here during halloween weekend (irony?) alongside a story about young evangelicals that will be broadcast nationwide.

Here is the information they are looking for:

"My name is ___I am___ years old and come from ___ "

(Talk naturally and openly. Use interviews with your friends, music,whatever you want.)

An idea of the sort of things we're interested in hearing about:

What are the most important election issues to you this year?

Are your political views different from your parents? How?

To what extent are your views on humanitarian issues--working on human rights, poverty and disease--an extension of your religious beliefs?

What do you believe are the biggest problems facing the world today? Howshould the US be engaged in world affairs?

When and where should the US intervene in the world?

Do you think poverty, disease, torture and global warming are pro-life issues? Why?

Have you ever gone on international mission trips?

Let us know how theyhave influenced your views on issues like persecution, war, genocide,poverty and disease.

The video clips must be sent no later than midnight on Wednesday, October 29th. Just go to yousendit.com, a website that allows you to email large files. The email address is hanleypj@gmail.com. If you have any questions, write to Missy Daniel at danielm@religionethics.org.

As you know, I firmly believe that conversations create the change we need in culture. This is a perfect way to insert your voice into a conversation with a huge audience. I am interested to see who participates and what was said. Comment and let me know.