CO-CHAIR THOUGHTS FROM DEAN DICKENS
Credible Leadership for Texas

In this issue you will find information on why Texas Baptists Committed enthusiastically endorses and supports Dr. Charles Wade for another term as BGCT president. You might also find word of Bro. Rick Scarborough’s nomination. I believe Charles Wade’s agenda of mission and evangelism focuses on the very agenda needed by Texas Baptists in forthcoming days. So may I reflect on some of the very items Bro. Scarborough has printed in criticism of the BGCT’s current direction.

I begin by noting my appreciation for Scarborough. I have seen several articles noting his public challenge of a speaker in the area high school because she was not playing fair with facts. The lady apparently later admitted to him that she had “exaggerated the statistic.” I applaud his forthrightness in dealing with her stretching the truth. But maybe some of Scarborough’s statements are also exaggerated.

(1) Scarborough indicates the state convention is moving “toward the left”? Is it? With the strong emphasis we have placed on missions and evangelism these previous years, one would have to note that we are moving more than ever toward Jesus’ Great Commission—which is probably the one thing on which we all agree. If missions and evangelism is toward the left, then I’m comfortable being a “left-winger.”

(2) There is concern that Texas supports James Dunn and funds the Baptists Joint Committee on Public Affairs. We do.And we should. I also realize that James is a member of the National Advisory Council of “the very liberal” Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Good for him. I don’t agree with James nor the Separationists on everything — I don’t even agree with my twin brother Doug on everything — but I support their efforts as worthwhile. If ever we needed a strong voice in Washington to keep the state from messing with religion, now is the time. If we did not support James Dunn and the Joint Committee’s magnificent efforts in Washington, then I would be concerned.

(3) The CBF is viewed as a “competing denomination.” I was at the Richmond CBF meeting this year and joined the vast majority in voting that it not be a denomination — let alone competition. CBF is about furthering the Kingdom of God. CBF is interested in serving, not competing.

(4) Scarborough says, “And look at Baylor.” I have. And I’m rather proud of them. It looks to me that Robert Sloan follows in the same, fine capable tradition of Herb Reynolds, Abner McCall, and other outstanding Baptist leaders who have shaped Texas students. I have similar pride in what Dallas Baptist is doing. And Wayland, Houston Baptist, Hardin-Simmons, etc.

This is why Charles Wade continues to be a logical choice to serve another year as president. When Bro. Scarborough stated that, “They will attack our giving record to the BGCT,” I felt it was unnecessary. We don’t need to attack any church’s giving record. Today Texas Baptists have given them the right to give as they feel led. The facts will speak for themselves.

Electing a leader for Texas Baptists on the basis of exaggerated accusations would be a dangerous precedent. Exaggerated accusations have won elections in the SBC, but not in Texas.

Charles Wade represents integrity, cooperation and missions. That is why I’m grateful for his being renominated.

October 1996