MISSION COMMITTEE IDEA NOT OFFERED WITH HIDDEN AGENDA

Rumors are spreading that the committee to study the mission programs of the SBC and CBF was brought into existence to justify stopping support of the SBC. This is not true although changes may be the end result, according to Nathan Porter, who brought the motion in El Paso.

The truth is we do not know how much the mission programs of the SBC have changed in the past 20 years. We do not know if missionaries have to sign creeds. We do not know how many of the missionaries are fundamentalist and how many are not. We do not know the criteria for appointment by the SBC or CBF. We do not know if the International Mission Board has $300 million in reserves or $500 million. We need the facts.

Should the facts justify changes in the way we partner, so be it, but nothing should be done until we know the truth. If SBC missionaries want out of that system, and that may or may not be the case, then we need to figure out how to help them. We may find most of the missionaries are very happy and are treated like Baptists should be treated. We simply do not know the truth and need to check out the rumors. For example, is it true or false that medical and agricultural missions are not supported anymore?

So, let's all wait to learn what this committee finds, and those found by the other committees to be appointed that will examine theological education and associational missions. Once we have the facts, the BGCT and local churches can make informed decisions on how they want to partner in spreading the Gospel.

December 1999