Jerry Rankin’s Letter to the Missionaries

Dear Missionary:

We are encouraged to hear how God is blessing your work and how, even in the midst of global tensions and uncertainties, the gospel is multiplying and bearing fruit. I am thankful for your faithfulness to the call. We rejoice that God continues to call out Southern Baptists in unprecedented numbers and that we are seeing accelerated evangelistic response, church growth and opportunities to impact unreached people groups. We do not want anything to deter us from moving steadfastly toward completing the unfinished task of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Last year we shared with you the unanimous decision of our board with regard to the 2000 revision of the Baptist Faith and Message and the doctrinal accountability expected of us by the Southern Baptist Convention. Because of the thorough doctrinal review of each candidate in the appointment process, it was felt that those procedures were adequate and the updated BF&M would be used following its adoption.

Elected administration in Richmond and regional leaders were asked and agreed to sign affirmation of the current BF&M and gave assurance that we would lead the work of the IMB consistent with the current BF&M. We already had in place a policy that if any missionary taught or practiced doctrinal positions in any way contrary to the BF&M that it would be grounds for termination. Our board felt that these policies and actions provided adequate accountability to the SBC and expressed confidence and trust in our missionaries.

However, this issue has continued to generate controversy throughout the convention and suspicion regarding some related to Southern Baptist entities who may not be in agreement with what Southern Baptists have identified as the common confession of our faith. There are many who feel strongly that those being supported by the denomination should be willing to pledge affirmation and support for the current BF&M, especially those serving with the mission boards. Failure to ask for this affirmation is creating suspicion that there are IMB personnel whose beliefs and practices are inconsistent with those represented by Southern Baptists.

While we believe this is unfounded, we do not need an issue such as this to generate needless controversy, erode support and distract us from the focus on our task at such a critical time of opportunity around the world. While there have not been major changes to the document, the statement regarding the family in 1998 and other changes in 2000 have been appropriate responses to contemporary issues and challenges that have emerged in the last 38 years since the 1963 statement was adopted.

To assist our board in assuring Southern Baptists that all those who serve with the International Mission Board and supported by the convention affirm and support the current Baptist Faith and Message, I am asking that you sign the attached form indicating your affirmation and return to your regional leader. You are welcome to note any area of disagreement with the 2000 BF&M. You should have received a copy last year or can request one from your regional office or download it from the Internet site www.SBC.NET.

The BF&M responds to an American culture that is sliding rapidly into relativism, and it is altogether appropriate for Southern Baptists to stand for a united expression of what we believe. Signing this affirmation protects you from charges of heresy behind your back while you are overseas and cannot defend yourself. It will also disarm those who may be trying to use the BF&M to divide Southern Baptists and isolate the IMB from other agencies and state conventions that have endorsed the current revision.

Since all new missionaries processed since June 2000, including the 1155 new missionaries commissioned in 2001, have affirmed the 2000 BF&M, your affirmation of this revision will assure consistency in our missionary force as we serve the Lord together. This will also clearly communicate to overseas Baptists and our Great Commission partners what we believe. Just as we are expected to be financially accountable for the use of resources and morally circumspect in our life and witness, we who have chosen to serve with a denominational mission agency are expected to be doctrinally accountable to those who provide our support and send us out.

There should be no reticence in our willingness to express agreement with what the SBC has adopted. Asking you to affirm the current BF&M has not been requested or required by the convention or our board of trustees, but our board is aware of this action and does commend and support it. We are simply seeking to move beyond a continuing and potentially damaging issue that could distract us from our mission task, unnecessarily create suspicion on the part of some and erode support of you and IMB. I cannot over emphasize how important your cooperation is in order for us to move forward in fulfilling the Great Commission. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this request. Your regional leader is prepared to follow up with you personally concerning your questions or personal clarifications. We are grateful for your dedication and are praying God would richly bless you, your ministry and family as we move into a new year.

Sincerely yours,

Jerry Rankin

April 2002