What I Dislike About the SBC
This is part of a series that I want to do, both on what I like and what I dislike about the SBC (The Southern Baptist Convention). I am writing these because:
- There was an annual SBC meeting recently, and I feel that is my responsibility as a Southern Baptist to speak my mind about certain things that will arose at the meeting.
- I want people to understand my opinion when it comes to the SBC.
- I feel that, as someone who has been a Southern Baptist for my whole life (saved in a Southern Baptist church), it's important for me to discuss the health of the SBC from my perspective.
What I Dislike About the SBC
-I dislike the fact that a lot of traditional churches in the SBC are too disconnected from the culture to make an effect.
-I dislike the fact that many churches in the SBC treat Church as a place to escape from the world, and not a place where church members are not encouraged to reach out to the lost outside of the church walls.
-I dislike the fact that there are traces of legalism in SBC churches, among pastors, members, and deacons alike.
-I dislike the fact that many churches in the SBC function like country clubs.
-I dislike the fact that some churches in the SBC are more concerned with debating and pushing right-wing politics and legalism on unbelievers and believers rather than reaching non-christians with the gospel.
-I dislike the fact that some people in the churches of the SBC are more worried about meaningless issues rather than more important ones.
-I dislike the fact that there are people in a few churches I've been at who feel that Christianity is simply a list of do's and don'ts, and their are probably more people in other churches in the SBC who are like this.
-I dislike the fact that many churches in the SBC, especially traditional FBC churches, are turned off to new ideas because they are stuck in their simple, naive way of doing things.
-I dislike the fact that this post was easier to write than my post about what I like about the SBC.
I hope I'm not coming off as someone who is just critical for the sake of being critical, but I am saying things that aren't only true with my experiences in the churches of the SBC. Look for my blog post on What I like about the SBC to see why I am a part of the SBC.
July 1st, 2009 - 15:19
Yes, there are many things to lament about the SBC, but we still need to pray for the leaders within those Churches. It is sad that many leaders are more focused on either fighting or promoting the things of this world(examples: Pepsi, alcohol, dancing, secular organizations), rather than focusing on the Gospel and proclaiming it to the world. This only further proves the depravity of the human condition. I think, in a way, this should be a motivation for teaching the doctrine of regeneration, as there are many nominal 'Christians'.
July 3rd, 2009 - 03:34
I think so, too.
We are too focused on tertiary issues, and not the main goal: making Jesus known to the Nations. It's sad that, somehow, because there are those who argue over nonsensical issues, Satan is somewhat succeeding in sidetracking those who would be used in a greater way to reach the world.
But with that said, I'm encouraged, but there is a part of the SBC, in my opinion, that still has a long way to go.
July 10th, 2009 - 02:28
This list does a good job of detailing not just the "bad PR" issues associated with the SBC, but with most churches. Having attended several denominations, I've seen this list of problems both inside and outside the SBC.
July 10th, 2009 - 02:45
So this list isn't just specific to the SBC? I guess I didn't realize that it could be in other denominations as well. Interesting point. I'd love to hear which problems are similar in both the SBC and other denominations.