SBC Update

Weekly Update – June 16th, 2022

This week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) convened in Anaheim, CA.  Every year during the second full week of June, Southern Baptists gather to vote on important matters that pertain to the mission of the convention (you can find their mission/vision HERE), as well as discussing new ways in which participating churches can connect to reach the world for Christ.  There are over 47,000 churches that partner together with the common goal of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Each church is fully autonomous, meaning that their connection with the SBC is voluntary.  As Baptists, we believe that our marching orders, if you will, come from Christ and not a convention “pope.”  Therefore, we vote, we commit to causes, we give monetarily, but we ultimately do what is best for First Baptist Church in all our decisions.

Nevertheless, this week, over 8,000 “delegates” from SBC churches gathered to vote on some significant matters.  Let me highlight three of them:

First – A few weeks ago, Guideposts Solutions released a detailed report of sexual abuse occurring among the convention.  Some of the evidence found that there were reports of convention leaders, specifically in the Executive Committee, who had neglected abuse victims, intimidated them from sharing, or had committed abuse themselves.  You can find that report HERE.  As a result, messengers to the convention overwhelmingly voted to affirm all the recommendations to counter and prevent abuse from occurring in the future.  One of those recommendations was for a “ministry check” site where churches can report and identify credible abuse claims.  The bottom line is, regardless of evidence that was found, there will be more transparency among the convention moving forward.

Second – A new convention president was elected.  There have been rumors of a liberal drift among some in the SBC over the last few years.  I don’t know how credible those rumors are, but the election of Ed Litton last year was not encouraging.  After his election, evidence that he had plagiarized his sermons from others surfaced and his lack of repentance didn’t help the matter.  Nevertheless, a pastor named Bart Barber from First Baptist Church in Farmersville, TX. was elected to take the helm.   I don’t know much about him, but I do know that he has been tough on sexual abuse in the past, which is helpful for our convention moving forward.

Third – The convention affirmed the ERLC.  There was a proposal this year to dissolve the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) as a branch of the Southern Baptist Convention.  Essentially the ERLC is an organization that provides a voice in Washington, D.C. for values that pertain to life, justice and religious freedom.  There was a bit of controversy surrounding the outspoken nature of the organization’s previous president, Russell Moore, which is likely why some wanted to dissolve it.  Nevertheless, delegates to the convention affirmed the necessity of the ERLC going forward.  You can learn more about what the ERLC does HERE.

Overall, I think there was many positives to take away from this year’s convention.  I am especially thankful for the overwhelming support taken to provide more transparency and to fight against sexual abuse.  Even so, the lack of resolution on whether women can serve as pastors is of great concern, especially when you have the rumors of a liberal drift, but Lord willing, that will be resolved with the authority of the Scripture at the next convention. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"..[For] God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Announcements:

Membership Matters Class: Beginning Sunday morning, June 5th, there will be a Membership Matters class for those interested in joining FBC. This 4 week class will be held in the library at 9:15 am during the Bible Study hour on Sunday mornings. Sign up in the hall if you plan to attend. You can find out more about our membership process HERE. 

Backyard Bible Clubs: On Monday, June 20th to Friday, June 24th, from 10:30am-noon, we will partner with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to host a Backyard Bible Club. The club will be held at Oak Tree Square Apartments, right behind the church, on those dates. We need volunteers to help during the week with the club. If you are interested, sign up in the hallway.

Members’ Meeting: On Wednesday, June 22nd, we will have our regularly scheduled quarterly members’ meeting at 7:00pm. Come and be encouraged through hearing updates regarding various ministries and participate in making decisions regarding the life and direction of the church.

Summer Picnic: On Sunday, July 3rd, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, First Baptist Church will host a picnic at Freedom Park in Grandview. The church will supply chicken and drinks. You supply the sides and dessert. Sign up in the hall for what you plan to bring.

Vacation Bible School: This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 11th-Friday, July 15th from 5:45-8:00pm. We will serve dinner at 5:15pm Monday through Thursday of that week, with Friday being our Family Night. The theme for this year is Monumental: Celebrating God’s Goodness. You can learn more about this theme HERE. We are in need of several volunteers. If you are interested, sign up in the hallway or talk with Alaina Bonin or Kim McNally for more information.

Bible Study

Join us in the Sanctuary at 9:15am on Sunday mornings for a study in the book of 1 John. A women’s Bible Study meets at the same time at then end of the hall near the nursery.

First Wednesday Prayer

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm in the sanctuary for an hour of prayer. More information can be found HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups meet 5:30pm-7:30pm on Sundays through the summer. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.