A few New Year's comments for DD readers across the country...
Trans Min is healthy, strong and growing. I could never have typed those things about the ABC/USA. I know that it's easy being here, as opposed to PA, NH, or OH (where I served other ABC churches). I empathize with reform minded ABC churches and pastors who could feel that the subtraction of the PSW region has weakened their hand, I really do. But it's exciting to be a part of a network of churches that is really with it, and to be unencumbered by the old ABC malarkey.
Are you listening--ABC of OH, WV Baptists, ABC of IN/KY? Wouldn't you like to be free to concentrate on ministry and meeting the unique challenges of the 21st century spiritual landscape of America?
One of the lessons of the PSW (now Trans Min) separation from ABC/USA) is that there is a whole other dynamic in play when regions take action as regions. If you can pry your region free from Valley Forge, I know that you'd have best friends in the Southwest. (Reminder: I speak for myself, not for Trans Min. I hold no post with Trans Min and speak only for myself and from my understanding of organizational dynamics.)
Also, for churches both ABC and like-minded: if you want to be part of a Biblical, baptistic, evangelical and missional movement, at least have a look at Trans Min. In 25 years of ministry (I observe the quarter century mark since my ordination this month), I have never been more pleased with the wider fellowship .
I suppose I could be accused of inciting a ecclesiastical riot. Like the umpire, I just calls 'em as I sees 'em. And I see good things in 2008 and beyond.
1 comment:
Amen and Amen.
As one who does hold a position (nowadays anyway) in TransMin, you are spot on in what you are writing. At last count we had inched a few congregations over the 100 mark. That means REAL churches who have joined intentionally, not dead wood. We will probably be up near the 150 mark within a few months, deo volente.
I saw Salico Sunday (he was in a church I was preaching at). The man is pumped and ready to move forward in 2008. We are blessed to have such a Godly man as our leader.
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