Issues of Importance

Dr. Frank S. Page
President of the Southern Baptist Convention 2006

Issues of Importance:

Cooperative Program

            I believe that the Cooperative Program is an object of great worth!  In 1925, God led Southern Baptists to come together with a methodology that would do the work of God through the churches locally, nationally, and internationally.  It was a marvelous concept.  Obviously, it is falling from favor in the eyes of many.  There are many reasons for this lack of support.  However, I believe that it is time to restore our hearts and minds to the cause of cooperating together to do the work of God.  For me personally, I believe that I have a moral obligation to give strong support to our wonderful entities and most of all, to our mission sending agencies as we have voted to send out over ten thousand missionaries across our continent and around the world. 

            I encourage all churches to give sacrificially an amount that shows a serious commitment to the Great Commission and to supporting the work which we have voted to do.  Does your church's giving pattern show selflessness?  Are you supporting the belief that we can do more together than we can do separately?  I urge each of you to restore to your own heart and to your church's mission methodology a belief that the Cooperative Program is an object of great value. 

Concerns

            I am deeply concerned that the attitude of selfishness is creeping into many lives and churches.  This is accompanied by a spirit of isolationism.  One of my reasons for being a part of a denomination such as the Southern Baptist Convention is the belief that we are a part of a greater work than just our own.  We need to cooperate with brothers and sisters in Christ across the world.  Let us be people of cooperation not isolationism.

            I also have a deep concern about the issue of ownership.  For many years, I have heard people complain that they have lost control of their denomination.  I have heard yet others rejoice that they have finally taken control of their denomination.  I know of many groups within our Convention now that are seeking control of their denomination. 

            I think it is extremely important to realize that the Southern Baptist Convention belongs to the Lord!  It belongs to no group.  We must confess our sin of presuming ownership.  Matthew 16:18 is clear about who owns the church.  Our Convention is a part of God's church and we must confess His ownership, His leadership, and His agenda.

Calvinism

            Many people ask me about this issue.  I readily affirm my belief in the doctrines of grace, but as I have stated over and over, I believe the doctrines of grace include the issue of free will.  I have written a book about this issue.  I do not hold to the traditional five points of Calvinist theology.  I believe that while salvation will not be universally accepted, it is universally offered and atoned for by our Lord Jesus Christ!  I believe that human beings can accept or reject the Holy Spirit's call for salvation. 

            I have made it abundantly clear that I believe that this argument is a family argument.  In fact, almost every Calvinist with whom I have spoken has a high belief in the integrity of Scripture.  Therefore, I have stated clearly that I will open the table of participation to anyone who (1) has a sweet spirit and (2) who has an evangelistic heart, (3) has a belief in the inerrant word of God, and (4) has strong belief and support in the Cooperative Program.

Charismatic Issues

            Churches must deal with charismatic issues and theology as a part of their own autonomous structure.  I think that many charismatics function well within traditional Southern Baptist churches.  In fact, we have several in our church.  Some are more vocal and sometimes disruptive.  Churches must deal with those kinds of attitudes on a case by case basis.  Trustee bodies must do the same.

Generational Issues

            One of the most significant issues for the SBC in the next ten years is how to teach our people to expand ministry and church outreach to all generations.  Far too many churches have become "one generation" churches.  These will die quickly. 

            We must continue to encourage our churches to become sensitive to outreach to various ethnic and socioeconomic groups.  We must also encourage our churches to reach out to all generations.  We must come to understand who they are, why they react the way they do, and provide ministries and opportunities for service for all of them.  Our nation is changing, and our churches must do the same.  While the precious message of Christ and His precious infallible Word will never change, if we do not find new methodologies to reach new groups, then we are doomed to become a convention full of churches who were rooted in the past and will die.

Women in Ministry

            The issue of women in ministry is one of great contention and discussion.  While some Southern Baptist churches have had women deacons for decades, some are violently opposed to such a practice. 

I certainly affirm that God does call and utilize women in His service.  My belief about women in ministry is consistent with that which is found in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, in Article VI, The Church.  This document states, "that while both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of Pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture."  I concur with that statement.  This does not mean that women cannot serve in a variety of capacities and roles.  I believe that all God's people should affirm this with joy. 

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