History of Global Evangelical Relations

In 2004, after much prayer and soul-searching, the Southern Baptist Convention ended its identification with an alliance that had begun gradually to distance itself from the biblical beliefs of most Southern Baptists and embrace causes and connections that were increasingly liberal. The BWA Study Committee made a recommendation to the Executive Committee. The Committee recommended withdrawal of its membership from the BWA, effective October 1, 2004, and encouraged a continued study about how the Southern Baptist Convention might establish an even closer bond of fellowship with conservative evangelical Christians around the world for the purpose of growing in the grace of our Loving Lord, preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth, and bringing glory to His name through the advancement of God's Kingdom on earth.

The committee had noted that the recommendation “is not intended to cast aspersion upon the many godly and enthusiastically evangelical Baptist fellowships that are members of the BWA. We fully intend to continue to partner with our oldest and best friends worldwide and to develop new and vibrant friendships and joint endeavors to reach the world for Christ.”

The Executive Committee's recommendation was to develop and execute a new and innovative strategy to continue building strong relationships with conservative evangelical Christians around the world and together to bear witness of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This relationship building in no way whatsoever has anything but positive connections with the International Mission Board

Beyond the overseas component, there are the components of North America and the Cooperative Program as the other two focal points for me. As Dr. Welch preaches in churches, conventions, and conferences in North America, he will attempt to fulfill the role of special spokesman and be a very visible ambassador for evangelism in America as well as internationally.

Listed below are the three key objectives for Global Evangelical Relations. Number one is to be the priority objective and one for which he has great passion. The other two emphases will be natural overflows of his lifelong commitments to evangelism and biblical stewardship.

(1) Build an overseas network of relationships and upon invitation develop partnering opportunities such as evangelism and discipleship conferences, working with the chief executives of SBC entities to draw upon the wealth of talent in our SBC entities for the purpose of providing leadership for the conferences.

(2) Champion the urgent need for Baptists to be active in witnessing in their family, work, and neighborhood settings. Accept stateside speaking engagements in churches, Baptist associations, and state conventions. Dr. Welch may be contacted by calling 386-253-5691, ext. 401.

(3) Encourage Southern Baptists to practice the principles of biblical stewardship in their personal lives in order that they may experience the real meaning of financial freedom and the abundant blessings God has promised. Communicate the importance of the Cooperative Program in supporting world missions.