WHEREAS, In times past the ministerial vocation carried with it an aura of respect and deep admiration by the general public; and
WHEREAS, Both the Christian community and secular society expect Christian leaders to be responsible followers of Christ with a high level of integrity (1 Timothy 3:2).
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in San Antonio, Texas, June 14-16, 1988, pray for those in the family of God who are in positions of ministerial leadership and moral example, and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we encourage the daily cultivation of a strong spiritual foundation to combat our personal tendency toward sin; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That we call upon all Southern Baptists who serve in ministry-related leadership capacities to be aware constantly of the example of their lives, and to maintain biblical standards of honesty, fidelity, and integrity.
RESOLUTION ON COMMENDING BIVOCATIONAL MINISTERS
WHEREAS, The Apostle Paul served the Lord bivocationally; and
WHEREAS, Bivocational ministers serving in church work and secular employment have for many years been effective and fruitful in Southern Baptist life; and
WHEREAS, Bivocational ministers are not part-time ministers, but rather dual-role ministers who have a full church ministry and a marketplace ministry; and
WHEREAS, Almost 10,000 Southern Baptist churches are presently served by bivocational pastors; and
WHEREAS, Our Home Mission Board is focusing attention on our churches using bivocational pastors; and
THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in San Antonio, Texas, June 14-16, 1988, affirm the role of the bivocational minister as one used of God in the work of His kingdom.
Be it further RESOLVED, That this Convention encourage Southern Baptists to provide encouragement and enhancement to bivocational ministry as we work to carry our Bold Mission Thrust; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That this Convention encourage students preparing for church-related vocations to be alert to the option of choosing a second vocation as an enabler for ministry; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That Southern Baptist churches be encouraged to consider strengthening their programs, ministry, and outreach through the use of bivocational ministers; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That the churches sponsoring new congregations be encouraged to utilize bivocational ministers to initiate new work.