The hour is late. I have been involved, seemingly nonstop, in matters of my denomination’s annual convention. My inclination was to refrain from writing further about the Southern Baptist Convention. I am not smart enough to add any further insights to the volumes already written.
But I can’t seem to move too quickly from the topic of this annual meeting. I have matters yet to be resolved.
The Major Topic
The central issue at this convention was the Great Commission Resurgence. It was a topic of much discussion both before and during the meeting. On a show of ballots, Southern Baptist Convention messengers overwhelmingly voted to authorize their president, Johnny Hunt, to appoint a task force to study how Southern Baptists can work "more faithfully and effectively together in serving Christ through the Great Commission."
We now wait until the Orlando meeting to hear the report and recommendations of this task force. Again, we can anticipate that next year’s meeting will be one of expectation and discussion.
The Reason for Uneasiness
But writing on the closing night of the convention, I found myself uneasy. The nation’s largest Protestant denomination made a clear statement about its priority. But voting for a motion, even one of this significance, means little unless true action follows. "What," I wondered, "would we really do in the SBC to move toward a Great Commission Resurgence? What would the task force recommend? What would they do?"
Then it hit me. I knew the reason for my uneasiness. I was asking all the wrong questions. I found myself waiting and wondering because I was leaving the onus of responsibility on someone else. The question is not what they will do. The real question is, “What will I do?”
The Example of a Worthy Man
During the SBC, I spoke about Coach Joe Hendrickson, the man who shared the gospel with me. It was his witness that was used by the Holy Spirit to bring me to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It was his boldness that was used to change my life for eternity. And, if God has ever used my life to be a positive witness for Him, it is because Joe Hendrickson followed a Great Commission path of obedience.
And I realized that my commitment to a Great Commission Resurgence would only be as real as the actions in my life that follow. Perhaps God can use me to be a fraction of the influence of my high school coach named Joe Hendrickson.
The Prayer of an Unworthy Man
So I made my own commitment to the Great Commission Resurgence. It was a commitment beyond a vote and a denominational task force. It was my prayer to the only One who can truly make a difference.
I prayed to be a better man of prayer, specifically to pray fervently for the lost around the world and in my own backyard.
I prayed to be a man of greater humility, recognizing that I can do nothing of my own strength and power.
I prayed to be a man of a more gracious spirit, acknowledging that the words that flow from my mouth can be used for good or harm.
I prayed to be a man of more diligent study of the Word of God, knowing that, at age 53, I still have much to learn.
And I prayed to be a man who is unashamed of the gospel, eager to share about the saving power of Jesus Christ with people every day.
Let It Begin in Me
I do hope and pray that the Southern Baptist Convention will experience a Great Commission Resurgence. But before I start judging the deficiencies of anyone else, I realize that there is still much work to be done in me. I am often sinfully busy looking at the speck in the eyes of others without seeing the log in my own eye.
Please Lord, send a Great Commission Resurgence.
But Lord, I know where some of the greatest work needs to be done.
So, please, let the resurgence begin in me.
