Things went well tonight. Dr. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary affirmed the vote on the sufficiency of the BF&M and promised to make sure that his seminary followed the will of the Convention. He also affirmed that what one believed on private prayer language was of no major importance, as long as they were not divisive. Amen. Ed Stetzer from Lifeway also gave a great message on our need to contend for the faith, contextualize the gospel, and cooperate with others that differ on minor issues. Amen, again. These two men showed leadership tonight, and if the SBC is to be saved, our leaders are going to have to step up and bring us out of this mess. It is time for them to do so.
As for me, I am now finished talking about SBC issues. I know that I have said that before, but I gave myself an exception for 3 events: The Baptist Conference on the Holy Spirit at Dwight McKissic's church, the IMB ad hoc committee report on tongues and baptism, and the build up to the SBC Annual Meeting in San Antonio this month. I was faithful to that promise and I will now return Downshoredrift to it's original purpose of chronicling where I see God at work in the world around me through Scripture, my family, my church, my community, current events, and thoughts on all types of issues. The SBC will no longer be a topic of discussion unless it just happens to intersect with one of those other areas in a significant way, no different than discussing an intersting event in another denomination. As for this blog, consider me a-denominational.
I care about the SBC and global missions, and because of that, I have written passionately about things that I believed in. I am glad for the stand that I have taken and believe that I am on the right side of history during this troubled time in the SBC. I believe that we have done some good and some changes have come. But, if other leaders do not step up and steer us in the right direction, then there is nothing worth saving in our denomination. It is now time for them to do so. As for me, I want to change the world, not just the SBC. I want to spend my time and energy trying to impact those who do not know Christ and strengthening those who do. I want to focus on my wife, my family, my church, and my community - not that I have neglected them, but I want to have the focus of my writing be local and personal much more than denominational. These things have gone on in my life all along, but it is time for this blog, if it is to continue, to reflect that focus completely. It is time to change.
I will be taking vacation and travelling a good deal between now and July 4th. During the summer, I will put up a post here and there about what is going on in my life and ministry, as well as observations on issues and interactions with Scripture, culture, missions, local issues, and biblical thoughts. I will also be regularly posting pictures of things I find beautiful and interesting. By mid-July, I will be taking down every post I've ever written on SBC issues. I'll save them for myself, but the posts and comments will be withdrawn. I will also take down my posts on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That material will be available in another format at a future time, but it will not be available on this blog. I plan to redo my blog, change my links, blogroll, and focus. You can pretty much expect a complete overhaul of Downshoredrift.com by mid to late summer.
I only ever got into this because I wanted to hold a door open for people to go to the mission field who were otherwise qualified but were being denied service by the IMB. I felt that we were dealing with religious liberty issues and that if I didn't say something now, I would regret it forever. I felt that we should not divide over disputable tertiary doctrines, but we should unite around Christ and the essentials of the truth of Scripture and our articulated, agreed upon confession of faith. I felt like this was a major issue. Along the way, I have seen incredible abuses of power and outright corruption and carnality amongst those who are called leaders. It has been disillusioning. But, I know that God is on His Throne and that He is moving mountains that have stood in the way of His Gospel going to the ends of the earth. Things are changing in the SBC. I now want to lead out missionally instead of denominationally or politically. Keep coming to Downshoredrift if you are interested in how we can change things by living out our faith instead of fighting over it. If you are only interested in SBC politics, Downshoredrift will no longer be a place to satisfy that desire.
Have a great next few weeks. I am now headed for the beach and a much needed vacation with my family. I'll be back soon, but with a fresh focus. As we go, may Christ be glorified in all we say, think, and do.
Grace and Peace.
Alan,
Thank you for your significant contributions over the past several months to what you well express as a struggle for religious liberty. Yours has always been one of the first blogs I turn to (and not just because "Alan" falls near the top of the alphabet on my list of favorites). Yours has been a voice of reason in the midst of a lot of angry rhetoric, and I sincerely appreciate the focus you have brought to these issues.
I entirely understand and respect your decision to move your focus away from SBC issues in the future. I haven't posted regularly on this or other topics, although I do frequently comment on others' blogs. I did post a couple of reflections on the SBC yesterday and also pledged to focus more on the missions and outreach work of my church and the state convention with which I affiliate. I do hope you will preserve your posts in some format, as I feel that they will be an invaluable source in the future for some historian researching this period of ongoing internal controversy within the SBC.
Have a great time of vacation with the family, and may the Lord continue to bless and guide your ministry.
Posted by: Gary Snowden | June 14, 2007 at 07:17 AM
Alan,
Thanks for ... well, all you've said and done.
I think you represent a significant number of younger generation SBCers. There are still plenty of younger SBCers that are entrenched in denominationalism. Denominations are men's kingdoms. They have always been about division within the Body of Christ, to a certain degree. God, in his mercy, has -- and still is -- at work in and through denominations. All he has to work in and through, here on earth, are fallible, fallen people and structures.
But, Alan, you represent -- or illustrate -- what God is doing today. He is moving people beyond denominationalism; beyond division; beyond men's kingdoms. God is raising up a generation of Eternal Kingdom workers. Denominations are not eternal; God's kingdom is. There are others like you everywhere I turn. Some denominational leaders see what is happening, and some do not. If those who don't see it want to push the Eternal Kingdom workers out of the denomination, it will be the denomination's loss. If certain IMB trustees want to push some of God's best and brightest to other paths of service and support, it is the SBC that loses out. No one loses anything worth having by following Christ, and being faithful to him.
Alan, I'm thankful that I've gotten to know you, and many others like you within the SBC. "Aslan is on the move" -- he always has been. What God chooses to do with the SBC, only time will tell. But we know what is going to happen with the Kingdom of God.
Posted by: Steve Walker | June 14, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Alan...
Your contributions to SBC life are much appreciated. Much moreso, though, is your friendship! I really did miss being there this year to see you and others!
I look forward to the new focus of your blog.
God bless!
Posted by: John Stickley | June 14, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Alan, you are easily the most articulate of the defenders of liberty in our convention and I thank you for it. Keep blogging about what God is doing- especially on the International front- and you can count on me to be here to read about it.
Posted by: Strider | June 14, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Alan-
I must simply say "Amen" to Strider. Well said from him, well done from you.
Posted by: Marty Duren | June 14, 2007 at 10:22 AM
I'm with you.
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | June 14, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Alan,
You have consistently walked in the light you've been given and we're all better because we've taken the journey with you.
You keep walking in any new light given and we'll all keep on being better because of it.
Posted by: Paul Burleson | June 14, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Alan,
You are a brilliant mind among many who lack the abilities you have, yet you never condemn them for their inability or unwillingness to see what is clear to you and others. You are kind compassionate and humble.
I appreciate your heart for the nations.
You have weathered a massive confluence of tribulation in the last two years. I am glad God has released you to move on.
Blessings.
Art
Posted by: Art Rogers | June 14, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I'm going to send you a proposal. I think you might be interested.
Posted by: Joe Kennedy | June 14, 2007 at 04:17 PM
I'll still be coming back. You did very well Alan. I see the changes too but want to see what changes God is doing in the lives of those who minister and are ministered to. That's the thing that ultimately matters.
Posted by: Debbie Kaufman | June 14, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Alan....enjoyed reading and seeing pictures. I have chosen not to attend the SBC the last couple of years, but I am still interesting in directions for SBC. Thanks for your comments. Blessings on your summer. I was a pastor in Montgomery when Gateway was formed. Doug Olive and I were friends for many years. Blessings in your work.
Wayne Burns (Phenix City, Al.)
Posted by: wayne Burns | June 15, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Alan....enjoyed reading and seeing pictures. I have chosen not to attend the SBC the last couple of years, but I am still interesting in directions for SBC. Thanks for your comments. Blessings on your summer. I was a pastor in Montgomery when Gateway was formed. Doug Olive and I were friends for many years. Blessings in your work.
Wayne Burns (Phenix City, Al.)
Posted by: wayne Burns | June 15, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Alan....enjoyed reading and seeing pictures. I have chosen not to attend the SBC the last couple of years, but I am still interesting in directions for SBC. Thanks for your comments. Blessings on your summer. I was a pastor in Montgomery when Gateway was formed. Doug Olive and I were friends for many years. Blessings in your work.
Wayne Burns (Phenix City, Al.)
Posted by: wayne Burns | June 15, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Alan,
I really enjoyed the time we spent together. I hear your heart and am blessed by you. I look forward to reading your blog after your vacation. Rest well.
Les
Posted by: Les Puryear | June 15, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Good work, Alan. Thank you!
Let me know if I can ever be of help in any way. I'd love to come visit you all in Montgomery. And all the B'ham crowd along the way.
Posted by: Bryan Riley | June 15, 2007 at 04:08 PM
You read it here first: Joe Kennedy is going to propose to Alan Cross!
Posted by: Marty Duren | June 15, 2007 at 08:23 PM
Your thoughtful concern to both express your heart and keep the issues the centerpiece of your writing creates the kind of balance needed ... blessings and fun on the beach ...
Posted by: Todd | June 16, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Alan,
I am grateful and proud to have you as a partner in the gospel. I look forward to keeping up with how God leads you and uses you in the days ahead.
Posted by: David Rogers | June 16, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Marty, I proposed to you and you didn't even answer me back. Gosh.
Posted by: Joe Kennedy | June 16, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Alan,
You know where I stand, and it is firmly with you. I look forward to continuing this journey together and seeing how God continues to use you for his kingdom.
Blessings my brother.
Posted by: Paul | June 19, 2007 at 10:42 AM