Thread by @baptist21

A long thread coming on #SBC22, Saddleback, and on a vocal minority group in the SBC, despite what seems to be overwhelming unity, and if you are possibly in the middle on some of these things and not all, we do not claim to be for you, but here are some thoughts: (1)

We are conservative. Very conservative. In particular, B21 has been from the beginning! We affirm the absolute inerrancy, infallibility of the Scriptures. We believe in exclusivity, penal substitution, and the primacy of the local church. (2)

As to race: It was interesting & good that CRT was never mentioned! While being concerned about social justice and what seem to be clear race issues among us, we have real concerns about CRT! We also reject how fast “white supremacy” is attached too many things. (3)

AT the same time: we reject that every concern for racial injustice is automatically "CRT." In fact, we hope for a world where some can argue one way and not be called white supremacists while some can argue another and not be called liberals! (4)

As to sexuality: We are thoroughly committed to biblical sexuality. We reject a notion someone can identify as a Christian with an adjective that is sinful. You can no more be a “gay Christian” than a “theft Christian.” (5)

We affirm that about Biblical sexuality, while at same time affirming the power of the gospel to save sinners, for as with all of us, “such were some of us!” (6)

As to gender: We are thoroughly strict complementarian. The office of pastor/elder/overseer is for men only. And that does not just mean “Senior Pastor” but all who carry the title and functions! (7)

Thus, we also believe the “preaching moment” in a Lord’s Day service is for men only! We hold to all of this while believing women are gifted for so many things in the body which includes learning how to “handle” the Bible and teach it to others! (8)

We write much of this because there are many in the “middle” on these debates asking, “where are my people?” and “where is the middle voice between the extremes?” Well, we would never claim to be your voice but if this sort of middle way is how you feel, come hang with us! (9)

Southern Baptists, there does seem to be a middle way between being “woke” and being rude and casting aspersions on good brothers and sisters... there does seems to be a winsome, Colossians 4:6 way (10)

But here is a key thing! Conservative for us has never meant conservative politics. In fact, we opposed having Ben Carson speak at the SBCPC. We opposed Jeb Bush & Marco Rubio speaking at the SEND Conf. even though generally speaking those are the sort of men we vote for. (11)

As to politics: There is a tendency among some Southern Baptists to punch “right” & hug “left.” Other Southern Baptists love to punch left & hug right. We wish that wasn’t so. We should punch & hug in both directions all the while being committed to some clear principles! (12)

So, despite what some might say, the SBC is conservative! In fact, true “liberal Christians” are embarrassed by what we believe. (13)

As to Saddleback, lots to consider here: The credentials com should have put the onus on what does like “faith” mean in the constitution, NOT what does “Pastor” mean in BFM. @AdamGreenway tried to make this point & we wish it would have been more clear (14)

We do not have clarity on what like "faith” means but we absolutely have clarity on what “Pastor” means. The floor seemed clear on that after @albertmohler went to the mic! (15)

Given we do not have clarity on what like "faith" means and we do not expressly say you have to affirm the BFM2000, we do need to study this! (16)

For instance, the 1689 confession doesnt make a statement on how to practice communion, so it is an open communion doc. The BFM2000 is a “close” communion doc. Many SBC churches are not in alignment here. We must define like "faith” before we define “Disfellowship.” (17)

Having said that,& we should certainly give time, but we should Disfellowship Saddleback! Not only are they out of line w/ BFM, but they also had a year to address it &it didn’t & in fact “doubled down”. That’s as egregious as was Rick’s self-congratulatory "non-defense!" (18)

To those thinking the lack of action from the floor means an endorsement of saddleback that is not true. Again, the response to Mohler seemed clear. We are not moving liberal despite what truth shaders would tell you. (19)

We will and should remove Saddleback next year if they do not change and if that doesn’t happen, Baptist21 will try to lead the charge to make it so (20)

Another thought on Saddleback & the BFM: We are thankful for Saddleback and the many good gospel things they have done! but ... (21)

There are many in friendly cooperation who do not fully affirm the BFM2000, the big difference with Saddleback is that this a polity issue, and the issue of who can be a Pastor is a major reason why the CBF left us and we are glad they did! (22)

There is a contention in SBC, in the name of being conservative, who are divisive. But not just in the SBC but your church! Yes, the culture will push & some are weak, but the vast majority of SBC is thoroughly conservative. Do not be like them or believe their narrative (23)

We are conservative, not because of a Party, but because we think we have the best thing to “conserve”. We are servants and we are stewards. And the thing we are conservers and stewards of is what is most valuable… and it is expressed in the BFM2000! (24)

If you want more info or want to connect, check out Baptist21.com or email us at [e-mail]. We plan for more ways to connect on these issues in the days ahead and would love for you to join with us! #SBC22 (25)