If the proposal from the committee that says it has made an
objective study of the role and relationships of Louisiana Baptist Convention
and directors of missions is implemented (Baptist Message, May 30), Louisiana
Baptists will make a 40-year backward step.
If the proposal from the committee that says it has made an
objective study of the role and relationships of Louisiana Baptist Convention
and directors of missions is implemented (Baptist Message, May 30), Louisiana
Baptists will make a 40-year backward step.
If the committee proposal is adopted, we will have created
circumstances that would prevent all but a few Louisiana Baptist associations
from having a director of missions. Also, for smaller and/or rural associations
to have the services of a director of missions would require churches to divert
a substantial portion of their Cooperative Program gifts to the association.
No one believes that is a good idea.
In my opinion, neither the members of this committee, nor those
who advise them, have placed their full agenda on the public table. With all
my being, I urge my fellow Baptists across Louisiana to take whatever steps
are necessary to defeat this proposal. In years past, we have had excellent
teachers on how to get out the vote. Perhaps, it is time to implement what we
have learned.
The present role and relationships of our directors of missions
is a proven way to enable the state convention, the associations and local churches
to interact smoothly and effectively. About 40 years ago, Louisiana Baptists
phased out what was called the district missionary approach to associational
missions. Several years passed before full implementation of our present approach,
and during that interim period, the work of most association programs all but
disappeared. Even now, when an area is without a director of missions for long,
the associational work suffers horribly. The vast array of services presently
available to associations and local churches through the director of missions
cannot be delivered adequately through any other channel. Hopefully and prayerfully,
the proposal will be rejected.
Carl Burris, Pastor
Lone Pine First Baptist Church
St. Landry