Serious Thinking toward an SBC Reform Agenga (VII): “The Priority of Prayer” (Conclusion)”

Well, the moment of truth has arrived.  The question of what should be prayed for in regard to a reform agenda for the Southern Baptist Convention must be addressed.  So, here we go, category by category (sorry for this being ‘bare-bones.  I’m a tad tight on time this afternoon):

“Who” Prayers:

- We need to pray for ourselves, particularly our wisdom, courage, consistency and compassion as we pursue reform.

- We need to pray for our current leaders and trustees.  If the Lord were to convict them and move mightily in their hearts to humble them, especially Drs. Patterson and Mohler, the difficulty of getting the needed reforms done would drop tremendously.  Why?  Because their perspective would change from protecting their power at all costs to seeking what is truly best for all Southern Baptists.  Pray!

- We need to pray fervently for those who work under the most powerful leaders in the Convention.  They know where the bodies are buried, so to speak.  If Patterson and Mohler do not repent (that is still the best way for such changes to be made–changes that should have happened when the Resurgence took over), it would only take a small handful of former or present lieutenants to, together, take courage, share what they know and topple the pedestals of “the Lord’s anointed.”  Nobody wants that to happen, but “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  The primary reason that no more of what I have called “the secrets of the dysfunctional (SBC) family” have been spilled to this point is the fear of losing one’s job.  There is security in numbers, though, including a group who is telling the truth about an abusive boss.  Pray!

“What” Prayers:

- We need to pray for great wisdom in what needs to be changed in the SBC Constitution and Bylaws.  (I will be getting to the “wheat and chaff” process starting next post.)  From my recent “first look” at both documents, I can candidly say that quite a bit could stand changing.  However, some issues are more pressing than others.  So, we need to pray for the wisdom to know what are the most pressing issues for consideration by the SBC (in Indy, then Louisville).

- We must already start praying for candidates and appointees in 2008 (and beyond).  Will Al Mohler run for president, attempting to ignore his confessed, but unresolved, anger problem (i.e., not a word has been forthcoming on what he is doing about it, much less any real accountability)?  Who would run against him?  How is the Lord going to surprise us this year?  Pray!

Don’t forget the appointees to the various boards!  They will be the ones who succeed to leadership roles in the next few years.  Every one is very significant, especially in changing things with the IMB, NAMB and SWBTS boards.

“How” Prayers:

- We must seek the Lord in regard to whatever practical measures He directs to use.  I’m not even sure exactly what I mean here.  I have absolutely no desire to attempt to organize some sort of strategy in the flesh.  Much of the CR II agenda is fairly clearly being pushed in the flesh.  And, two wrongs never make a right.  So, whatever happens must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pray! 

- We must pray very strongly for the attendance at the meeting in Indianapolis.  Because of its proximity to Louisville, it will be essentially a “home game” for Al Mohler, much like SWBTS students and others from Fort Worth filled out such a large section of the meeting hall in San Antonio.  On the other hand, I think that as few as 1,000-1,500 extra messengers coming from reform-minded churches could potentially swing all votes in the right direction.  And, that is just a drop in the bucket, given how large the SBC is.  It would not take much at all to attract those numbers, if their hearts are open before the Lord.  Pray!

“When” Prayers:

- We need to begin and hang in there praying for the next six months (i.e., before the meeting in June in Indianapolis).  I have no idea what is going to happen.  I freely admit that.  But, as I said in a previous column, I’m ashamed that my tiny faith translated into prayer for the meetings in Greensboro and San Antonio actually were manifested in the election of Frank Page and the passage of both my motion (in Greensboro) and the Garner Motion (in S.A.).  (Why was I ashamed?  Because I prayed with no real expectancy!)  So, having seen the Lord at work in both situations, I am now motivated to focus for these next six months on what the Lord might want to do in Indy.  Please join me in prayer!

- But, finally, we must also begin to pray for the aftermath of next June’s Indianapolis meeting.  If Al Mohler is elected, we can expect more of the same as what has happened recently with several entity boards–and perhaps even more brazenly!  If, however, Mohler is defeated–which would be the biggest setback the CR has ever sustained, given Mohler’s power–the momentum for reform will pick up dramatically, as will the opposition to reform (since they will then be quite desperate and willing to stoop to just about any depths to maintain control).  Suffice it to say that, whatever happens in Indy, things will not be exactly the same as they are going in.  Pray!

What do you think we should be praying for?

Coming Wednesday: Serious Thinking toward an SBC Reform Agenda (VIII): “Beginning the Winnowing Process in regard to the SBC Constitution”