2013 FWB National Convention: Reflections
Two weeks ago, nearly 5,000 Free Will Baptists from all over the world assembled in Tampa, Florida for the 77th National Association meeting. This year marked the tenth year since the meeting last went to Tampa. Once again, Convention attendees were greeted with warm weather and hospitality by members of the Florida State Association.
Four of the six Forum contributors attended the four-day Convention. And while there is much to report, we’d like to share with readers some account of what transpired.
Theme
This year’s theme was aptly titled, “How in the World Should We Live?” Though reminiscent of the late Francis Schaeffer’s important 1976 book, the evening messages were more oriented around basic exposition of Scripture than engagement with contemporary life. In a sense, this was both a strength and a limitation as each speaker attempted to explain the Scriptural admonition to live in the world:
Randy Riggs (TN) – “peaceably”
Donnie Miles (SC) – “in the Spirit”
Will Beauchamp (FL) – “godly”
Larry Clyatt (FL) – according to “every Word of God”
Larry Powell (TN) – “by faith”
In addition, Pastor Tim Owen (FL) began the Convention with the Sunday morning lesson. The National Youth Conference speakers included Danny Conn, Gene Wooten, Tim Kimmel, and Chris Sargent.
Seminars, Workshops, and Other Presentations
a. Seminars
Arguably, the Convention theme played out more in the particular seminars that were given. Some topics included, “Finding Your Way Out of the Cave: Dealing with Depression” by Dr. Eddie Moody, and “American Idol? The Christian and Sports” by Dr. Greg Ketteman, In the latter seminar, Dr. Ketteman of Welch College explained the early church fathers’ thoughts on sports and showed some of the positive Scriptural affirmations of athletics. However, he also challenged the astounding amount of money, time, and energy that Christians and non-Christians alike devote to sports today (ONE Magazine previously published a three-part adaption of Dr. Ketteman’s). He argued how this points to a religious function that sports often fulfill in American society.
At the same time, many workshops had a more local church orientation. For instance, Dr. Garnett Reid gave a seminar on “Explaining Those Really Weird Things in the Bible,” while Rev. Rodney Hollomon spoke on the topic of “Technology Tips for Pastors.” Even music directors were equipped with workshops such as “Effective Choir Rehearsals.”
Matthew McAffee gave a stimulating presentation in his seminar sponsored by the Commission for Theological Integrity. He gave an overview of N. T. Wright’s theology (which he dubbed “the N. T. Wright effect”) through the lens of Leroy Forlines’ theology. While there were some areas of common ground between the two, McAffee raised several criticisms of Wright in the areas of justification and judgment. McAffee fielded questions and concerns well and acknowledged areas where Wright is helpful. Yet he maintained that the overall content and trajectory of Wright’s theology does not offer a constructive way forward for Free Will Baptists.
b. Preaching Conference
The preaching conference featured solid messages by two different seasoned pastors: Oral McAffee of Canada, and Tim Stout of Ohio. The former highlighted the need to never confuse service to God with devotion to God, explaining how they properly relate by using Mary and Martha as an example. He explained that many church leaders can struggle in this area. Brother Stout challenged listeners with a bold exposition of the doctrine of God’s holiness as a way to inform and shape how we execute our respective ministries.
c. FWB21 Panel
The FWB21 Panel Discussion on homosexuality was very well done. The panelists (Chris Sargent, Dr. Eddy Moody, Dr. Paul Harrison, Angie Outlaw, and Allen Pointer) all held to the Scriptural view of homosexual practice as being in need of forgiveness. They also offered helpful suggestions as to how and why we must address this issue. People who practice homosexuality need love, just as much as the person who practices deceit, experiences drug and alcohol addiction, or participates in other forms of promiscuity.
Another important point that arose from this discussion was the way in which many Christians treat the sin of homosexuality differently than other sexual and marital sins (as if these aren’t as bad). Instead, the panelists reminded us that we must become more clear and decisive about promiscuity, adultery, and divorce. These points were great reminders for churches to practice biblical discipline, not simply against those stigmatized sins, but against all types of sinful practices. Critically, some remarked that they wished that the panel would have accepted questions by means other than Twitter, as many weren’t able to ask the questions they desired.
Business
Besides the typical resolution to express thanksgiving to the State Association hosting the Convention, several other resolutions were brought forward for consideration and passage. Some of the more significant ones are shared below:
1) The West Virginia State Association requested that the 1976 resolution urging churches to use the King James Version of the Bible be expanded to apply to all services, speakers, and events at the National level. However, by the required two-thirds majority, the delegates voted not to engage in further discussion of this subject/resolution. While this particular vote could be interpreted several different ways, this much is clear: most Free Will Baptists feel that we’re not going to make much more progress on this issue for now beyond some soft truces that have been drawn among churches, pastors, and agencies.
2) The General Board recommended that the moderator appoint a special seven-member committee to study the moral and legal implications of same-sex laws on our movement. This recommendation follows the recent Supreme Court rulings, which continue the slide toward gay marriage’s widespread legal acceptance. Any recommendations will be brought to the 2014 Convention for consideration. As other state associations have already adopted (or have considered adopting) a similar inquiry into the legal side of this topic, it was no surprise that this resolution passed overwhelmingly.
3) Finally, it was recommended that Free Will Baptist churches choose not to sponsor or endorse Boy Scout troops anymore. Similar to the previous recommendation, this falls on the heels of the recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America to change their membership guidelines to be more open to homosexual orientation. The recommendation also enjoined churches to pray that the recent decision be overturned. This resolution passed.
Other Reflections
Naturally, much more transpired at the Convention worth noting, but just a few will be highlighted here:
David Crowe, long-time staff member at Home Missions, was named to be the new General Director, following Larry Powell’s retirement at the end of 2013.
Helwys Society member Jackson Watts was elected to the Commission for Theological Integrity, fulfilling an unexpired term ending in 2016.
At their alumni luncheon, Welch College announced that a Nashville-based organization had expressed their intent to purchase the current campus at 3606 West End Avenue. They also announced their newest program of study for their Online Learning track: Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry degree. As the entire degree is online, this option is particularly ideal for pastors, deacons, Sunday church teachers, other church leaders and workers, and lay people who can’t relocate to Nashville. In fact, this program of study created quite the buzz in the Exhibit Hall at the Welch College Online Learning booth.
Finally, the International Missions and the delegates honored Patsy Vanhook for her 30 years of service to France, which will culminate in her retirement at the end of the year.
Conclusion
“How in the World Should We Live?” As we face our world and its challenges, this question is one of enduring relevance. In many respects, this Convention theme is much bigger than four days of preaching, seminars, panels, and other discussion. Instead, it is a much deeper, more complex question that lies beneath the whole of the National Association’s work going forward.
This is especially the case as it relates to the topic of homosexuality. The attention given to this subject by the Convention delegates during the business sessions, the FWB21 panel, and others reflects that our movement is rightfully troubled by and moved to action by these cultural developments.
As we consider the next five, ten, even twenty years, how will Free Will Baptists think through some of these questions? How will we theologically think through what it means to be “in the world, but not of it” as the gay-rights lobby continues to gain plausibility in broader American society? What precedent will such reactive measures set for our movement, especially as more and more organizations with which Free Will Baptists associate embrace the gay lobby? Just how comprehensive will our repudiation of the world be? And what biblical concern will ground that rejection—local church purity, testimony to sin and judgment, or something else?
It is to questions such as these that the Helwys Society strives to engage. In fact, we’ve broached this topic with articles such as “Helping Henry: Ministering to Those With Same-Sex Attractions,” and “Gay Marriage and Guns: A Crucial Opportunity?” Will you join us in the discussion?
August 5, 2013
Excellent review! It was very telling how frequently the topic of homosexuality came up.
Regarding the critique of the FWB21 Panel limiting questions accepted only via Twitter, we have discussed being able to text questions next year in addition to tweeting them. Also, it would be a good idea if you don’t have Twitter . . . to get an account. It’s free. 🙂 http://twitter.com
August 6, 2013
Jacob:
Thanks for your readership, comment, and encouragement. I’m really glad that FWB21 was able to begin a dialogue on this important topic affecting our culture. It is certainly something that needs discussing.
Regarding the “critique,” HSF’s purposes for including that bit were only descriptive (for the record) as we were simply noting what others said. By the way, some of the people from whom we heard this comment are advanced in age, i.e., for them, the idea of social networking (much less Twitter) is a foreign and/or intimidating concept.
Anyway, thanks again. The panelists did a great job! Keep up the good work.
August 9, 2013
Is there a recording of the FWB21 Panel that is available?