Truett dean: Follow Jesus’ example of ‘undogmatic openness’

WACO—Hypocrisy among Christians isn’t what bothers most of the unchurched. Rather, they are repelled by “bloody denominational struggles and church fighting in-house”—a marked contrast to Jesus’ “undogmatic openness,” Dean David Garland told the fall convocation of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.

Dean David Garland addresses the fall convocation of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.( PHOTOS/Matthew Minard/Baylor University)

Church dropouts and others outside the church recognize that nobody is perfect, but “they are turned off by Christians who treat other Christians poorly, talk but don’t listen, and harbor holier-than-thou attitudes,” Garland said.

Garland made reference to research by Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, who has studied church dropouts.

Garland cited Mark’s Gospel account in which Jesus’ disciples are upset because someone who was not a follower of Jesus was exorcising demons in his name—something they had not succeeded in doing when a father brought his son to them.

“The disciples … can only point fingers at one another and bicker with the scribes, who probably are taunting them for botching the deal,” Garland said. “The scribes can’t do anything either, but they share the attitude that infects many churches today: ‘We are not doing that well, but at least they are doing worse.'”

When the disciples told Jesus what was happening, “He catches them by surprise when he does not commend them for their vigilance.

At the fall convocation for Truett Theological Seminary, four $1,000 scholarships were presented to students (left to right) Chansin Esperza, Kari Tingle, Natalie Webb and Jennifer Hawks.

“He does not say, ‘Good job, boys, way to keep a sharp eye out for imposters.’ Instead, he reproves them,” Garland said.

He suggested that the disciples, rather than being concerned on Jesus’ behalf, perhaps wanted “to corner the exorcism market,” thus making themselves revered and indispensable.

“Jesus’ undogmatic openness to others will trouble anyone more intent on establishing the limits of who is in and who is out rather than focusing on winning the war against the enemy. …This intolerance insists that God can only work through those whom we have vetted first and who met our standards,” Garland said.

“Jesus not only opens admission to the reign of God to all and accepts any who come in his name, he sanctions anyone using the power of his name. … Mark’s text should cause us to reflect on our role and others’ roles in God’s plan with a bit more humility. God’s mission in the world is bigger than we are.”

At the convocation, four $1,000 scholarships were presented to students by Patrick Adair, Truett Alumni Association president and pastor of First Baptist Church in Matador. Recipients were Chansin Esparza, Jennifer Hawks, Kari Tingle and Natalie Webb. Those chosen for scholarships must have completed at least 48 hours of seminary coursework, made a significant contribution to the Truett community, maintained a strong academic standing and demonstrated a strong potential to represent the seminary in the future.

Adjunct professors presented with certificates for their contribution to Truett were Michael Godfrey, executive director of True Course Ministries; Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection and Archives; Ralph West, pastor of the 24,000-member Brook Hollow Baptist Church in Houston; and Dennis Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington.

View a video of the convocation here.