RE: Voices: A response to Guarneri’s ‘A time for rebirth’
Brilliant! Amen! That is my response to Seth Pitman’s recent “Voices: A response to Guarneri’s ‘A time for rebirth.’” Specifically, his statement, “Texas Baptists would benefit from a stronger regional and decentralized approach,” articulates the kind of thinking needed right now.
Being more present, hands-on, and local church-centered would not only be a more effective and sustainable model, but it would significantly increase confidence and a sense of relevance. The result would be greater involvement and buy-in among churches—not just pastors, but churches.
The only further suggestion I would have is the Baptist General Convention of Texas needs to work on strengthening partnerships and cooperation with local associations.
Currently, many of us perceive a palpable disconnect between Dallas and the local church. In many ways, the home office seems to be working toward promoting and perpetuating itself rather than knowing, serving, and resourcing the local church. We seem to be becoming more of a top-down corporate model than a grassroots convention of churches, and that troubles me.
I’m sure not everyone shares this opinion, but I’m hearing more and more of these conversations, and I’m thankful for Seth expressing what many of us are thinking.
Mike Miller, pastor, Central Baptist Church
Jacksonville
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