Why write such a controversial article during the week of passion!? Surely there are other more Nobel things to write about as we remember the incredible defeat of sin and death. During this week we cannot forget the words of Jesus and His concern. Jesus’ prayer for His own before the cross was that we would be one, just as the Father and then Son are one. His high priestly prayer was about us. Unity matters, and American church culture seems focused on division. If John writes that they will know we are Christians by our love. What is our avoiding each other communicating? I am new to the SBC through our state and local fellowships. Here is why I appreciate jumping in the trenches with them to fight the good fight for the cause of Christ.

They got heroes…

I got to meet, serve, and learn from some men of God from different ethnicities who love Jesus and are actively helping people live like Jesus. Men of wisdom and the Word. Men who are focused on their church and community. There isn’t the time for discussing the gossip… I mean news… as the focus is on Christ’s church, healing the broken, and reaching the lost. I’ve often been asked about “SBC issues in the news” now that I’mone. We are so focused on where we are that we don’t engage with the gossip. Perhaps Christianity would be better served if we put off gossip. I have grown and learned a lot from these men, some I now call friends, some who have helped hold me up.

They got repentance…

A huge thing that stands out to me about the SBC world is how quick they change when the need arrises. Their responsiveness to improve, repent, adapt is refreshing. Never would I have thought that quick changing and Baptist would go together. Often what elongates time for change is the people communication needs to take place with, and that happens in the SBC as well. In these change conversations, the Gospel is the driver, not our image. Character is the foundation for outreach, a key thing I see in the people I serve with. There is much to be admired here.

They got heart…

This is the first network/denomination where those outside my church called and made sure things were ok. It is not just about the job, the Gospel, building a healthy church. SBC cares about its pastors health and family. It’s not just about the job, it’s heart. Rather than acting like fighter pilots trying to one up each other, we act more like men in the same trench, on the same team. One of the biggest struggles with pastors these days is being alone with no other peers to connect with. Here we help another. It’s refreshing. We’re not alone. We matter, not just the job.

They got issues…

Just like you, your church, and your denomination, the SBC has challenges, struggles, and sins to face. Church culture of late is we distance rather than engage. Biblical love is not measured by how easy things are, but by how well you engage in challenging times. Church will always be messy because we are a mess. Sanctification is not instant, it takes time. I’m glad Jesus didn’t write us off so quick. I am not blind to issues, but I can either avoid as is the norm today or I can jump in the trench and help. I jumped in.

What Satan wants…

The problem with avoidance. The problem with saying “I’m not like them” is one day Satan will come for you just the same. Jesus doesn’t pray that we would be separate, He prays that we would be one and be kept from the evil one. When we play the run instead of jump in the trench card, Satan’s team has you right where he wants you. There is no drama problem free, only trenches to jump in and serve with. Find a team and jump in. 

Not perfect, but fighting the good fight

I am not saying the SBC has it right and all others are wrong. From the state fellowship and network I’m in, I am saying it is an honor to fight in the trenches along side of them. I am saying that outside churches I’ve ministered in, they were the first to have heart in 23 years of ministry. Paul tells us that ministry is spiritual warfare. I’m glad to be locking arms with these brothers and sisters in Christ. Our state fellowship recently changed its name to Church Forward. Takes unity and courage to move forward. I like courage. I like unity. Well, back to preparing for Easter and praying for my fellow soldiers as we make much of Jesus. We fight the good fight. To God be the glory.