I recently visited the website of a fairly large Baptist church. As I read through their “About Us” tab, I found an unusual, but telling description:
”We sometimes refer to ourselves as “Baptist but”…Baptist but not that kind of Baptist.”
I assumed that they were a moderate to liberal Baptist who claimed tolerance and acceptance (unless you’re that kind of Baptist). As I continued reading, I found that my assumption was correct, this was a church affiliated with a more liberal denomination among Baptists. And the obvious definition of “that kind of Baptist” was a reference to the more conservative Baptist, specifically the monster known as the Southern Baptist Convention. This got me thinking….what exactly does “that kind” of Baptist look like? Let’s check it out—
1) Focused On The Nations: With over 4,800 missionaries engaging with over 900 people groups all over the world, “that kind” of Baptists are focused on reaching the lost. Nearly 6,200 churches have been started around in the world in 2013 by “that kind” of Baptist.
2) Focused At Home: “That kind” of Baptist realizes that missions isn’t just an overseas attack on spiritual darkness. So, “that kind” of Baptist focuses on missions at home with 936 church plants in 2013. Those church planters and the churches which they have planted are actively reaching the lost right here at home with the hope of Jesus.
3) Dedicated to Theological Training: “That kind” of Baptist thinks that the scriptures ought to be handled with care. So, they believe in funding the theological education of their pastors, missionaries and leaders. Through “that kind” of Baptists cooperative program, ½ of every SBC students seminary tuition is paid via a CP scholarship. And all that through “that kind” of Baptist sitting in a pew, faithfully giving of their tithe.
4) Humanitarians: “That kind” of Baptists provided 5 million meals to the hungry in North America in 2011. “That kind” of Baptist have strategically provided food for the hungry around the world. Not to mention the billions of pounds of food given through “that kind” of Baptists local food banks and soup kitchen.
5) Protecting the Unborn. Through projects like the Psalm 139 project and the countless number of pregnancy resources centers funded and operated by “that kind” of Baptists around the nation, they are dedicated to protecting the most helpless among us.
So…is “that” the kind of Baptist they were referring to?
If so, I’ll take it…refer to me as “that kind” of Baptist anytime you’d like.
Are there evident presence of the power of the Holy Spirit? Are there testimonies of heart and life transformations by Jesus’ healing power inside and out? Is there heart to heart fellowship in Christ? Would you consider this:
http://truthsetsfree.me/2014/07/10/five-warning-signs-of-pseudo-fellowship/
I used to belong to “that kind” of Baptist church but no more. I saw “that kind” of Baptist read the constitution of the church more than reading the Bible, “that kind” of Baptist study the Word to know instead of study the Word to obey, “that kind” of Baptist covers up wrongs in leadership to look good. In my current home, I see authentic public confessions from the hearts of spiritual leaders, I see people love Jesus from the hearts, I see life transformation. There is no mask, no hiding behind an impression track record of external performance. As Jesus’ sheep, I feel safe. That’s the kind of church that is alive in the Spirit, Baptist or not, I’ll take that kind of church!
Awesome! I’m glad you’ve found a place that is alive, well and helping you grow closer to Jesus–stay the course.