The New Baptist Celebration, a convocation of American Baptists of all stripes Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2008
Now entering my 18th year of ordained ministry, I'm admittedly a bit cynical about big denominational meetings. I've been to my share. I've seen them hyped beyond
recognition, and have been disappointed by the results more than once. And sometimes I've just been bored to tears and frustrated by the money wasted on hotels and conference centers.
Some are the exception to what I just said (BWA congress, meetings in Prague, Sydney, and Paris, etc.) but this meeting, the New Baptist Celebration, will beat them all. I have high hopes and elevated expectations. I, who can be as cynical as a turtle on a fence-post can be hopeless, am very, very, very excited. I think this will help us turn the tide. I think this will spark a fire of unity among black Baptists and white Baptists. I think this will continue to fan the flames of a movement of mission minded Baptists. I think this may be a historical meeting which sets the stage for the 21st century.
It will help, first, form a national perception of what it means to be Baptist. Black and white, northern and southern, republican and democrat… lots of folks are going to be surprised by the diversity. But I think… I hope… more folks are going to be surprised by the focus. Baptists care much more about the poor, health-care, the environment, and world wide suffering, than most outside of Baptist life realize. Baptists care less about political cohesion than most people realize. And most moderate minded Baptists, are not moderately minded about Jesus or what he taught. This, I hope, will come through at the meeting.
Second, rubbing shoulders with 20,000 other Baptists will be a unique and edifying experience. The numbers will be impressive and uplifting. I have a feeling all those who attend will never be the same.
Third, the speakers are exceptional and the workshops will be educational. Those who attend will not be disappointed in what they learn, or in the way they are challenged. The leaders/speakers/teachers are among the best in the world. The topics are both biblical and relevant to 21century concerns. It looks to me like those who attend will be better equipped to face a world in need. See a list www.newbaptistcelebration.org.
Fourth, having political leaders there is important. It is important to say to the world that our gospel isn’t a gospel of escapism. It isn’t a pie in the sky by and by religion which encourages people to stick their heads in the sand. There will be criticism (as there has been) that it is heavily Democratic. But that is not the case. Republicans will also be present and speaking. The partisan perception is to be expected since Carter initiated the meeting. The important point is to remember that while church and state are separate, faith has significant political implications. The truth is “trans-party.” Good Christian people differ on how to “operationalize” the teachings of the Bible for society. What’s essential to realize and communicate to the world is that Jesus taught engagement, not withdrawal.
I’d love to take all 700 plus KBC members. Obviously that’s not going to happen. Daniel, Greg, and I have made a commitment to go and I would like for you to consider going also. You’ll be hearing more soon.
recognition, and have been disappointed by the results more than once. And sometimes I've just been bored to tears and frustrated by the money wasted on hotels and conference centers.
Some are the exception to what I just said (BWA congress, meetings in Prague, Sydney, and Paris, etc.) but this meeting, the New Baptist Celebration, will beat them all. I have high hopes and elevated expectations. I, who can be as cynical as a turtle on a fence-post can be hopeless, am very, very, very excited. I think this will help us turn the tide. I think this will spark a fire of unity among black Baptists and white Baptists. I think this will continue to fan the flames of a movement of mission minded Baptists. I think this may be a historical meeting which sets the stage for the 21st century.
It will help, first, form a national perception of what it means to be Baptist. Black and white, northern and southern, republican and democrat… lots of folks are going to be surprised by the diversity. But I think… I hope… more folks are going to be surprised by the focus. Baptists care much more about the poor, health-care, the environment, and world wide suffering, than most outside of Baptist life realize. Baptists care less about political cohesion than most people realize. And most moderate minded Baptists, are not moderately minded about Jesus or what he taught. This, I hope, will come through at the meeting.
Second, rubbing shoulders with 20,000 other Baptists will be a unique and edifying experience. The numbers will be impressive and uplifting. I have a feeling all those who attend will never be the same.
Third, the speakers are exceptional and the workshops will be educational. Those who attend will not be disappointed in what they learn, or in the way they are challenged. The leaders/speakers/teachers are among the best in the world. The topics are both biblical and relevant to 21century concerns. It looks to me like those who attend will be better equipped to face a world in need. See a list www.newbaptistcelebration.org.
Fourth, having political leaders there is important. It is important to say to the world that our gospel isn’t a gospel of escapism. It isn’t a pie in the sky by and by religion which encourages people to stick their heads in the sand. There will be criticism (as there has been) that it is heavily Democratic. But that is not the case. Republicans will also be present and speaking. The partisan perception is to be expected since Carter initiated the meeting. The important point is to remember that while church and state are separate, faith has significant political implications. The truth is “trans-party.” Good Christian people differ on how to “operationalize” the teachings of the Bible for society. What’s essential to realize and communicate to the world is that Jesus taught engagement, not withdrawal.
I’d love to take all 700 plus KBC members. Obviously that’s not going to happen. Daniel, Greg, and I have made a commitment to go and I would like for you to consider going also. You’ll be hearing more soon.