Nick-Nacks, Notes, and Notions

The Christian Index, Georgia's Southern Baptist newspaper, recently published an opinion column by James L. Smyrl called Content to preach the Word. If you intend on reading the rest of my post, it may be helpful to first read his article. I could use this space commenting on an extensive list of the mischaracterizations and unloving comments Mr. Smyrl made regarding "Younger leaders" in the SBC (40 & under according to his writing), but would rather discuss his response to a letter to the editor. Apparently, The Index received a large amount of letters after publishing the horrendous article, and rightfully so. Here is the letter they chose to publish, Don't mischaracterize younger ministers. The editor gave Mr. Smyrl the chance to defend his previous comments. Here is his response:

“Although my time in ministry precludes me from entering a lengthy debate or entering a perpetual diatribe in the world of blogger babble, I am inclined to respond to much response from my recent article. My last article used, by way of example, the young leaders at last year’s convention. This was merely an illustrative detail that served the overall theme of a predominate number within this microscopic movement who are seekers of affirmation. If there are those pundits who disagree with this ‘judgment’ please take a moment and examine the fruit that fell from the tree at the young leaders meeting at this convention. It appeared the theme from each speaker was affirmation. Rankin, Avant, Draper and the others in the parade all seemed to have analyzed the majority of their audience well and preached to their felt need of ministerial insecurities. Our current leadership is in no danger of a takeover. The absence of insightful organization, lack of proper promotion and consistent condescending content of the meeting served as yet another demonstration that those seeking places of leadership need more time sitting at the feet of our heroes.”

1. Mr. Smyrl frequently talks about the time he spends "doing" ministry and how it precludes him from, what I like to call open dialogue amongst brothers, he on the other hand, "lengthy debate" or "blogger babble," yet found enough time to prepare his cutting remarks about the younger leaders of the SBC. When he's not "doing" ministry, perhaps the other detractor of time comes from watching the convention on the internet so he can develop harsh generalizations about his own generation and brotherhood. Or perhaps he doesn't have time because he doesn't want to realize that the "younger leaders" of the SBC actually do have something important to say that he would probably be forced to agree with. It's not a debate if you don't make it one, Mr. Smyrl, but like so many other traditionalists, your inability to see the necessity of forward progression and significant change within the convention has put you on the defensive whenever reformed theology or the "bloggers" come into play (since, according to you, it's all just "babble" anyway).

2. "This was merely an illustrative detail that served the overall theme of a predominate number within this microscopic movement who are seekers of affirmation." What microscopic movement is it that Mr. Smyrl speaks of here? After all the credit that was awarded to bloggers and younger leaders within the SBC this year for the election of Dr. Page, one could hardly call it "microscopic," and probably not a "movement." I have yet to hear one of my generational peers bring up the affirmation they wish to receive within the convention. All the men I know are deeply committed to Christ, their churches, their families, and yes, the SBC. Younger leaders in the convention are incredibly well learned in theology and scripture and have an accurate view of what's not working. If discussing these concerns from a platform that was open to younger leaders is a seeking of affirmation, then the problem extends well beyond the younger generation of leaders in the SBC. In the overly political milieu of this year’s convention, much affirmation was given to the leaders of the past - in fact, we even unveiled a shrine statue of Billy Graham. We heard several men talk about each other and, in some cases, even themselves in a very affirmative manner, time and time again. The conservative resurgence was referenced in almost every sermon or speech that was delivered at the convention and again, those who were at the front of that were affirmed. Don't get me wrong, these are great men who have done great things for our convention and Christianity, but when we talk about calling for affirmation I think the record needs to be set straight. If anything, younger leaders were talked down to and often referenced as sort of trouble-makers or unwanted step-children (to include closing comments from the outgoing president). The only affirmation we seek is that of our Lord and Savior when our time comes to meet Him face-to-face.

3. "The absence of insightful organization, lack of proper promotion and consistent condescending content of the meeting served as yet another demonstration that those seeking places of leadership need more time sitting at the feet of our heroes.” I guess if it's not promoted and championed like everything else during the convention, it's not valid and it's not worthy of a spot on the agenda. Perhaps those who were "uninsightfully organizing" the event were too busy "doing" ministry and realized that the attendees would be there to have an open dialog as concerned, but educated and mature Christians. I have yet to put a great deal of effort into organizing and promoting a forum for discussion amongst young leaders (and yes, I have organized several) because events like that make themselves great by the discerning and thought provoking conversations that arise from the concerned minds that are present. And to address his final comment, I care not to sit at the feet of anyone other than my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - my hero. Mr. Smyrl can butter the roll of the good ol' boys club all he wants, but for me and the other "younger leaders" I know, we choose to serve our Lord.

It seems that the criticism is coming strong post-Greensboro. The fact that younger leaders are addressing realistic and viable issues is threatening to the traditional status-quo of the SBC. I will be the first to express gratitude for the conservative resurgence... but that battle was won, let's move on and make a difference for Christ. Let's become relevant. Let's relate to our culture and stop hiding between the walls of over-priced building projects and unfruitful programming. Let's realize that all Christians are called to be missionaries in the society in which they live. Perhaps it would surprise Mr. Smyrl to know that this is what's most important to younger leaders - a missional Church with eternal significance. He can have all the other affirmations.