Pray.
This post is offered by Rev. Naive, but bear with me. I've spent hours now reading these "solutions," and there's a tremendous focus on methodology or even system design.
My Pollyannic take on this, though, is that you cannot solve spiritual problems with man-made solutions.
The SBC does not suffer for a lack of resources. It does not suffer for a lack of personnel. It does not suffer for a lack of good ideas, or even the bridging of the established generation with the emerging generation.
We suffer because we do not obey. I read Acts and I see an emerging church so terrified about making their first step a wrong one that they spend 40 days together in unified, fervent prayer. Only when they've been visited by the Holy Spirit do they bust out with power and authority, and the world is changed.
I read the gospels and see that in every time and every circumstance, Jesus never acts without first praying, or at the very least acting authoritatively upon what God has already revealed about Himself. His ministry was the blessings-filled, already-promised result of the hard work of prayer. Today, we have turned this on its head and pray for blessings upon the man-made hard work of ministry.
I read the Old Testament and see commands for God's people to humble themselves and to turn from wicked ways. I see godly leaders interceding time and again for their brethren, who themselves are prone to wandering and rebellion. And I see the faithfulness of God rewarding that intercession with revival and renewal.
Dr. Draper is offering these regional conferences for dialogue...how awesome would it be if even one just broke out in unapologetic humility before the Lord in prayer. May the Lord impart upon us His spirit of unity, His plan for our denomination, and His will for His children. I don't know Dr. Draper (although I've personally benefitted from his generous spirit expressed in Christian benevolence, but that's another story for another day), but I think I know enough about his character and reputation to believe that he would welcome such an experience.
Now, I'm sure you're all doing this. My question is, why aren't more of us doing this....together?!?
This concludes this episode of The Obvious Show. You may return to your regular programming.