2Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Why are young Baptist servants “leaving” the Baptist fold? By leaving I don’t mean apostatizing, forsaking Christ, or entering into heresy. Of course at times this does happen. The Scriptures are filled with examples and illustrations of the Lord’s servants capitulating, even from the beginning.
- In the Garden the Lord’s first appointed steward, Adam, betrays and disobeys. The consequences remain to this day – all his posterity has been plunged into sin and death. (Gen. 3)
- Abraham, the friend of God, lies about his wife and takes an Egyptian handmaid as a surrogate wife to “aid” the Lord in the fulfillment of the promise. (Gen. 12:13; 16:1)
- King Saul rejected the Word of the Lord and succumbed to amassing the booty of conquest. (1Sam. 15:19-23)
- King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, the man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and murder, thereby shaming himself and staining the name of the Lord. (2Sam. 12:1-14)
- Jonah the prophet ran from his call, preached a bitter message and then complains that the people respond and repent. (Jonah 1:3; 3:4; 4:2)
- Judas betrayed the Saviour who chose him. (Matt. 10:4)
- John Mark abandons the work apparently due to hardship. (Acts 13:4-13)
- Demas forsook Paul due to a misplaced commitment. (2Tim. 4:10)
And this list could go on and on. Down through history from the early church to this present age we could find examples galore! This alone should cause us to stop and look to the Lord for strength to serve, the courage to advance, and the resolve to with stand in these evil days.
Yet, my present distress is not in reference to the moral, spiritual, or other wise shipwrecks which little the landscape of the Lord’s servant, as tragic as that is!. Rather my consternation is in light of what, at times, feels like a trend of younger men trained for ministry (pastors, evangelists, and missionaries) defecting from a clear independent, fundamental, Baptist position. At times they claim to have advanced in spirituality-Its just the Gospel. Or they claim to have grown in grace having a more tolerant attitude toward other brethren. I confess, at times it feels like an indictment against those of us who are striving to remain steadfast to a biblical position.
How does this happen? A man receives his biblical and ministry training, spends a period of time “preaching the Word,” but then walks away. How are we to respond and understand what seems to be a reoccurring and increasing trend?
Is it a deficiency in their training? By that I mean whatever preparation they have made for Gospel service, be it formal or informal, something was lacking.
- Theology? Were they rooted in the whole counsel of God? It does seem inconsistent that the Word requires deacons to be able to hold the mystery of the faith (1Tim. 3:9) and we allow preachers to settle for a cursory overview of the wonderful truths of the Word.
- Polity? This would include much more than a simple acrostic of BAPTISTS for the Baptist distinctives. Perhaps the lack of understanding of theology has weakened the application in the area of polity. It does seem that many Bible colleges are content just to focus on “practical” functions like soul winning and big days (not to down play these) with limited emphasis on sound reasoning and consistent application of biblical truth.
- History? There seems to be some disconnect from the great struggles in the past for purity of doctrine and separation from compromise. Rather than appreciate those men who took a bold stance for God’s truth and were mightily used by the Lord, they are viewed like a bunch of grouchy uncles. Can we learn from these men? YES! Both what we should emulate as well as improve. Abandoning their positions because of their frailties is inexcusable.
The answer is not further or advanced degrees from a seminary. Men of both the formal and informal training process have “defected.” In fact in my experience the greater percentage of defection happens on the part of seminarians. That is not to imply that there is not value in education, there is, and I heartily encourage it. As I often heard in chapel during my college days, “Get all you can and can all you get!” But, I would say, it is time to reevaluate the scope and sequence of the standard training for ministry students.
Is it a deficiency in their temperament? Not one of the four so called basic temperaments made popular by Dr. Tim LaHaye. But simply put, the nature and behaviour of the man in question.
- Have we adequately examined his testimony? Of course we look for a salvation testimony. But what about his exhibited character and behaviour? Is he honest? Not just in the general sense of telling the truth but honest about his philosophical opinions and direction. Is he honest about his associations ecclesiastically and the direction he intends to lead the ministry?
- Have we adequately examined his maturity? Not simply his age. Youth is not a disqualifier for ministry. Remember Paul told Timothy, “let no man despise thy youth.” Perhaps the focus ought to be on his ability to discern between influences that would strengthen him or cause him to stray. Who is he reading and listening to? How does he feel about the current pressing issues of a ministry nature. Many a man has gone astray due to the influence of a book, sermon, conference of a contemporary, new evangelical nature. Where does this man stand?
- Have we adequately examined his family? A man’s family life is an indicator of his ministry life. Is the wife supportive and strengthening or whining and looking for greener grass? Are the children obedient and respectful?
Years ago Dr. Paul R. Jackson wrote about the tenuous time a church is seeking a pastor. There are some men desiring the office, but are not qualified for the service.
“Yes, I am a Baptist, but …” usually means that the man is an interdenominationalist who would like the prestige and opportunity of a Baptist pulpit.
–Paul R. Jackson: The Doctrine and Administration of the Church, p. 55
Is it a deficiency in OUR testimony? Here I am speaking of our practice of ministry. Let us not in arrogance or aggressiveness, assume all the fault lies with the younger colleagues. By our, I am referring to those who are seasoned and responsible for the training of the next generation of ministers. It has been almost three decades since I was in training. By default that puts me in that category. There are serious implications we must all be willing to assess for the glory of our God as the advancement of His cause.
- Could some of the problem be our demeanor on particular issues? The “Bless God, it was good enough for Peter and Paul…” attitude doesn’t hold much authority. The Lord Jesus was gracious with sinners, firm with rebels, and gentle with the young and weak. Are we? We have all heard the admonition concerning the correct position with the wrong disposition. The so-called “Young Fundamentalists” claim the problem is our arrogance and aloofness toward others. Such was not the case with Jesus and ought not be so with us.
- Could some of the problem be our deficiency to articulate a clear Scriptural position? While I have great admiration for men of the past (Rice, Ketcham, Norris, Riley, Spurgeon, e.g.), I don’t live in their day. Perhaps we ought to give sufficient time and thought to the current issues from the Word and prayer. Certainly consulting their works is helpful, but my position must be based on the everlasting truth of God. Otherwise is just sounds like “because I/he said so!” to inquiring young men we wish to influence.
- Could some of the problem be our dogmatism with out graciousness? I am all for standards and sticking to the “Old Paths.” However, there is no room for pride and a demeaning spirit. We often elevate our distinctives while violating them. We hold to the principle of Soul-Liberty but often interpret that to mean “I am right, you are wrong, therefore change!” That is not Soul-Liberty. Are we ready to kindly though firmly proclaim the truth of God and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and change? Or are we demanding and manipulating to advance our own agenda?
Perhaps it is time for God’s people, and especially those of the Independent, Fundamental, Baptist stripe (That’s My Crowd!) to simply apply the biblical truth concerning those we place in positions of spiritual leadership. To desire the office of a bishop is a good thing. But just because it is desired does not mean it should be granted, regardless of education, articulation, etc… A man who would be in Gospel ministry must know and be settled in his doctrine and association!
1Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.