Sinner's Prayer

During the SBC meeting in New Orleans a resolution was made that troubled me. The resolution was titled "AN AFFIRMATION OF A “SINNER’S PRAYER” AS A BIBLICAL EXPRESSION OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH".

I appreciated the work of the Resolutions Committee in improving the language that was submitted, but did not feel they went far enough. I decided to try to amend the resolution asking the convention to strike "sinner's prayer as" from the title and "often identified as a 'sinner's prayer'" from the body of the resolution. I know from my history in Baptist politics that I had a much greater chance at amending the resolution than I did convincing others to vote the resolution down. I was proved right by the results of my amendment compared to the results of the resolution as presented by the Resolutions Committee.

The failure of my amendment was reported on as follows:
"Messengers defeated two efforts to amend the resolution. One called for removal of the words “a ‘Sinner’s Prayer’” from the resolution’s title and a paragraph. That amendment failed by what appeared to be a comfortable though not overwhelming margin." --Baptist Press

The vote on the resolution as presented by the Resolutions Committee was reported on as follows:
"With an estimated 80 percent majority, messengers approved the resolution on a "Sinner's Prayer" with some careful descriptions."

What troubled me about this resolution was not that they were using words that are not found in the Bible, but the understanding most people in churches have regarding the "sinner's prayer." Too often in the church I serve I find myself dealing with people who have said the "sinner's prayer" multiple times and believe they are saved based solely on the prayer they prayed and the confirmation that pastors and others gave them. They have been often told if they pray the "sinner's prayer" with sincerity they they will be saved.

I know the Resolutions Committee worked hard to include the language of Repentance (6 x's) and Faith/Trust (6 x's), but the reality is most Churches and Christians will only hear that the SBC believes in the "sinner's prayer." Most will never read the resolution, but continue to believe that the "sinner's prayer" is "an incantation that results in salvation merely by its recitation" and will continue to "be manipulatively employed or utilized."

After the failure of the amendment and passage of the resolution I was shocked to find some would mock me over my attempt to amend the resolution. One man asked me mockingly if the word's "great commission" were found in the Bible. To him I simply responded "no sir" (he was much older than I). Next he started laughing obnoxiously and telling everyone in the area that we are all unbiblical and have just passed an unbiblical resolution. He continued his mocking and laughing to which I did not respond.

What bothered me most about that encounter was not that I was mocked for standing up for I believed to be right, but rather the ignorance the man displayed. I was in shock that the man would continue laughing and jokingly stating that we are all unbiblical. I think I understand the man's position on the matter, but could not for the life of me understand how someone could jokingly boast about how himself and the SBC were all unbiblical.

In the end I have learned some valuable lessons:

If you plan to speak for or against a resolution or amend it be prepared and communicate your point thoroughly and clearly. I fell I lacked both. I also was very intimidated to get up and speak in front of nearly 8,000 people.

When trying to communicate your point don't try to demonize others but commend them where you can and emphasize your concern in your differences. In meetings like this it is always good to remember that we are all on the same team with the same mission. The differences we have is most often in the particulars.

Never underestimate the power of the people. I was amazed at how many people agreed with my proposed amendment. I don't know the numbers, but it looked like around a 60/40 split. This means I was able to convince somewhere around 20% who would later vote for the resolution to vote in favor of the amendment.

When you lose, don't become bitter but rather join arms again with your brothers and sisters and focus on the mission of God. God would not have us be divided but untied in the power of the Holy Spirit focused on making disciples.

My favorite time at the SBC was the election of Fred Luter as President of the SBC. That was a historic moment that I will never forget. With tears in my eyes I praised God for His kindness.

To God be the glory...