Expert: Bruce Gourley - 7/13/2009

Question
One of the pastors here in Boston under the Southern Baptist Convenetion of New Englans is preaching subjects contrary to the Baptist's belief ie.Predestination (his version of which eliminates the importance of accepting
Jesus Christ as personal savior) other that complaining anf
praying to God, who do we go to? Church Council is under his control, so he is untouchable if you wil ask me.

Answer
There is no official Southern Baptist Convention position regarding Calvinism or Arminianism; some Southern Baptists embrace Calvinism (predestination), others (most) are Arminians (free will). In fact, there is a major struggle between the two "camps" in Southern Baptist life these days, and it is true that some Calvinist pastors are actively trying to "take over" non-Calvinist Baptist congregations. If this is the case with your church, then it is up to church members (through Church Council, Deacons, Trustees, etc.) to decide whether or not to keep your pastor or let him go. Some pastors are shrewd about "working" the structure of their church to their own benefit, and in a case like this, members will either allow him to do so, or be intentional about retaining control. If this sounds like politics, it is: in too many cases in churches, there is a tug of war between pastors and members over who will control the church. It is messy, it can get nasty, and it is not very spiritual, but it is too often the reality in local congregations.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com