Baptist life in the Dallas/Ft. Worth has been ablaze with discussion concerning the possible move of Dr. Mac Brunson from FBC Dallas to FBC Jacksonville, Florida. I believe it was very unfortunate that the news media and 'fiery tongued' members brought his preaching next week at FBC Jax to light before he had a chance to tell his congregation yesterday himself.
Baptist polity is misunderstood by many. First of all, each Baptist church is free to call its own pastor. A pastor search committee [or similary called] is chosen by the church to seek God's will in finding a pastor when a vacancy occurs. Much prayer and discussion are to take place as the committee seeks God's man. Once that man is found, he comes to the church to preach "in view of a call." Both the church and the preacher must then make a decision. The church votes whether or not to accept the committee's recommendation. If that is affirmative, the preacher is told, and then he decides whether or not to accept the call. Everyone must be in agreement. Even at the last minute, the preacher can decide the Lord does not want him to move.
I believe a pastor does not know for sure about a call until he has preached in that pulpit in view of a call. In my own experience, I once preached in view of a call, and the church accepted the committee's recommendation unanimously. I, however, after preaching that morning decided it was not the Lord's will that I move.
Dr. Brunson, I understand from The Florida Times Union, is preaching at FBC Jax next Sunday. I'm sure after that sermon and vote of the church a final decision will be made. I personally will be praying that both great churchs and Dr. Brunson will be found in the middle of the Lord's will.
No comments:
Post a Comment