The Southern Baptist Convention needs to call a solemn assembly and repent for passive and intentional acts of racism in SBC life since the ‘95 apology statement.
I coincidently happened to see Frank Page at the Louisville Airport in June ’09 at the close of the Annual SBC meeting. This gave me an opportunity to respectfully point out to him that not one Black person was appointed to the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force at the Louisville Convention. Dr. Page assured me that this was an unintentional oversight by President Johnny Hunt. Frank Page contacted Dr. Hunt and he quickly appointed an African American Pastor from Georgia to the GCRTF. I applaud Johnny Hunt for immediately rectifying this situation.
Is Johnny Hunt racist? Absolutely not. His unintentional oversight is just symptomatic of the problem. Systemic, institutional and individual racism in SBC life is usually passive, not intentional. Yet, it exists. Therefore, it must be biblically addressed by our leaders if we are serious about the Great Commission.
Dr. Danny Akin prophetically, positively, and profoundly addressed the race issue in his signature message in chapel at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, concerning the Great Commission Resurgence. Rarely, do we hear of this type of statesmanship and leadership on this issue from anyone in SBC life. Much respect to you, Dr. Akin. I wish the GCR report to the annual meeting in Orlando would include Dr. Akin’s initial remarks on this subject.
For years I’ve asked many of my Black Baptists and evangelical Pastor friends, who would not question one word of the B, F, and M, 2000, why won’t you join the SBC? Their response would be, because it is “southern and racial”. Note: not racist, but “racial”- meaning, the DNA of the SBC is White, and geographically and culturally southern oriented. Therefore, it cannot comfortably or willingly accommodate or assimilate as equals, African American Baptists input, involvement and influence. For years I’ve disagreed with my friends’ analysis. But I’ve since reached the conclusion, they are right.
Ten years after the ’95 racial reconciliation and apology statement, there has not been one African American appointed to a position as the Chief Executive Officer of a SBC entity. There are three entity executive positions currently vacant. I pray that a qualified African American will be appointed to one of them.
If you think I’m unnecessarily fixated on race, tell me how you would you feel if you were a part of a convention that claimed to be inclusive of all people groups, yet without exception, all executive level cabinet positions are occupied by males of only one people group? Would you think that’s fair? You watch the full GCR report and none of the four presenters ethnically resemble any of the people groups that the report is challenging us to reach except for Anglo males. Do you agree with that approach?
One of the objections that I’ve often heard from minorities concerning SBC missions efforts is that the approach is paternalistic rather than a partnership approach. Viewing it from the perspective of a minority, that’s how the GCR report came across, paternalistic. Nevertheless, I plan to vote for it because I have huge respect for the GCRTF members that I’m acquainted with.
Is the GCR report racist because none of the presenters are persons of color? No! It does mean that persons of color were once again an oversight, which again is symptomatic of the problem. I trust that when the GCRTF report is made in Orlando, representatives from other ethnic groups will share in the reporting.
In February, I attended the Southern Baptists of Texas Evangelism Conference where the SBC Evangelist Jimmy Davis, preached a message comparing President Obama to the wicked King Manasseh. Davis clearly communicated that President Obama was not a Christian, being fully aware that the President claims to be a Christian. He challenged the conference to pray for the President’s salvation. As Davis sees it, if the President doesn’t repent of certain social policy positions and his spiritual condition, then he encouraged the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention to “pray that God providentially remove President Obama from office”.
On the heels of Davis’ message I called him to make sure I understood his message correctly. Not only did he make it clear that I understood his message correctly, he further added his belief that President Obama is the “most wicked President in the history of the United States”. Evangelist Davis, at the conclusion of his message, asked the audience to join him on his knees and they did. He then prayed for the President’s salvation and that he be “providentially” removed from office if he doesn’t repent.
The picture of hundreds of Anglo Southern Baptists on their knees praying that God “providentially” remove the first African American President of the United States from office is not a pretty picture to African American Southern Baptists or biblio-centric fair minded Americans of any color. It’s a horrible witness to the world and a poor testimony of Southern Baptists. The SBTC officials are very much aware of this message and have remained publicly silent. Does silence equal consent? If Evangelist Davis’ remarks and prayer that God “providentially” remove President Obama is not repudiated by SBC and SBTC officials, Wiley Drake is owed and apology (2010 Empower Evangelism Conference, Southern Baptists of Texas , February 15-17, 2010). I’m publicly asking Dr. Jim Richards and Johnny Hunt to publicly disavow and repudiate the portion of Evangelist Davis’ message that dealt with President Obama.
Read this Baptist Deacon’s comment about President Obama posted on his blog:
This Anglo Baptist deacon has a right to his political opinions. However, to refer to the President of the United States as, “the Tragic Negro”, is clearly racist and beyond the pale. Our convention will never experience genuine racial reconciliation and ethnic church growth as long as Baptists harbor and air views like Evangelist Davis and Deacon Bill Fortner.
A Black Baptist Arkansas Pastor who disassociated himself from the SBC in recent years visited our church this past March. I asked him why he was no longer Southern Baptist. He reported to me that his congregation went on a missions trip to Mexico with an Anglo Southern Baptist congregation. During this trip his people heard one of the Anglo mission team members use racial slurs toward their pastor. When he confronted the Anglo who allegedly made the slurs, he didn’t deny it nor did he apologize. Consequently, he left the convention.
Ergun Caner made condescending and stereotypical remarks concerning the Black Church in a sermon preached at First Baptist of Jacksonville, FL. Caner’s observation certainly would not be true of the Black church that I pastor and the majority of Black churches that I’m aware of. Yet, his remarks were met with approving laughter. I don’t believe that he would have made those same remarks in a Black church. Caner essentially said Black churches do not put the preacher up to preach until about 1:00 p.m. That’s not true. Black churches, according to Caner, take up “twelve offerings”. That’s untrue. Caner further stated:
By the grace of God, I’ve been privileged to preach over the past thirty six years in twenty seven states, at least seventy five cities, and in over one hundred and eighty pulpits or public venues across the length and breadth of America. The vast majority of those preaching assignments were in Black Baptist pulpits. My point is, Ergun Caner may have had a better opportunity to judge the social mores of the Black church more so than I, but it’s doubtful. I can truly say that what Ergun Caner stated is simply, generally not true. As a matter of fact, I’ve never witnessed what he described. If I stated that White preachers preached in Hawaiian shirts and encouraged married couples in their churches to have sex seven straight days, and wore toupees; that may be true in isolated cases but it would be unfair, inaccurate, and racially stereotypical, without foundation, for to me make such a claim.
This is what Caner has done and he owes FBC Jacksonville an apology. I honestly don’t believe Caner meant any harm. I think that he was simply speaking off the cuff and exaggerated grossly. Most public speakers, including myself, have made similar mistakes. However, his remarks were damaging to the reputation of the Black church in the minds and hearts of his hearers. One would expect better than this from a Seminary President. This caricature must be corrected. Jim Richards, Richard Land, Wade Burleson, Ronnie Floyd, and Tim Rogers have all preached in my pulpit. They know Caner’s description of the Black church is absolutely false. It is certainly not the norm. I know Mac Brunson personally. I have great respect for him. Mac owes it to his people to set the record straight.
An Anglo SBC church in Louisiana refused to let Anglo missionaries whom had adopted children of color speak in their church because of the color of their children. This church should be investigated and disciplined by the SBC just as the churches that reportedly are affirming and welcoming of homosexuals. Although the SBC claims thousands of African American members, the highest ranking Black at the SBC Executive headquarters is the head custodian. This is certainly reminiscent of the Antebellum South.
All of the above incidents took place since 1995. The SBC needs to hold a Great Repentance Resurgence that precedes a Great Commission Resurgence, so that we can be cleansed of unbiblical and ungodly attitudes toward women and race. Unfortunately, my pastor friends who refuse to join the SBC are right. The SBC is “southern and racial” and this must change if God is to breathe on our Great Commission Resurgence.
I personally like changing the name of the SBC to THE INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION. A new name gives us an opportunity for a new start in a new millennium. It’s an idea we truly ought to consider.
April 7, 2010 at 7:26 pm
God bless you Sir, for a forceful and measured post.
April 9, 2010 at 7:30 am
I love your description of this post: “forceful and measured”.
April 7, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I’m also thankful for Dr. Akin’s stand on this issue. We need to do some soul-searching here as Southern Baptists. Our gospel is crippled if its only reaching people of one race, or one language, or one income level, or any other group.
The problem is us because the message of Jesus tears down every barrier. Keep ringing this bell until everyone hears.
April 9, 2010 at 7:34 am
The depth and magnitude of Dr. Akin’s statement on race in his GCR message is without precedence in SBC life, particularly among the conservative resurgence community. I hope his statement can guide our convention toward greater inclusion, quality and unity. I will keep ringing the bell.
April 7, 2010 at 9:18 pm
[…] McKissic has again addressed the subject of race and the Southern Baptist Convention in a blog post titled Attitudes Toward Race in SBC Life […]
April 9, 2010 at 7:36 am
Thanks for the review and link.
April 8, 2010 at 7:35 am
Sadder still is that I don’t think Caner would have made these ‘observations’ if he didn’t know that his audience would receive his words with laughs and applause. He knew where he was and he knew the temperature of the room.
Sad.
April 9, 2010 at 7:51 am
As I reflect on it, far worse than Caner’s remarks was the laughter from people who assumed that he was telling the truth. This suggest that Caner fed preconcieved notions or they really trusted Caner. Either way is not good.
May 20, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Hi Pastor McKissic,
I don’t know if Caner was feeding the prejudices of the crowds or if the crowds were empowering Caner to continue his ‘mission’.
I do know that it was not Christ-honoring. An ‘Ergun Caner’ cannot exist without a symbiotic crowd to feed him. And the crowd cannot exist openly having contempt for others, without those who lend ‘Christian credibility’ to their hatreds of their fellow-men.
The two feed on each other, and the result is not Christian, and can actually lead eventually to the sort of treatment that you have described in the ‘anglo SBC’ Church that barred the adoptive parents of black children from speaking.
Thank you for your honest witness. I am a Catholic, and I am very concerned for my friends who are members of the SBC and who are ‘discouraged’ by the current atmosphere that prevails.
Your witness will help give them strength to endure and look ahead to a time when right is done again throughout the SBC, in the Name of the Lord. Christ can heal all wounds.
God bless you, sir.
Christiane
April 8, 2010 at 7:49 am
Another fact that makes his comments that night about blacks and hispanics so outrageous: that night the church brought all of the grade schoolers into the worshop service to recognize them for their scripture memory work…the grades 1 through 5 kiddos that normally were in AWANA, were instead sitting in the congregation with their parents that night to hear Caner crack jokes about blacks and what they wear, and how they worship.
What an excellent example for the next generation of SBC’ers.
April 9, 2010 at 7:52 am
Bingo
April 8, 2010 at 9:38 am
Great word. We don’t know what it is sometimes until we see clear examples. Thanks for being honest and loving at the same time.
April 9, 2010 at 7:52 am
Thanks for understanding my heart.
April 8, 2010 at 11:04 am
First of all, thanks for your courage, conviction and candor. These words are heart-breaking for an Anglo SBC pastor like me to hear, but essential to hear, nonetheless. I agree with the thrust of your message, though would question one point. Let me get that out of the way.
I am extremely concerned about the current administration and its policies–and cannot recall a more wicked direction than the current leadership is taking us. I believe we have the responsibility to speak prophetically to these issues or we will soon have no voice to speak. I freely acknowledge that some of the opposition to President Obama is racially motivated. That has nothing to do with my stance. Were he Anglo, he would still be wrong. That is not to excuse the tone or substance of all that Evangelist Davis said–I wasn’t there. You clearly believe he crossed the line. Is there a way to challenge an African-American President’s policies without being accused of racism?
Now–back to the main point. If we are to reach every color and culture, we must include those of color in our leadership. Those in current leadership must be more sensitive in speaking about these matters. As to changing the name of the SBC to the International Baptist Convention–why not? If our mission is to reach the world, we should convey that in the name.
Sir, I don’t know you personally, but for my part I want to say I love you as a brother. Beneath the skin, we are no different. From what I read in Revelation, it seems Anglos will be in the minority. We ought to get used to it now.
Thanks again for daring to expose this ugliness. May we repent of this sin!
April 9, 2010 at 8:11 am
I share your concern about “the current administration and its policies”, specifically homosexual issues, abortion issues, tax issues and bailouts. I disagree with your thinking that you “cannot recall a more wicked direction than the current leadership is taking us”. I can; all of the pro slavery, segregationist presidents took us in a far more wicked direction. I agree that it is our responsibility to speak prophetically concerning policy issues that clearly violate Scripture.
It is not racist to voice policy differences with President Obama. It is not racist to vote against or criticize President Obama. However, if you call the authenticity of his Christianity into question, I believe you need solid evidence. Davis offered none. In my phone conversation, he mentioned Obama’s abortion views as evidence. I then asked him if the SBC messengers who adopted a Pro-Choice abortion platform in 1971 in St. Louis were Christians, he wouldn’t answer the question. Most Southern Baptist will not answer the question, “Were the Baptist slaveowners Christians?” It is inconsistent to say Obama is not a Christian because he devalues life (abortion) yet, the SBC messengers and the Baptist slaveowners are Christians, when they also devalued life.
Dennis, I love your spirit. If you stick to the policy issues and not delve into personality, petty and unbiblical prayer issues, like Davis did, yes, you can “challenge an African-American Presidents policies without being accused of racism”.
April 8, 2010 at 12:35 pm
It’s safe to say the message of Jesus was never about the Emperor or the Roman government’s failures toward her citizens. He was far removed from commenting on the spiritual condition or the morality of the Roman politicians.
Nor would/should anyone say that Jesus was devoid of a real concern for people and the pain they experienced in life. He fed people. He healed people. He confronted Religious people who were oppressive in their relationships to other people. [Money changers] He was very practical in His walk and ministry of compassion that’s for sure. But His message was another kind of Kingdom message.
It seems to me that Dwight’s message should have been the one trumpeted from that pulpit that night.
As citizens we sometimes should/can change laws or change lawmakers, [There are legitimate means for this.] but must never mix the pulpit with politics or both suffer greatly.
April 9, 2010 at 8:19 am
I LOVE YOU MAN. I agree with your comments on this post and previous post. We need to work on a date for you to address a staff retreat for CBC and preach on Sunday Morning.
April 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm
[…] to SBC women, while clearly merited, would accomplish little of measurable value. For as McKissic demonstrates via damning examples in his April 7 blog, there are still serious […]
April 8, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Paul, having just finished an intensive study of Jeremiah, I would respectfully disagree about the need to speak to national sins, but why don’t we save that for another forum? We’ll just agree to disagree. I don’t want the focus to be diverted from the call to deal with our failure as churches and the SBC to be truly multi-cultural. In that, I trust we agree.
April 8, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Dennis,
As one who believes there in now only one ‘holy nation’ and that populated by all those people who are ‘accepted in the beloved’ because they have responded to the ‘gospel’ thus my concern for not mixing messages, I agree that we can respectfully agree to disagree and speak of our differing beliefs at a later date and different location.
Thanks for your gracious spirit.
April 8, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Thanks Paul. Now, can we get behind Dwight’s call to repentance and changing the name of the SBC to the IBC? A change in name if backed by a change in heart could spur us to revival!
April 8, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Dr. McKissic,
You, Sir, are exactly right about racism in the SBC. I am a 57 year old anglo pastor in the SBC, and I see it over and over. Mind you now, 30+ years ago, I would have been right up there with my brothers in denying that there was racism–denying that it is racist when “we” say that African-Americans are not interested in coming to “our” worship and “our” churches because “they” have adopted a different worship style. I would have been right there championing “states rights” and all the other code-words we use to justify racism. But God led me through a transformation, praise to His name! I am sickened by the attitudes of suposedly mature Christian men and women in SBC churches who are racist, either overtly, covertly, or unthinkingly. Perhaps that is why God has allowed me finally to come to a church where that is much less of an issue, as it is mixed racially and ethnicly. Buit you don’t have to go very far to find such attitudes; a minister in the flock I serve, an African-American man, went to interview with a Pulpit Committee recently. It was a church maybe 20 miles away, and at the conclusion of the interview, they told him, “You understand now: we’re not as ‘diverse’ as the church you’re used to.” I suppose the real tragedy is that they failed to recognized the inherant racism in that statement. May God bless you in this area as He has me.
John Fariss
April 9, 2010 at 9:43 am
Thanks for visiting. What a blessing to find a church that is “mixed racially and ethnically.” I believe that the Great Commission and ethnic and racial unity are linked. We really can’t be successful with one, without the other.
April 8, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Thank you for call to repentance and change. The SBC does need to publicly distance itself from the Jimmy Davis call to prayer, When Paul called us to pray for those in authority I don’t think that’s what he had in mind.
April 9, 2010 at 9:45 am
Dr. Johnny Hunt is a good man. I believe if he listens to Jimmy Davis’ message, he will be biblically compelled to distance the SBC from his message.
April 9, 2010 at 4:47 am
Go get’em, Dwight. Great word, brother. Prophetic in every sense and in every detail.
April 9, 2010 at 9:50 am
Marty,
I appreciate your missional voice, but we also need your prophetic “Outpost” voice. The Baptist blogging world is simply not the same without your voice. Thanks for weighing in on the profile needed for the EC President position. I agree with you. Please consider posting regularly on SBC issues again. Thanks for the link and promo.
April 9, 2010 at 4:55 am
[…] entire post can be read here. Categories: Culture, Denominationalism, News, Race, Southern Baptist Convention Tags: […]
April 9, 2010 at 7:03 am
[…] ‘Once a rising star in denominational life’ Dwight McKissic Ouch? Regarding African-American Baptist pastor Dwight McKissic’s April 7 excoriation of the Southern Baptist Convention for failure to live up to its 1995 renunciation of racism and slavery, Bob Allen of the Associated Baptist Press wrote: McKissic, once a rising star in denominational life until he disagreed publicly with influential leaders over a decision to stop appointing missionaries that use a “private prayer language,” said most systemic, institutional and individual racism in SBC life is “passive, not intentional.” […]
April 9, 2010 at 8:15 am
Dwight,
You have given another reason to question the call for a GCR. If the Gospel is the declaration of Good News then the implications of that Good News should characterize our systems and structures. That would certainly mean an “international flavor” to the SBC. However, since we view our vision, American Anglo, as the best representation of the Gospel we cut off not only Black Christians, but other ethnicities as well as female leaders. The Good News cannot be Good News if it first mus be filtered through “my lens.”
Keep writing, preaching – and you are welcome to preach in my largely Anglo church any time.
April 9, 2010 at 10:02 am
I wish that you would develop a full post on the comments you’ve placed here. This message is seldom heard in the SBC. We need to hear it more. As I stated earlier, Jesus, the Great Architect of the Great Commission recognized that the Great Commission and Great Race Relations are inextricably combined. “Go ye therefore and preach the gospel to every creature”. The word creature means ethnic group. What better way to do this than to send out a multi-ethnic team to do it as they did at the church at Antioch (Acts 13).
I look forward to the next time providence or intentionality bring us together.
April 9, 2010 at 8:51 am
Dwight,
Thanks for explaining your position. We are very close now concerning our positions. I shouldn’t have even brought it up. My recent study of the prophets has underscored to me the peril we are all in. I have grown up in a country that despite its flaws has allowed me to enjoy great freedom and favor. I want the same for my 5 kids & 9 grandkids and those of every class and color. We agree that the final disposition of one’s soul is not our prerogative. Thankfully, that is God’s call–not a pope or preacher! The Spirit has dealt with me since my comments. Not about the comments, but the sad fact that I spend more time talking about the President to men and too little talking to God about the President. I have repented of that. As to my comment concerning the wicked direction–let me clarify. By no means can we whitewash the abominable practice of slavery. Any President that promoted or tolerated such has that blot on their legacy. My participation in the political system began with a vote cast for Jimmy Carter. I was 18 and didn’t know any better. Each President subsequently has had their share of strengths and weaknesses. But in my adult life I haven’t seen such radicalism. You may still disagree. I just wanted to clarify. For what it’s worth, you have an ally in me. In a time when it would be easier to be quiet, you have raised your voice. I pray it becomes a mighty chorus!
April 9, 2010 at 10:24 am
I’m going to be very transparent here. Mike Huckabee was my first choice for President. When it became a choice betwen Obama and McCain, I faced three choices, with the third one being, not to vote at all. I only decided to vote for the Republican ticket after Palin was placed on the ticket. She best represents my core values and beliefs and I believe she will make a great president. McCain voted against making the Martin Luther King holiday a national holiday. I couldn’t in good conscience vote for a person who could make that decision. Quite frankly, I think Obama is a better leader and articulate his views better than McCain. Obama, by far represent a better family man than McCain. At the end of the day, I believe the country is better off in Obama’s hands than McCains hands, although I again voted my values, which was a vote for Palin.
Thanks for voicing support and confidence in me. I hope to meet you one day.
April 9, 2010 at 9:55 am
[…] Think About It: Words from Dr. Dwight McKissic Jump to Comments https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/attitudes-toward-race-in-sbc-life/ […]
April 9, 2010 at 10:29 am
The church where I serve has done a couple of things recently which made me a little bit proud of them in this regard. We’ve opened up some of our abundant building space for a new African-American congregation to use as it gets started. A couple of weeks ago, we hosted a gospel celebration of about nine different local and out of town African American singing groups, and some of our church members responsed to the invitation to attend. That’s a start.
But I don’t think we can pat ourselves on the back just yet. I’ve always heard that the reason we can’t consider merging with an African American church is because our worship styles are too different and that “they” don’t want to worship in our churches because we are more formal and less emotional. The implication of that kind of thinking is that the deference would have to be on the part of the African Americans. Maybe it is time for us to defer, and get used to the way African Americans worship in order to accomodate an integrated church.
Political statements, like those you’ve cited from the SBTC evangelist, and the deacon, do not belong in church. Most conservative Christians are blind to the fact that some of the Republican leaders they’ve helped to elect have given them nothing but lip service on these issues, never intending to actually do anything about them. The record of the Bush administration on social issues is abysmal, he did less than Clinton, but he was never held accountable. The polarization that has occurred in the conservative Christian community around the terms “Democrat” and “Republican” is tragic, because it pushes people to justify their judgemental attitude and it keeps them from seeing the real person for who they are.
Dwight, we need your help.
April 9, 2010 at 11:34 am
You my friend have revealed a major problem with race relations in SBC life. I’m glad to know that some recognize the problem. If more Southern Baptists reached your understanding and application embedded in the statement, “Maybe it is time for us to defer, and get used to the way African Americans worship in order to accomodate an integrated church”, we would well be on our way to carrying out the Great Commission and Great Race Relations.
June 7, 2010 at 9:47 am
“Most conservative Christians are blind to the fact that some of the Republican leaders they’ve helped to elect have given them nothing but lip service on these issues, never intending to actually do anything about them.”
Lee, that’s very true. A good case in point is the partial-birth abortion ban, which was trumpeted as a great pro-life victory under President Bush. But this legislation did not save the life of a single unborn child. It only specified the method to be used in late-term abortions, which remained every bit as legal as they had previously been. If there was no progress on the pro-life front when both the Presidency and the Congress were in Republican hands, then why would anyone expect better things in the future?
April 9, 2010 at 10:58 am
Bro. Dwight,
A few years ago a lady from our church was telling me about a joint service they had in the past with the African-American Baptist church in town. She noted that “the women wore gloves. Apparently they knew we might feel uneasy touching them. Wasn’t that considerate of them?”
Yes, there is much to repent of.
April 9, 2010 at 11:45 am
Thanks for visiting. Rich, your comment here illustrate the fact that White Churches and Black Churches really don’t know and understand each other beyond the surface. It further documents racism in our churches. I’m sure I’ll use your story at some point to illustrate these truths. I perused your blog. Interesting. Didn’t know you were out there. Are you a member of an SBC church?
April 10, 2010 at 9:41 am
Bro. Dwight, I appreciate your question, but let me just say for now that I write from the perspective of far too many churches that are Southern Baptist, United Methodist, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Presbyterian and a host of other stripes. I hope my experiences can help some pastor out there navigate the very difficult waters of church conflict and perhaps open the eyes of one or two churches about the systemic nature of some important issues that create and perpetuate that conflict in their own churches.
April 9, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Thank you for writing this, Dwight. Many will try to ignore it, but they will just be ignoring the truth. Scot McKnight has said that the gospel we preach produces the church that we have. If our churches are made up of all one racial or ethnic group in areas that are culturally diverse, then are we preaching the true gospel? Ephesians 2:11-22 would seem to speak against the ethno-centric gospel that we proclaim and practice. If blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, rich, and poor cannot come together in the SAME congregation, then what message do we proclaim to the world. Paul opposed Peter to his face because he had compromised the gospel when he ate with the Judaizers and not the Gentile Christians. Some oppose tying that event to the hidden racial prejudice of today, but there are people who visit churches that are racially mixed and leave for churches that are more homogenous so that they will feel more comfortably. The gospel demands a different response and our preference should give way to the implications of the gospel as much as it does to the message of salvation that we have first believed.
We are treading on dangerous ground here and I wonder if our ineffectiveness in evangelism, missions, church planting, and church growth is not tied more closely to our hypocrisy on this issue than anyone would like to admit. I loved Dr. Akin’s message on the axioms of a GCR, but I also grieve that we seem to be incapable of taking his words seriously and addressing difficult issues that hinder our walk and our witness.
April 9, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Alan,
I know I sound like a broken record, but I agree with what I believe you and Scott McKnight are saying and that is: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND GREAT RACE RELATIONS ARE INSEPERABLE.
It is always good to communicate with you. I read your blog often.
April 10, 2010 at 7:31 pm
[…] Read this article: ATTITUDES TOWARD RACE IN SBC LIFE « Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr. […]
April 12, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Dr. McKissic,
Thank you for your post. As a young (Anglo) pastor in Montgomery Alabama, I am well aware that race relations are not where they should be. As a word of encouragement for men like you who have the ear of many, please know there is a new generation of SBC leaders on the horizon. I can without caveat say that our church is built on Christ and it is one of the greatest joys of my life to baptize those that don’t look like me. Maybe I am to optimistic, but I believe God is raising up a generation for his glory and one aspect of this generation will true multicultural diversity. Thank your for your candidness, honesty, and compassion in this post.
April 13, 2010 at 9:42 am
“As a young (Anglo) pastor”. Those were the most encouraging and promising words that I heard in your comment. Your words give me hope that there is hope for the SBC. My prayer is that I will live long enough to experience the change. I’m encouraged, “there is a new generation of SBC leaders on the horizon”. Wade, hold on to your faith and let’s continue to pray for God’s Kingdom to come “raising up a generation for His glory” that reflects a true multicultural diversity. Great comment. Thanks for visiting.
April 12, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Great post! Sometimes we need to not be pleasers and clean up our house a bit. As stated earlier, I wasn’t offended at Caner saying what he said, because he has a knack for saying to much to get a reaction, but the reaction of the people in the crowd. There should have been a great deal more people offended at that to take it this long to get out. That Night there should have been an uproar of people that are calling for Caner and everyone that thought that was funny to repent and cry out to God.
God bless you and all your work, may God continue to use you are the great worker you are.
In Him, Chris White
April 13, 2010 at 9:47 am
Chris,
I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of what the response to Caner’s remarks should have been.
April 12, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Bishop,
I see you’re still at it. I agree with you, as you know already.
Dwight, President Bush and President Obama are pluralists. And the church in the Book of Acts would not have recognized their gospel 🙂
I stopped being surprised by the depths of racism, racial attitudes, and racial reconciliation efforts. I think the SBC is too big to change. I hope it happens, but I’m not sure it will.
Love you man. I am better because of you. Thanks for giving me (a White boy) a position on your staff. Miss you.
April 13, 2010 at 10:20 am
Pastor Alan,
I’m proud of you. I love you. You Jeana and Brianna remind me of the Kingdom of God. If all Southern Baptists were like you the race question and the GCR would be well on the way to success.
You sound pessimistic about change in the SBC.
Wade (#25) sounds optimistic. Which one of you are correct? I like Wades optimism. I understand your pessimism. Time will tell.
Your right. Bush and Obama are pluralists or univeralists, but if they are genuinely saved inasmuch as they have both chosen Christ as Savior, does their pluralist beliefs negate their hope and faith in Christ as their Savior? 🙂
April 22, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Hey Pastor,
I’ve been thinking about your last question “does their pluralist beliefs negate their hope and faith in Christ as their Savior?”
I say yes.
The challenge with that kind of gospel is that it is no gospel at all (Gal 1:6-ff).
I guess we must “wait and see.” For you and me, “it’s all good.” For those who believe a gospel foreign to the one in Acts (that Jesus is the only way and all other gods are to be forsaken), it’s a dangerous risk.
I also wish more pastors period were like you in your consistent pursuit of race relations.
Miss you too!
April 15, 2010 at 9:57 am
Pastor Mckissic,
Too often good men say nothing and things become complicated, to address these issues shows that your heart is truly with uniting and not dividing. i am praying for God’s favor to follow you…
April 16, 2010 at 9:55 am
Thanks for visiting, your prayers and encouragement.
Dwight
April 22, 2010 at 8:56 am
Dr. McKissic,
Thank you for this frank, truth-telling article. I am a white Baptist pastor in south central Virginia. We are struggling to address the need for racial reconciliation here in our small-town community. Your identification of systemic, institutionalized racism in the SBC should shake us to the core as followers of Jesus Christ.
The issues you have raised are first power issues. Racism denies access to the power structures of social systems, denominations included. As a denomination, our leaders appear to lack the political will to make systemic changes to address the racial inequity in SBC life. Repentance for slavery is hollow unless that vocal repentance is accompanied by a true change of heart and behavior in denominational life.
Secondly, we must come together and work collaboratively, not condescendingly, with one another. We know each other through fellowship, and what we need in SBC life is more table fellowship, more opportunity for conversation within the hospitality of a committed community of believers.
Dr. McKissic, I would be interested in participating in a series of “table fellowship conversations” uniting churches across the convention, from Virginia to California. If you would lend your name and energy to a movement of eating with one another, and listening to one another, I believe that would go a long way toward highlighting the issue of racism in SBC life.
Our members are often more courageous than our leaders are. In our church, our members helped found, and hosted, a new Boys and Girls Club. It was not without difficulty, but we did it and today our church is becoming known in this area as a church that welcomes our neighbors regardless of the color of your skin or the size of your car.
When churches come together, good things happen. Our church — an all white Virginia Baptist congregation — was asked to host the Martin Luther King Day celebration for our community in 2008. The comments made by the coordinating pastor to our church on that day were — “People notice what you’re doing.” At the conclusion of that service, we joined hands together and we as white Viriginians had the privilege of joining our African-American neighbors in signing “We Shall Overcome.” Good things happen when God’s people get together.
If you have interest in helping establish a series of conversations around the tables of our churches, I would love to hear from you. My email is chuckwarnock (at) gmail.com, my cell is 434-203-1448, and my blog is Confessions of a Small-Church Pastor (http://chuckwarnock.com). Blessings on your ministry, and I look forward to hearing from you. — Chuck Warnock
April 27, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Chuck,
I’m almost speechless. This is my first opportunity to respond to your comment. Your type of comment makes the time and effort put into blogging worthwhile. I would love to enter into dialogue with you concerning the matters you’ve mentioned. I’m headed out of town to preach. I will call you soon. Thanks again.
Dwight
April 27, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Dr. McKissic, thanks for your kind reply. I look forward to talking with you when you have a moment.
Today I spoke at the community prayer breakfast sponsored by our local hospital. I spoke on the theme, Becoming Peacemakers in a Age of Chaos. Here’s the link, if you have time to take a look —
http://chuckwarnockblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/becoming-peacemakers-in-an-age-of-chaos/#more-2268
Thanks,
Chuck Warnock
April 22, 2010 at 9:38 am
Reading your post I had to respond. I consider Jimmy Davis a friend. I know him very well and have watched him live out his Christian life over a number of years. He was my pastor for seven years and I grew tremendously under his leadership. To call him racist is so far from the truth as God knows it. He believes that our President is not leading this country on the Christian morals and values on which it was established. He is praying for the president to be saved. He encourages all of us to pray for him as our leader. You have stated that Barak says he is a christian. The Bible says, “By their fruit you shall know them.” Someone who supports homosexuality and the murder of children is not producing Christian fruit.
We live in a small community in East Texas. When Bro. Jimmy came here to become our pastor, the churches were divided by race. They still are, but we have made some progress. God led Jimmy Davis to reach out to people of other races within our community. He was given a vision of a church where white and black people could worship together. His efforts were met with much resistance and as a result a new church was started within this community. Our church (which was founded by Bro. Jimmy) ministers to children of all color. It is the only church within the community that does. I have seen him love, help and minister to people of all races.
When you hear someone who does not agree with our president’s values and claim that makes them a racist, is quite frankly racist on your part. Do you not believe that it could be anything else, other than the color of skin that people disagree with? Could you tell me exactly what it is that you agree with the President on?
There are many people within our community that do not like Bro. Jimmy because of the stands he has taken, but not ONE of them would call him racist. Bro. Jimmy believes as I do, that we are all made in God’s image. You base your judgement on one sermon. I base mine on many years of personal experience.
I prayerfully ask that you consider your opinion just may be wrong.
In Christ’s love,
Lori
April 27, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Lori,
Thanks so much for visiting. Your comment deserves a full blog post response. It is my goal to write a post addressing your valid concerns within the next two weeks. Thanks again for visiting.
Dwight
April 23, 2010 at 2:39 am
Dr. McKissic:
The mood in conservative Christian circles has long been anti-diversity. I would estimate that 70% of the SBC white members have been indoctrinated from babes with religious propaganda, believing that blacks are predestined to go to hell anyway, so why bother with the racial reconciliation process. Dr. McKissic what you dealing with is a group of individuals whose minds have been “seared” and given over deceptive spirits. Therefore, my question to you sir, is when will you and the other black members cut your losses and leave this racists religious organization? Maybe it’s time to start a ‘new’ Southern Baptist Association of like-minded, God-fearing, “Bible” believing individuals.
God Bless You.
April 27, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Marie,
I’ve often had thoughts similar to yours and indeed sometimes I still do. At the moment my heart is to do prayer, writing and work toward change in the areas of need in SBC life and at some point if I feel my efforts are futile and hopeless, you may have a viable solution to my dilemma. I’d be interested in your thoughts on my next post that should go up today. Thanks for visiting.
WDM
April 30, 2010 at 5:51 am
Dr. McKissic,
My name is Jake Davis, I am the son of Bro. Jimmy Davis, of whom you speak of in this blog. In all of my life I have heard things and seen things done by members of the Southern Baptist Church that have frankly turned my stomach and for a while turned my back on the church. I think that you will agree that pastors and their families need the breadth of faith to keep believing. I have never in my life heard my dad called a racist. I have never in my life heard my dad make a racist comment or something that could be misconstrued as racist. Growing up it was not unusual for my “diverse” friends to come over to our house, stay the night, eat dinner or associate with my family. I was taught at an early age that skin color does not make a difference in a person. I also know that just because someone says that they are a Christian does not make it so. My dad believes that our country was founded on a firm belief in God and that at this point in time we are straying away from that, that is why he has called for a prayer for our current President, not because of his race but because of his policies. I do not understand why the call for prayer for President Obama is cause to call someone a racist. I do understand that the call to get on our knees in prayer for our country and our leader is something that my dad has done in every church that he has ever pastored. I appreciate you allowing me to post my views and my opposition to your point of view on this matter. I also voice my support for my dad, Jimmy Davis, and what it is that he preaches.
May 5, 2010 at 6:44 pm
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
April 30, 2010 at 7:50 am
I’m curious here, how is Mr. Davis’ comment racist? How was he wrong? When a man kneels and bows in a Muslim Mosque, how is he a Christian? There is no other king than our God, so to bow to another is treason. How can a Christian, or someone who claims to be one, even in an attempt to lead a great and diverse nation, even kneel in a Mosque? As for the comment,”Tragic Negro” (dare I repeat it!), yes, that sounds racist. Mr. Davis, however, clearly makes his sermon about the President’s salvation and leadership, not race. Do his ties to the SBC lead you to that conclusion? And perhaps, especially after cancelling a national day of prayer, you have changed your mind about the President’s salvation? And remember, Mr. Davis’ sermon was based off the words of the prophet Samuel, when Israel demanded an earthly king, and God warned the nation that an earthly king would lead them astray. It seems comparable to our current situation, in my opinion. And as for the President’s exile, if it is for the better of the nation and millions of people, is it not for the best? God forbid I would interfere with His will, but tell me how I am wrong here?
May 5, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Bro. Harrington,
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
April 30, 2010 at 11:03 am
Dear Dr. McKissic,
I was so amazed to hear that you heard anything “racist” in Brother Jimmy Davis’s sermon. I was there and I was truly listening with “spiritual ears”. I heard nothing that you heard. I have known Brother Jimmy for 7 years. He was my pastor at Country Chapel Church here in Poynor, Texas for 5 years. He is one of the most Godly men that I have known..who loves and serves God with passion, boldness, and love. It has never been about money or prestige or power with him. He is a country preacher being used by God. He helped start our little church about 6 years ago and it was founded on the principle that “anyone from any race and any background” would be welcomed in our church. It started that way and it continues to be that way. We have black children coming and we have baptized several. Had we had a “white” president that was doing exactly what President Obama and his people are standing for…funding abortions, supporting gay marriages, taking away the rights of American people, I know for certainty that Brother Jimmy would have preached the same sermon that you heard….”that we need a new man in the White House”. He wasn’t speaking from a “physical” sense, but from a SPIRITUAL sense. I am amazed that you did not connect with that truth that he spoke. I pray that you will be in prayer about this situation and I pray that God will show you that you were truly wrong about the kind of man that Brother Jimmy is. I am in total agreement with the comments made by Lori Mulkey and Jake Davis. As Lori stated, there are many people who did not agree with Brother Jimmy concerning his beliefs about race, and they left our church. Sir, you are so wrong about him being a racist.
Thank you for letting me share my comments.
May 5, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Sister Bouman,
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
April 30, 2010 at 11:14 am
It is amazing to me how you showed only a small out of context piece of the sermon on the channel 11 news. However you missed a key word in the piece of footage you used, the footage clearly has my dad, Jimmy Davis, saying “ANOTHER thing to pray about…” As in not only pray for the salvation of President Obama but if he will not be saved then pray for the removal of him from office so that a Godly man can lead our country back to God. It is the same prayer and same asking of bended knee from a congregation that he has asked for during the Reagan, Bush Sr, Clinton and Bush administrations, why wasn’t that worthy of a news story or blog?
May 2, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Mr. McKissics,
I am the daughter of Bro. Jimmy Davis. I have not only heard my dad preach all my life, but I have seen him live out the Gospel in every area of his life and lead many to te savin knowledge of Jesus Christ. Because of his Godly convictions and willingness to stand up and deliver whatever message God has given him, of course he has been the subject of much persecution, always from those who were either not true Christians, or from those who were not leading the Godly life they should have been in accordance with Scripture. I would like to say that I am surprised at the persecution he is facing from you in this blog as well as the bit you did on the Channel 11 “news” station, but I’m really not surprised after learning what caliber of man you are. Here are a few points I would like to make:
First of all, I was at the SBTC Convention and heard the message my dad preached. The message was obviously God-given and full of truth! The message was completely about the need for the salvation of President Obama and all government officials. The ethnicity of Obama was NEVER mentioned or alluded to. You seem to think that just because Obama says he is a Christian we should believe him. You are a preacher, correct? Maybe you’ve just forgotten that the scripture says that we will know Christians by their fruit. What “fruit” has Obama produced that shows he is a Christian? I’m sure he can quote at least a few scriptures, but even the demons know and they shutter! Just because one says he is a Christian does not hold water. It is clear to any Christian in their right mind that Obama does not walk with the Lord. Therefore, just as my dad preached, we as Christians need to be on our knees praying for his salvation and that God have mercy on our nation before He removes His hand from us for good!
Secondly, as Mr. Thurman pointed out previously, how can anyone of the white race stand opposed to Obama without being accused of being racist? Is there no way to call Obama on the carpet about his ungodliness in his stance on abortion, homosexuality, socialism, etc. without being persecuted by someone of your calliber? This fact and the fact that your whole agenda seems to be “furthering” the cause of equal rights for blacks and doing nothing but standing opposed to whites clearly shows to me that you, Sir, are the racist. When will it be enough for you? When will you realize all that black people have going for them and be satisfied? When will the time come that you quit playing the race card and decide to stand with your brothers and sisters in Christ and join the real cause of winning souls to Christ instead of stirring up trouble in the convention? It’s time you started focusing on serving our Lord and nit yourself or the black community! Do you, Sir, not realize that God sees no race? He sees his children, whom He loves! That is the message you need to start preaching and stop with the pity party!
Lastly, I would like to say that my daughter, Bro. Jimmy Davis’ granddaughter, is not fully Caucasian. Her daddy is Hispanic. My father loves her with all of his heart and would do anything for this precious littile girl. This in itself should stand to prove to you, Sir, that Bro. Jimmy Davis does not have a racist bone in his body! He would love her the same if she was part black, just as he has loved and ministered to many children and families of many different races. Can you, Sir, say that you would do the same?
May 5, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Sister Charity,
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
May 2, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Rest assured, Sir, that many Christians are saddened and angered by your stance against Bro. Jimmy Davis…by your blog, but even more so by the untrue, biased story you took to Channel 11 that painted him as a racist! Many have already taken steps to shed light on the truth, and you can be sure many others will be joining in the cause to stand up for what is right!
May 2, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Dr. McKissic does not need me, or anyone else, to defend him on his own blog, but I must reply to some of the posts here by those defending Jimmy Davis. I do not know Jimmy Davis, and take his family’s word that he is not a racist, and that he has indeed reached out to all persons, including African-Americans. But that is not the point Dr. McKissic made.
Dr. McKissic’s point was that “The picture of hundreds of Anglo Southern Baptists on their knees praying that God “providentially” remove the first African American President of the United States from office is not a pretty picture to African American Southern Baptists or biblio-centric fair minded Americans of any color. It’s a horrible witness to the world and a poor testimony of Southern Baptists.”
Frankly, I agree with Dr. McKissic, and I’m a white Southern Baptist pastor. (See my previous comment on this post.) I am sure, and I’m think Dr. McKissic would agree with me on this, that Jimmy Davis is a fine man who believes what he preaches. However, I might suggest that in the future, Jimmy and all of us preachers, leave the question of anyone’s salvation to God. That is not our prerogative; the assessment of whether a person is a Christian belongs to God alone. That is where I would suggest that Jimmy went wrong. The president has a clear testimony that he is a Christian. You might disagree, and Pres. Obama may not be your kind of Christian, but that is his own published witness.
What might have been more helpful would have been a disagreement, based on scripture, with this administration’s policies, not personalities. Prayer then could be offered that this president, and all of our leaders, might find a position more in keeping with our interpretation of scripture. In other words, Jimmy could have chosen his words more carefully, but in the SBCT meeting, he was “preaching to the choir” and was among those who agreed with him, I presume.
Since Bailey Smith’s infamous, “God does not hear the prayer of a Jew” statement, Southern Baptist leaders have moved from public obscurity to public presence. If we are to speak not just to ourselves, but to the wider culture, then we must exhibit love, grace, and mercy in our speech as well as in our lives.
Secondly, racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice. While I take your testimony that Jimmy Davis is no racist, I would submit that the SBC is an example of institutionalized racism. How else can one explain the inclusion of only one African-American on the Executive Committee? Or the presence of only two African-Americans on the paid Exec Com staff, and both of them are in the custodial department.
The “oversight” — failing to include a single African-American on the GCR task force — was rectified only after Dr. McKissic brought it to the attention of Frank Page, who sent it upstream, resulting in an African-American representative. That oversight alone should tell us what is wrong with SBC outreach and our approach to the Great Commission.
If you would like to understand further the nature of what sociologists are calling “the new racism” or “color-blind racism” you might read Eduardo Bonilla-Silva’s book, Racism without Racists. Bonilla-Silva is a sociology professor at Duke University. Also, Mark Noll’s book, The Civil War as Theological Crisis; and, George Frederickson’s A Short History of Racism. Plus, Christian Smith’s Divided by Faith, which indicates that well-meaning evangelicals often hamper racial reconciliation, rather than help foster it.
Finally, I realize that members of Jimmy’s family are offended and defensive of him. However, I would hope that you would be able to avoid the personal attacks on Dr. McKissic. Dr. McKissic is not a racist, nor a trouble-maker. I personally regret your personal attacks on him, and hope you do as well. We can disagree on a variety of issues, but in the process we should maintain our witness to one another and the world.
May 3, 2010 at 11:01 am
The picture he painted of the white Southern baptists trying to remove the 1st African-American president is a picture he painted…not Bro. Jimmy Davis. Race was never an issue until introduced by McKissick. He saw black & white. The prayer was for the spiritual condition of our country & its leaders. It’s a shame that those who claim racism are the ones who see in color…and they don’t even see it..Satan is so deceiving. There may be “white supremacists” in the SBC,I would not know, but I do know there are people who claim to be Christians who do not look nor act Christ-like… but he is wrong to use Jimmy Davis as the target. He is a strong Christian man & I have personally seen him in the face of opposition behave very Christ-like..even in defense of African Americans coming to our church. I believe McKissick owes Bro. Jimmy a mighty big apology!
May 3, 2010 at 9:49 am
If I may say a few words on the subject…the story of King Manasseh is a beautiful story of God’s grace & mercy toward an evil, sinful King that led his nation into evil practices. God brought him to repentace & saved him. Sometimes it takes extreme measures. We do not know the hearts of men, but we see the lives they live. If someone if your family claims to be a Christian, but is not living in accordance with His Word & you see the consequences of their sins destroying their life, will you not pray “God save them”?…”no matter what it takes, please save them?” I see the consequences of evil, greedy government in our nation and I believe we should pray the same prayer if we love our country and our God…”no matter what it takes” As a believer in Christ, no subject matters are unsuitable for discussion with God. I see Bro. Jimmy Davis prayed for mercy on our president & asked God to lead him to repentence. As a Christian I see nothing wrong with that. I do not know why anyone would. And if you read Psalm 59 you will see even David, a man after God’s own heart, prayed & depended on God for justice and protection…”O Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all nations, show no mercy to wicked traitors…God will go before me…but do not kill them, O Lord, our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down for the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in pride, for the curses and lies they utter, consume them in wrath…then it will be known to the ends of the earth that GOD RULES over Jacob!” Is this hard to hear,for some, yes. Would we wish bad on anyone for no reason…NO! But when you know God, and what He can do to bring someone to repentance, then yes you pray…”whatever it takes, O GOD” because you know if left in His hands, He will handle it perfectly and according to His will. I believe that is probably what Bro. Jimmy Davis’ intensions were. When people are unable to change personal or national suffering, we SHOULD ask God to intervene. Because so few have suffered intense cruelty on a personal or national level, they may find this difficult to grasp. If you read on in Psalms 59, you will see this prayer renews David’s confidence in God’s faithfulness. What is wrong with asking God to intervene and make the final outcome better…a saved president, or a new Christian leader? I would think as a Christian, that would also be your heart’s desire. And as far as the racial issue goes, it seems you have taken this sermon & twisted it to fit your own agenda. Examine your own heart…not JImmy’s or Obama’s…sometimes those who claim racism are the ones who see different colors, and from what I read you see & compare black & white…is that right? And as far as what it looks like to outsiders…and bunch of white Southern Baptists praying to remove a black president…that’s what you saw when that is not what it was…and should we quit praying for God’s will so people will not get offended? So we pray to please people rather then God? I imagine it was very difficult for Jimmy Davis, a white man, to stand up and preach against President Obama, a black man,..knowing someone would totally twist it. The devil is so cunning. And accoridng to jimmy’s son, Jake, he preached the same sermon on previous white presidents, so you may owe him a public apology for turning this into a racial issue even to the point of 11 news showing KKK burning crosses…that makes me sick at my stomach to think what YOU could have possibly done to someone who prays no different than David did. Did Satan use you to divide christians? Please do not be offended by this statement, as all are capable of being deceived, even Peter, right? Jesus still loved him too. Even me.
May 5, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Sister Darla,
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
May 3, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The Bible teaches us not to argue. I believe we are to speak the truth and let God take care of the rest. This issue bothers me so deeply it is hard not to respond. I can not imagine being Charity or Jake and turning on the news to see their daddy being used as an example of racism.
It seems over and over again that the point of Bro. Jimmy’s sermon was missed. It was “we need a new man in the White House” . He was not talking about removing the first Black president from office. His sermon referred to him being “born again” and becoming a new man. How awesome to have a black man in office who would lead the country on the path of righteousness! That’s the day I am looking forward to! If it is Obama who becomes that new man, PRAISE THE LORD!!
Mr. McKissic and others have stated that we should not question the fact that Obama is a Christian, simply because he says that he is. He is the first president not to participate in the national day of prayer, he is leading our country into socialism, destroying private businesses, supporting abortions, not attending church, and so on. If he is a Christian there is no evidence. Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the pharisees you will not enter the kingdom of heaven”. He also said there will be those who say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord did we not do miracles in Your name.’ and He will say to them, “depart from me because I never knew you.” Scripture clearly shows that there are those who believe they are Christians and are not. While it is not up to us to judge, I believe we as Christians have a responsibility to pray for those who appear to be lost. I have loved ones who profess that they are Christians, but there is no evidence at all in their life that they have been “born again” and truly know Christ. I pray for the salvation of these family members. If God has to send them into an “exile” to get their attention, then that would be the most merciful and loving thing to do.
May 5, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Sister Lori,
My response to your comment can be read by following the link below. Thank you.
https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/is-anglo-criticism-of-president-obama%e2%80%99s-policies-racist
May 5, 2010 at 6:20 pm
[…] Obama at the Southern Baptist of Texas Evangelism Conference in February 2010 that you can find here and here. I’m specifically responding to questions generated by my post entitled, “ATTITUDES […]
May 9, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Bro McKissic-
Don’t let up, shut up, give up, or be covered up!
We all need your voice. Power to the people. Radical humility and Love wins every time.
Joe
June 9, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Dear Bro. McKissic,
You are such a gracious man and I applaud your blog posts. I am looking forward to the day when the SBC is much more inclusive while remaining people of the Book (and not people of their own interpretation of the Book!)
On an unrelated note, is there some place I can listen to your SWBTS Chapel message online? As an underground Bapticostal IMB Missionary (shhh, don’t tell anybody) I would lLOVE to hear it!
Blessings to you my faithful brother.
June 9, 2010 at 3:47 pm
And changing the name to International Baptist Convention is a WONDERFUL IDEA IMHO…
The only way to distance ourselves from a geographical and racially divisive past is to change not only our name but our identity as well. What are we about anyway? Reaching this world for Jesus Christ.
June 10, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Dr.McKissick,
I have been part of SBC life and ministry since 1973. I spent my teenage years in historic FBC, Richmond,where I became its first African-American member;I studied at Bluefield College and Southern Seminary, where I was elected the first African-American student body president. However, I left the SBC and served UMC churches for the next 15 years; many SBC churches were uncomfortable calling an African-American whose wife was white.
I currently serve an SBC congregation in Richmond, where my racial orientation is not an issue. In my opinion, there is a direct correlation between the Republican Party of the 21st century and the vast majority of SBC churches and leadership. I’ve had the priveledge of meeting Danny Akin, and while I don’t agree with him theologically, his remarks are “spot on” target. Now only if other SBC leadership would grow spines……….Al, where is your voice on this matter?
June 17, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I found this article challenging. I cannot help but agree with its conclusions. As a white male in a leadership position within the SBC, I must ask myself if I too am guilty of this passive sin. Lord, help me examine my own heart!
June 17, 2010 at 4:42 pm
As a Pastor of an African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Africa, I must say I am not surprised by these observations. The sin of racism and bigotry is yet to be dealt with. We have only addressed the politics of race as a matter of law, but we have failed to deal with this as a spiritual issue. Jesus reminded us that we are to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. There is no race in the body of Christ. We are one people.
It is sad to say that we do not have the right to call God our Father, if we do not recognize our brothers and sisters in Christ as equals. We must not wrestle with flesh and blood, but with spiritual matters.
June 17, 2010 at 5:52 pm
As the pastor of an intentionally multi-ethnic SBC church plant, I am grieved to read of these tolerated examples. I can only imagine stuff that occurs “off the record” or behind closed doors.
I appreciated the 1995 resolution, but it would appear we are now well overdue for another.
This stuff only makes it that much harder to see real unity among diversity in the body of Christ. How embarrassing for the body of Christ that the non-Christian world seems more concerned about desegregation than we do.
I thank God for you, brother, for these efforts and for ways you’ve inspired in the past.
June 28, 2010 at 9:38 am
Hey, nice blog !
hope u keep it up with reporting.
sorry for my bad english…
greeting from germany!
byee
August 3, 2011 at 3:57 pm
[…] This article, written by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr., pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, originally was posted on April 7, 2010, at https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com. […]
February 3, 2012 at 4:40 pm
OH MY!
first time reader. i think it is so wonderful how you openly respond to the pats on the back you receive…yet…when someone calls your hand…the
response is….see link…
typical
April 19, 2012 at 3:17 pm
I think it amazing that you have carved a sin out of thin air. His replies have been gracious. He didn’t want to debate them or discuss them in this forum, but if they actually take the time to go to the link and read, then they can respond again there.
What’s your problem?
April 15, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Unfortunately the remarks by Mr. Land relating to the Travon Martin incident seeks to undo the progress being made in our convention. I’m grieved and pray the leadership renounces and perhaps have Mr. Land step down. If our convention cannot walk the talk, we need to literally, shut up. Mr. Land’s words are racially biased and bring NO honor the our Lord Jesus Christ must less paint SBC as inclusive.
April 19, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Dear Bro McKissic, I came to read this from your blog on the “Land” affair. I think this was very good and eye-opening, and as the first respondent said, ‘forceful and measured.’ I differ with you on what Land said about Jackson and Sharpton, but that’s the only thing. And if Land had said nothing we would be much better off. In fact if Land cease to be a spokesperson for the SBC we would probably be better off. I want to say I’m glad you’re a Southern Baptist. We need you and more like you!
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