Last week I raised the question, “Do we value our values?” Aubrey Malphurs defines core values as “…the constant, passionate core beliefs that empower and guide the ministry.” The implication here is that, for values to be genuine, they must actually direct the course of a church or ministry. If they do not then they are aspirational at best, or in the worst case fraudulent. So it’s good and proper for ministry leaders to regularly review and ask themselves, “Do we value our values?”
Last week we considered cooperation, the belief that the churches of GTBN bring greater glory to the Lord on mission together than we would otherwise. Our focus this week is diversity.
Our values statement defines diversity as, “valuing, leveraging and rejoicing in our differences as the body of Christ.” In other words, we believe it’s good for our fellowship to represent the diversity of our communities AND the varied strands of ministry common to Southern Baptist life. This does not mean that there are no lines which, when crossed, would make cooperation impossible. Personally, I believe the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) more than adequately establishes those. It does suggest, however, that our Baptist distinctives provide a big tent for churches large and small, urban or rural, and people of all races to cooperate in obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.
But rejoice in our differences? Differences complicate things. Yes, yes they do.
But I believe the benefits of diversity make pressing through the complications worthwhile. A diverse fellowship guards us from extremes which might hinder gospel movement. It provides broader perspective into the ministry needs of a community, including the church. Most of all, I believe it gives us a greater mission force for carrying the gospel across our communities and around the world.
Today’s cultural chaos drives many to surround themselves with others who look, think and largely act like they do. But, while this can be affirming, there’s a danger of pushing away those who on the most important matters are allies with us in the gospel. As contemporary society pushes harder to marginalize the Christian worldview, I believe it is increasingly important that those of us sharing our core Baptist-Christian convictions stand together.
It’s another reason we’re better together.
Bro. Jim