Agressive, arrogant Calvinists and the possibility of an SBC counter-reformation

One by-product of the interesting, though misguided, resolution of the Consolation Baptist Association suggesting that churches steeply cut their Cooperative Program is Calvinism, Calvinist pastors, and the young, reformed, ministerial products of two of our SBC seminaries.

This association is in another part of the state from me, one which I pass through occasionally but for which I don't have a lot of familiarity with churches, Associational Missionaries, or pastors. It is in Vidalia Onion country, as good a reason to appreciate that part of Georgia as anything. The famous 'Jesus Loves You Double Cheeseburger' sign is somewhere in that area.

I have some observations about Calvinists and churches derived from personal, anecdotal experiences. A strain of my reformed Baptists colleagues has been absolutely lethal in churches, although I haven't heard a lot lately about such things around here.

Calvinism and Calvinistic seminary graduates are seen by some as problems in that part of Georgia. The resolution tosses in the issue and mentions two unnamed seminaries (Southern and Southeastern) and their presidents (Al Mohler and Danny Akin) as sources of problem graduates who are seen as "arrogant" and difficult. The specter of "agressive Calvinism" is raised in the resolution's supporting document.

I don't  buy all this, nor do I see what some of my colleagues seem to be seeing in South Georgia; however, if a perception like that is as widespread as it seems our two seminaries and presidents ought to pay attention. I know what it is like to be looked upon with suspicion because of the place I took my MDiv degree.

... and is the nomination of Eric Hankins as SBC first vice president the beginning of an SBC counter-reformation?

A visit to a Calvinist church...

For five months of my pastoral retirement/hiatus I have visited various churches - large and small, friendly and unfriendly, good music and deplorable music, Biblical preaching and sans Biblical preaching.

This past Sunday I visited an SBC Calvinist church. More accurately,  rather than being a 'Calvinist church' it is a church whose pastor is a Calvinist.

It's about as Southern Baptist as you can get.

Being highly trained in such things, my Calvinist radar was at its maximum setting. I immediately noted the absence of dour faced, long bearded elders roaming about, neither did I find a joyless group of worshippers resigned to their predetermined fates.

The tieless pastor had no horns, did not snort fire, and no smoke came from his nostrils. The word "Calvin" was not enunciated a single time in my hearing.


Actually, my wife and I have worshiped there several times and the congregation is the friendliest that we have encountered and that without even having a canned greeting time planned in the service.
The pastor is a friend whose preaching I have enjoyed on a few occasions.

I doubt the most rabid anti-calvinist would find anything to gripe (or blog) about in this church. It is a typical SBC congregation, several decades old.

Concerning my reformed brethren, while I have written about some things I am wary about, as well as somethings I like, in personal interaction I find far more to like than dislike.

Sure, I read that some of the brethren are extremely wary of any connection to ACTS29 network churches that receive church planting support from our North American Mission Board, and that explained partly on the basis of Calvinistic beliefs. To these I would say, scrutinize all you want. If you find a NAMB church plant that does not conform to the Baptist Faith and Message, speak up.

I've seen and heard Calvinist pastors destroy SBC churches, and that directly out of their unwise zeal for Calvinist theology. These have concerned me and still do.

But, I will likely return to this church. Perhaps it is providential and/or irresistible that I do so.