What I Learned At The State Convention of Baptists In Ohio

Last Week, I did not write my normal post. I was at the state convention. I really do not like going to the state convention, but I consider it a lot like voting. If you do not vote then you lose your right to complain about what you don't like. I want to have a say in things, and I also want to have the right to express my opinion. Thus, I go to the state convention. This is what I learned.

First, I learned that we are not growing. The State convention has averaged a growth of 38 churches a year over the last 10 years. However, that doesn't take into account the amount we lost. I would be thrilled with this number if all 38 were church plants. However, the truth is that very few of these 38 our church plants. The majority of them are existing churches leaving their denomination for ours. This is not real growth. Many times we like to put a smiley face on something that deserves a frown. I refuse to celebrate mediocrity. I hope that the leaders of the state convention would look at church planting and make the necessary changes to make our convention grow in real numbers.

Second, I learned that there is one guy at Liberty University that is smart. I was extremely tired Wednesday night, and I felt the need to be away from the main meeting. I ended up having a two hour conversation with the guy who Liberty University sent as a recruiter for our state convention. I don't remember his name, but he was a professor in theology and philosophy. We discussed everything from Aristotle to Ethics. It was the most enjoyable two hours I spent at the convention.

Third, I learned that being on the mission council is over rated. I am on the state mission council. This means that once a quarter I am to go to a meeting and discuss state matters. The biggest problem that I have is that I don't think I need to be there. We don't have time to discuss things. We are given proposals by the executive board just minutes before we are to vote. Last week we agreed to support an Associational Missionary that I don't think had any church planting experience. I am sure he is a great guy. I don't know him, but he seemed friendly enough. However, we really do not get to examine anyone and many thing take place by a rubber stamp.

Fourth, I learned that just because we vote for something doesn't mean we support it. Our convention voted to approve a capital fund raising campaign. We were supposed to raise 6 million dollars to help build a state building and to support Seneca Lake camp. I think I saw that we have about 30,000. By the way, if you haven't figured it out, no one is supporting this. It was something that we all approved because that is what we do. However, very few churches are even considering it worth wild.

Fifth, I learned that fellowship with pastors is a lot of fun. I don't think most laypeople will ever understand what a pastor goes through. Cliff Coleman, a former Associational Missionary and President of our convention, once said to me that some of the meanest people he has ever met our church members. I don't disagree. Pastors need to fellowship and share with one another. It is healthy and it is good. I found myself listening and sharing a lot last week.

Sixth, I learned that I needed to hear a good sermon now and then. I preach a lot. I believe I do a good job. I spend a lot of time developing my messages. I grow every time I preach. I am fed spiritually while I feed others. However, I need to hear a good sermon every now and then. I need to listen without criticism. I need to soak in the studies of another man of God. I heard a couple good messages at the state convention. I needed that.

So that is what I learned. It isn't much, but I guess six things is better than none.