Why I Support the GCRTF Report and Recommendations and Pray for Its Passing at the Orlando Convention

Like many Southern Baptists, I have followed with great interest the work of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force that was appointed by Johnny Hunt, the President of our Convention. I have prayed for the Task Force knowing that their assignment was impossible to fulfill apart from God’s enablement and the prayers of God’s people. I have followed their progress and read carefully their final report which was released on April 26. I must say, I am thrilled with the report and joyfully give it my full and unqualified affirmation. Why? Let me note just a few of the reasons.

First, the missional vision calling us “to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations” is biblically accurate. It is also a statement that reflects who Southern Baptists have been and what we hope will be our main focus as a convention of churches until Jesus comes again.

Second, the eight core values reflect well the kind of culture we must build in our personal lives, our local churches, and our denominational entities. We need a new day of radical commitment to the things of God, and these core values get to the heart of the matter.

Third, celebrating and empowering Great Commission giving rightly elevates the genius of the Cooperative Program, and at the same time, celebrates all financial gifts to the work Southern Baptists are engaged in. The challenge to increase Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, I am convinced will happen with an enthusiastic passing of the Task Force Report on June 15. I will certainly lead Prestonwood in this direction.

Fourth, unleashing NAMB for a new era of penetrating lostness in North America is exactly the shot in the arm we need at this particular time. NAMB has done much good in the past. I am convinced this recommendation will set the stage for even greater days in the future. Contrary to what some may think, I believe the unreached and underserved areas of North America will receive greater attention, personal and through resources. Small state works and small churches will be the great beneficiaries with the passing of this component.

There is more I could write, but these items alone cause my heart to contemplate with enthusiasm what God might do in the future through our people and churches.

I believe Southern Baptists are at a critical stage in our history. I believe we will make a crucial and significant decision when we gather in Orlando. I believe the report of the GCRTF provides a hopeful and helpful course of action for our future. I believe it provides a better way for us to work together in the ministry of the Gospel. It has my full and complete support. I pray you will be led by our Lord to support it as well. The nations and our nation call out for us to bring them the Good News of Jesus. We must not miss this golden opportunity.