I am very encouraged about what I am seeing, reading, and hearing about younger Southern Baptist. This has been affirmed on recent trips to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and attendance at the last convention meeting. As a denomination, we are at a critical juncture in our history. I was a part of the conservative resurgence of the late 70’s an 80’s and am thankful to see the repositioning of our convention back toward its conservative theological foundation. But, in some ways, I feel that we are like a team that won a big game and can’t get over it to prepare for the next game. It is almost as if that was the only game on our schedule. Sadly, it is all too easy to get settled in and coast along. It does little good to believe in an inerrant Bible if it does not lead us to be Great Commission Christians. The pressing needs of a lost world are growing daily. Time is short and resources are limited. Do I sound depressed? I am not. Here’s why. I sense that God is raising up churches in these days that desire to be aligned with God and His purposes. Is that new? Not really, but there is an interesting and refreshing wind blowing across the landscape of Southern Baptist Churches and as I have stated it concerns younger Southern Baptist. Let me explain.

It is not about what many assume- contemporary verses traditional. Don’t get hung up on this. So, if it’s not contemporary verses traditional- what is it?
• It is theological. There is a deep and abiding commitment to our historic Baptist roots. (Read the theological statement of our very first seminary- The Abstract of Principles)
• It is missiological. There is a passion for all the peoples of the earth to hear the gospel. They are going to the ends of the earth.
• It is convictional. There is a high standard. The holiness of God is not just a chapter in a systematic theology textbook.
• It is holistic. There is a desire to do more than see a man come to faith in Christ. The desire is to see this man become a disciple.
• It is relational. Community is important. It is so much more than coffee and doughnuts on Sunday morning.
• It is (not sure how to say this one) Bible Sufficient. Of course it is Bible believing but it sees Scripture as totally sufficient to address the needs of every man.

Personally, I thank God of these young men and women. They have challenged me deeply and regularly inspire me. I am obviously not a younger Southern Baptist at almost 52 but I know this- I don’t want to coast home!