The “Sacrificial Project” will unsettle some settled facts while affirming the continuing SBC cooperative ministry and highlighting some strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned. This will be introduced with three meetings. Pastors are free to choose which group to attend.
Schedule:
9 am Project Presentation
9:40 am Break
10 am Dialogue and Discussion
Monday presentations at the PSBA in Fed Way, geared towards pastors 55+, with insights on the conservative resurgence implementation
Tuesday presentations at Sunset Church in Renton, geared towards younger pastors, with insights on the 2010 Great Commission resurgence
February 9 and 10
1. Biblical authority and the predictable impact on spiritual and positional authority of teachers and pastors. The strengths include biblical fidelity that includes gospel clarity. The weaknesses include a dependence on pastors as the primary interpreters of scripture, which can lead to “protectionism” that isolates leaders from character growth associated with accountability.
March 16 and 17
2. SBC structure changes in how boards, entities, and state conventions relate to one another, associations, and local churches. This presentation includes shifting governance and leadership, with enhanced controls across the SBC, and emphasizes funding paradigm shifts. We will also review patterns of changed cooperation and advocacy for one another (IMB, NAMB, and state conventions) and how this has led to a greater emphasis on governance and local church elder councils.
April 20 and 21
3. Sacrificial versus servant ministry, focusing on the greater good regardless of cost, rather than concentrating on followers. This is highly missional and key for Puget Sound. It is not about intentional suffering but living out the way of love, surrendering our rights and privileges to God and to one another. It is loving one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35). As Paul said on his first missionary journey, as part of strengthening and encouraging the disciples, “…saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Paul and Barnabus then appointed elders in every church to keep helping the disciples. Like Jesus, our love absorbs hostility from those we help and offer forgiveness. How will the PSBA strengthen leaders and churches to engage and fulfill their purpose willingly? …paying the necessary price to bring people back.