DISAPPOINTMENT WITH HOPE
Two years ago during this week, I was nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention. After the public announcement was made in May, by Dr. Johnny Hunt, that my name would be placed into nomination, events began that were unlike any I have ever had cast against me . These events began to raise questions about whether I was worthy to serve as the President. Even though I had served the denomination in three of its most prominent positions–President of the Pastors’ Conference, Chairman of the Executive Committee (the most influential committee in the convention), and a 7-member committee to restructure the entire convention–many felt I was unworthy to serve as President. As one of the top 175 churches giving to the Cooperative Program that year, as well as our church investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in other
mission endeavors, plus being in the top 10 churches in baptisms over the past few years, I was regarded as not worthy to serve our denomination in this capacity.
When those attacks began and the new cultural tide within this convention began to roll against me, I knew matters were in trouble. Of course, others assured me all would be well; however, it was not. I was accused and our church was accused falsely. Even the evening before the election, I considered getting out. I wish now I had listened to my heart about it and not to others, gotten out late that night, and just let it all be done. Of course, the vote the following day was at a convention that was in a region of the country that was away from the southeast and from the south. The results were not in my favor. I lost.
The disappointment that was felt that day had begun days before, when matters turned into such a poor testimony within our denomination. Of course, personally, I bottomed out for a short time. It was on the beach, in July of that year, that the Holy Spirit really spoke to me, bringing a sense of relief to my soul. I remained in a challenged status for a number of months, really dealing with deep disappointment, anguish, embarrassment and an overwhelming sense of humiliation. In March of the next year, in a 14-day time of fasting and prayer, the Lord took away those feelings, granting me a strong word from the Bible for my situation. Healing occurred and faith began to replace hurt.
Today, two years later, I have hope. Of course, my hope is not in regard to any future matters for me within this denomination that I have served and love deeply, but hope that God somehow has moved, taught me a few lessons, and, prayerfully, got glory from the entire situation. Many proven leaders within the SBC say it all happened due to a “perfect storm that no one saw coming.” Well, perhaps so, I really do not
know.
I still do not understand it, but I have experienced not only disappointment, but also great hope. I have to trust the Lord God of Heaven that Sovereignty kicked in and it was just not for me. I walk in that by faith, just as I do other matters of life.
No, we do not always understand, I can testify to that. But the great news for you today is that whatever disappointment you are facing, or have faced, that has overwhelmed your soul with anguish, there is hope. Have hope through your disappointment. Gain it from God and His wonderful Word.
Today is a great day as we enter into an opportunity, as a convention of churches, to elect a new leader. Sure, there is a sense of reliving those episodes and feelings, but most of all, I have moved forward. In these past couple of years, several have sought my forgiveness for matters they were responsible for causing. Of course, I had forgiven within days of losing that election, even before the Sunday I preached following that dismal Tuesday. In prayer, I wanted to and, quite honestly, had to in order to go forward.
I have great hope for our future as a denomination. My role will never be the same, which is cool at this point, but I can intercede, encourage, and participate. I love what we stand for: the Word of God and reaching of the world for Christ. Sure, the denomination needs to be reinvented, and the sooner the better, but the heart of what we stand for is right. Now is the time to keep those convictions, but still do whatever is necessary to make the way we do matters as relevant as possible to this generation, in order to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
God is good. Have hope today. Dear church family, pray for matters here today in Indianapolis.
Last night, Jeana and I took Peyton to the Arkansas Naturals baseball game. How about this picture with Gigi and Peyton? We lasted until the fourth inning. Peyton was ready to leave after two innings until I showed him some M&M’s I had bought for him. He smiled big and that occupied him for a couple of innings.
