Robby Partain made a bold statement concerning the efforts of missions. He made illusion that doctrine is on par with committees....

.....(article) quote Robby Partain, director of missions and evangelism for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, was the first speaker and set the tone for the meeting by decreeing or his audience that, ...................

" ‘It’ is not about doctrine," he said. "Doctrine is not the motivation for involving young leaders in the denomination. ‘It’ is not about wooing young leaders with a position or place in the denomination. Serving on boards and committees is not a motivation. ‘It’ is about the mission. That’s what motivates young leaders and motivates them to network for the purpose of the mission. Younger leaders are going to partner in one way or another. The question is ‘will the SBC be a network younger leaders want to be a part of?’

Not only is doctrine essential, but it must be held firmly..............
Tit 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Tit 1:10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.
Tit 1:11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

I agree with Robby that all the other accoutrements such as politics, serving on boards, comittees, etc. are bogus. But doctrine, according to the Holy Spirit brought to us through Paul is essential. May doctrine be the glue by which missions advance and mature.

cj

Dr. Draper-
Thanks for taking the time to listen. I was unable to attend the summit but was at the listening session in Broken arrow, OK. May God guide us in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Abs

I attended the Younger Leader Summit on Father's Day. I enjoyed it very much. Those on stage had many great comments. They were insightful, and most of what they said, really hit home with me.
I would like to make some comments though.
1. To date, BP has not covered this meeting. It is now the 23rd and it is beginning to feel like a snub. I know Lifeway has no "official" sway over BP but, I am sure if Dr. Draper made a call it would get coverage.
2. Nearly all the "younger" leaders were 2nd 3rd or 4th Generation SBC. Where was the voice of those new to the SBC? It looks to me and maybe others on the outside as "good ole boy"ism or inbreeding.
3. It seemed that all the "voices" were in new churches. Where is the voice of those who transition an existing church. It is much easier to start new than move forward, I would love to hear how someone helped an existing church move into the 21 century (or even the late 90's).
4. I did appreciate the comments about not blasting other churches because they are contemporary or traditional etc.
5. With all the great talk about younger leaders, it was absent mostly from the convention.

Dr. Draper you are courageous and visionary in this thrust. Glad to see that the Summit went well and was well attended. Hope this is a vital part of the 'revolution' in the SBC to reach out to the future God has for us. Thanks for making the effort and for leading the way.

Chris,
Robby didn't say that doctrine wasn't essential. It is. What he said was that the SBC's doctrinal positions aren't what is going to improve participation from younger and missional pastors. Which it isn't.