Is the Independent Baptist Movement at a Crossroad?
Over the last several years, pastors have talked with me about my perception of the state of the independent Baptist movement. After years of ministry, and having a passion for pastors and congregations around our country, I do see the independent Baptist movement at a unique crossroad as we enter the second decade of this millennium. There are significant issues that must be addressed if we are going to impact the world in decades to come. They are: • The historic, unifying leadership of the independent Baptist movement has passed off the scene, leaving a leadership vacuum that has led to a more fractured and divisive movement. • Because of the age of a large percentage of our pastors, a significant transition of pastoral leadership will continue to occur in our churches over the next 10-15 years. • We have growing challenges in both missions and church planting. We are not starting enough churches to keep up with population growth or replacing the churches that are closing, and our m
