Should SBC entity leaders make motions at the annual meeting?
They are allowed to do so as messengers … but I don’t think it’s wise. More specifically, I don’t think that shoe fits Baptist polity.
During the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, messengers (official representatives sent by cooperating churches) help shape the direction of the Convention by submitting and voting on motions.
What is a motion?
A motion is a formal request made by a messenger, asking the SBC to take action, study an issue or change a process related to the Convention’s work.
How is a motion submitted?
Any registered messenger may go to a microphone during designated business sessions. The motion must be clearly stated and relevant to the Convention’s ministries, procedures or structure. Motions are recorded in the Convention’s official record.
What happens after a motion is submitted?
In rare cases, a motion may be acted on immediately if it falls directly under the Convention’s authority. Most motions are referred to 1) An SBC entity for study or response, which gives the appropriate people time to consider the motion carefully 2) The Committee on Order of Business for further review. Some motions are ruled out of order if they 1) Violate local church or entity autonomy 2) Are outside the convention’s authority 3) Are unclear or procedurally inappropriate.
The Mohler Amendment
Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will propose a motion to amend the SBC constitution at this year’s meeting. He’s calling it the “Truth and Unity” amendment. It will be remembered as the Mohler amendment. He will also move to suspend Standing Rule 6. Amendments normally require a one-year review by the Executive Committee. Suspending this rule will allow messengers to immediately debate and vote on the motion. Mohler has spent the last few weeks making the rounds on podcast circuits campaigning for the amendment.
I see all such efforts as a move toward top-down governance of the Convention and a giant step away from Baptist polity. I see an entity leader making a motion as a conflict of interest and misuse of influence.
The headquarters of the Convention is the local church. Not seminaries. Not publishing houses. Not mission agencies. It seems like Baptist polity is no longer in fashion.
Jeff Gravens 