BWA Connect March 2010

Recently, I was in Texas to attend the annual General Committee meeting of the North American Baptist Fellowship. The meeting took place at the administrative center of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Many features of the gathering reflect what great Baptist meetings look like.

First, participants benefitted from timely communication prior to the meeting and careful preparation that marked the organization of the meeting. Too often, we are inclined to overlook the hard work done by those who are responsible to plan and execute decisions to ensure fulfillment of purpose in meetings in which we participate. Theirs is an offering to God for which we need to give thanks to our Maker.

Second, there was the generous hospitality that seems to be a Texas trademark. Everyone concerned wanted to be the kind of host God wants us to be. Generous welcome to those in attendance and readiness to be truly helpful to the stranger are in keeping with the finest traditions of Christian hospitality. Admirably, many authors have reflected helpfully on this subject, but more needs to be said about what it means to "receive one another just as Christ has received us in order to bring praise to God"(Romans 15:7). An evening with Gary Cook and his associates at the Dallas Baptist University was an excellent complement to the delightful experience.

Third, the meeting was an exercise in shared fellowship and in relationship building. This does not mean that people did not feel free to express their convictions; what it means is that convictions were stated responsibly. One sensed that participants cared as much for each other as for their own treasured perspectives. In addition, the meeting benefited from the wonderful sense of humor that was in evidence. Indeed, with the participants not taking themselves too seriously and so being able to laugh at a joke made at their expense, the warm spirit marking the meeting was worth celebrating. Participants at meetings can conduct themselves as friends rather than combatants.

Fourth, those who presented reports did not appear to be making a show of their self-importance. They stuck to the job, focused on the matter at hand, and delighted the gathering with visible illustrations that enlivened the proceedings. When you add all the features of the meeting, it does not surprise anyone if those who presented reports managed generous responses to questions raised of them.

Fifth, there were many moments of inspiration. Thoughtful meditations framed the proceedings. The signs of adequate and meaningful preparation were abundantly clear and participants in the meetings were the glad beneficiaries. How refreshing it is to hear fresh perspectives from the Bible presented by interpreters who provide spiritual nourishment for their hearers after having dug deep into the Word!

We could say much more about that NABF gathering which provides a model for such meetings. Participating in meetings like this is an enriching experience.

Many of us have to attend frequent meetings and this requires enormous discipline. Since we have to spend so much time in necessary meetings, must we not seek to make the meetings the sort of experience that illustrates the love we know, the common life we lead, and the common hope we cherish?

What can one honestly say about the meetings you organize and the nature of the contribution you make at the meetings you attend?