The Gospel Coalition

SESSION 13

PANEL DISCUSSION: Greg Thornbury (moderator), Danny Sinquefield, Paul Kim, George Guthrie, Doug Baker, Buddy Gray, Roland Porter

Questions

#1. Why are the networks outmaneuvering denominations?

Sinquefield: Younger pastors are learning from these networks.

#2. How can we network globally within denominational structures?

Guthrie: Gathering around a common cause allows us to be broadly evangelical in the essentials.

Kim: We need to focus on global church planting.

#3. What is the future of vocational evangelists and traditional revivals in our churches?

Gray: At our church, we have rarely used vocational evangelists. We train our people to think missionally and be evangelistic.

Sinquefield: Evangelists are a biblical gift to the body of Christ. But we pray for revival that is not merely structural or programmed.

Baker: I recently encountered a 28-year-old Muslim who sought to convert me. He said he had never had a conversation with a Christian, though he was only a block away from one of the largest churches in America. Some of the older methods will not work with people from other religions.

#4. Why are our churches not more multi-racial?

Porter: It has to do with the signals we send, whether welcoming or distancing.

#5. Our generation is seeking roots and heritage, but denominations have a negative connotation. How can our generation carry out the future of denominations and their benefits?

Gray: We have to figure out exactly what the vision is that we want the young people to follow. It is important for current leaders to sharpen the focus of who we are. We cooperate together in missions and theological education.

Thornbury: Denominational loyalty is not a starting point. It is a destination. We have to disciple people first in local churches. We’re concerned about movements and denominations when the Apostle Paul speaks of the church as the pillar of truth.

Guthrie: I see your generation rallying to a counter-cultural approach to life, compelled by a biblical vision for life. We must help people live in the Word, which leads them to live accordingly.

Kim: It is up to the pastor’s leadership. What I do, what I teach, what I believe, they learn.

Sinquefield: There is a wave of pressure in your generation that is convictional and courageous, looking for ways to express the faith, share the gospel, and leave the comfortable to do so.

#6. If you were a member of the GCR Task Force, what would be your number one priority?

Baker: Keep the church of Christ central and the gospel at the forefront. Filter all things through that.

Kim: Suggest that Southern Baptists need to double and triple our number of churches.

Sinquefield: Do not waste the opportunity to reclaim our great gospel heritage. Move through layers of structure that need to be redesigned, so that we really understand what the Great Commission is all about and how it can be fulfilled effectively.

Guthrie: Push to the level of dealing with biblical essentials. The conversation must take place at this level.

#7. Regarding something like expository preaching, how do you decide what is primary, secondary, and tertiary?

Dockery (joining the panel): Expository preaching should not be a test case for a primary or even secondary issue. It is vitally important, but we would not want to raise it to that level.

#8. Is there an actual Great Awakening in the Boston area now?

Kim: There are very liberal churches in the Boston area. They do not reach the universities. It is hard to give a firm answer. Probably not, but prayer groups are very active.

#9. What do you say to young men deciding whether to go SBC or Acts 29 when planting a church?

Thornbury: Are you a Southern Baptist? If yes, then go to a Southern Baptist seminary. We don’t need to go outside our family in order to reach the nations for Christ.

Sinquefield: We need to better fund church plants. State conventions and churches should be ready to partner with planters.