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Change happens so fast that it is hard to keep up.
We are about to move into a new building to house the offices of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. It is an exciting time. Although we will keep our mailing address and phone number for a period of time, all of that will change. My route to the office will be different. I currently travel a highway that has more than 25 traffic lights. If it sounds like a bitter spirit toward those lights because I know the number, you are right. My new route has 5 lights and four stop signs. It is a kinder, gentler path.
While the convention staff numbers remain small in church to staff ratio, we will be adding new ministry and support personnel. Don Cass has come on board as our new evangelism director. There will be others over the next six months that will help us carry out the assignment from the churches. Texas is a huge area with a large population. We are committed to doing more with less. God has honored this approach. It is exciting to get to know new people in the service of our Lord and His churches. These personnel moves will be changes for all involved.
Some changes must take place. Across the denomination, the Conservative Resurgence is an example of necessary change. I sense that God is about to begin another new move among His people. Once the nature of the Word of God and the doctrines that flow from it are settled, then we must turn our attention to obeying that Word. That is one important reason that the SBTC is an unapologetically confessional fellowship.
We need change on a regular basis. We need change in many of our churches. We need change in the lifestyles of the members. We need change in the spiritual level of our leadership. Those of us who are in ministry need change. Spiritual living is like riding a bicycle. You can’t stand still and you can’t go backward. My prayer is that God will continue to change me to make me more like Jesus.
The Southern Baptist Convention calls it “Empowering Kingdom Growth.” Henry Blackaby calls it “Experiencing God.” The North America Mission Board is calling it “What now, America?” Some refer to it as Spiritual Awakening. Old timers like me just say, “We need revival!” Whatever “IT” is, we need it. It will not come through a program, event, denominational agency or humanly devised plan.
Ministers and churches seemingly have tried it all. Now we must come to the end of ourselves. Let’s get radical about seeing God change us. When that happens, He can change our churches, communities and country. Don’t lament the crumbling of the culture. Just place yourself before the Lord and cry out to Him. Change will come for our good and His glory!
Yours for revival,
Jim Richards
