A lion among Southern Baptists

An army of lions led by a deer will never be an army of lions

-Napoleon Bonaparte

Leadership is everything. In sports, in business, in battle, in church, groups of competent people will mill around seeking someone who has a clue and who is willing to expend himself for the shared goals of the larger body. Without him they will languish. All of us have experienced the similar situation of a less gifted group brought together successfully by the right person at the right time.

Perhaps Southwestern Seminary has found its lion. Paige Patterson has shown so many characteristics of outstanding leadership throughout his ministry. You can read his resume and testimonials elsewhere in this issue of the TEXAN. Read those for yourself and you’ll get a picture of the best man for the job. Even those who disagree with him must acknowledge his gifts and character. Consider some further benefits that may accrue to Southwestern and to Texas as God blesses Dr. Patterson’s ministry here.

Texas is in sore need of a clear theological dialog. Academicians are the most fit and credible spokesmen for such a debate. Moderate schools at Baylor and Hardin-Simmons will, by definition, sound an uncertain note. Southwestern has not been adequately engaged in our theological debate for many years. Part of Dr. Patterson’s nature is to joyfully engage critical issues that bear on the health and mission of the churches. So-called “openness of God” theology has a firm hold among Texas moderates and is little-understood among Texas Southern Baptists. Amazingly, this assault on God’s nature has not been adequately exposed and refuted in our state. I predict that will change. We will welcome the help.

We also need an advocate and leader in cooperative missions. Dr. Patterson has led Southeastern Seminary to the forefront of North American missions with a church planting project in New Hampshire. Students from SEBTS have also leaped into some of the most dangerous international mission fields. This contagious spirit of missionary adventure has characterized Dr. Patterson’s ministry for decades. The influence of a revitalized Southwestern Seminary will help to counter the “Texas first and Texas only” mentality that has captured some of our Baptist brethren.

Then there is Southwestern itself. Well-funded and well-kept, the seminary is poised to become something more than it is. A theological school is not a monastery where the focus is inward and sterile. It is a laboratory for learning and doing kingdom business. It should also be a source of encouragement and role models for the region’s churches and pastors. A seminary should lead in the investigation, understanding, and implementation of God’s revelation of himself and his will. Southwestern today is a solid, stable theological school. Add to those foundational traits some energetic creativity, and you’ll have not only the largest of seminaries but also a world leader in theological education. As a Southwestern alumnus who lives in Texas, this is an exciting possibility to me.

Now friends, please read to the end before you write me. It’s a struggle to express excitement about the future without criticizing the past by comparison. When we praise someone, his peers may smart at what is not being said of themselves. I know these things and don’t need to be told of Southwestern’s past accomplishments or current strength. I believe those things already. Dr. Patterson was correct in pointing out the solid foundation Ken Hemphill laid for the future of Southwestern. As I said, the school is poised for the next step of ministry. Neither do the opening quotes imply that Southwestern’s current faculty is made up of deer as compared to lions. I don’t know most of these men and women. It is likely that Southwestern has a mix of both species. The point is and always was the leader. If you disagree with my point that Paige Patterson is the best leader that Southern Baptists have to offer Southwestern Seminary, we’ll just have to disagree. But don’t make this article about past leaders or a criticism of past glories. Those who focus on guarding the school’s legacy from its potential are missing the best. It’s about the future.

It is also true that no mere man is our savior. The true lion is the Lion of Judah.  Paige Patterson is a lion among men because he follows and gifted by the true Lion.  Give me a break with my metaphor, though.  Philip and Napoleon are demonstrably correct in noting that a gifted and bold leader will hearten any cause or body of men beyond their own talents.  At this time and for the future, Southwestern needs this. Texas needs this.