The Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention seems to be satisfied
with the way board members are selected. Under the current way, the LBC Nominating
Committee nominates board members and, then, presents them to the convention
for approval. That may prove good for “equidistance” (whatever that
is), but it sure does not do anything for the autonomous position of the churches.
The Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention seems to be satisfied
with the way board members are selected. Under the current way, the LBC Nominating
Committee nominates board members and, then, presents them to the convention
for approval. That may prove good for “equidistance” (whatever that
is), but it sure does not do anything for the autonomous position of the churches.
I am sure that most Louisiana Baptists have been under the impression that
the person from their local association was representing them on the Executive
Board.
This is not the case.
During the last year, when so many people were concerned about what the Executive
Board wanted to do with the associational directors of missions, the members
of the Executive Board received a letter from then-Executive Board President
Phillip Robertson. The letter stated, in part, that each Executive Board member
was to be reminded that they did not represent their local associations but,
instead, represented the Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
If the Executive Board is an entity in itself and represents itself, then,
what part does the local church play in the decision-making process of the Louisiana
Baptist Convention when it is not in session?
It simply makes good common sense to me, a Louisiana Baptist, that the local
churches, through their associations, select the members of the Executive Board.
It is impossible for the Nominating Committee to know the best people in every
area of the state that would be qualified to serve on the Executive Board. This
would take the decision-making process out of the hands of a few and give it
to all.
James (Jim) Duck, pastor
University Baptist Church
Thibodaux, La.