FROM EXECUTIVE MINISTER REV. MARCIA J. PATTON
Response to New Baptist Covenant
My Response to the New Baptist Covenant
A truly historical event took place in Atlanta Georgia last week as Baptists from all over North America gathered. Amazingly it was brought together by the urging of a laymen, albeit powerful and influential, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Former Southern Baptists, these men sought to bring together something bigger than they had hitherto experienced in their religious lives and basically succeeded in my opinion. There is only one discouraging note, the more conservative Baptists were not in attendance, at least not officially. The Southern Baptist Convention, Conservative Baptists, General Association of Regular Baptists and others were not there. I didn’t see the more conservative of our American Baptist brothers and sisters there. I encourage you to check out the web site (http://www.newbaptistcelebration.org if you have a fast computer connection, there are pictures on the home page so slow connections will frustrate you!) to find out further facts and figures of the event. I would caution you not to believe everything said in every media out there, if you have questions about something you read, see or hear about the event, please feel free to ask me or others who were there about the veracity of the report. In no particular order I offer my impressions of the time together.
The speakers were “on” and the challenges they gave were inspiring and “real”. Most were given standing ovations. With the line-up, the expectations were high and were met. My most memorable speakers were Former President Jimmy Carter, both first night when he was listed on the program as speaker and on the last night when he spoke a few summary words. The first night he said that this event was the most meaningful event of his religious life. I also easily remember Tony Campolo, Marian Wright Edelman (they both spoke at the same plenary session—it was almost overload!), Al Gore (too bad people had to pay to hear him and that the room would not accommodate more and that they turned out the lights just as my lunch was served!), Naw Blooming Night Zan (Join General Secretary of the Karen Women’s Organization, Burma), Hana Massad (Pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, Gaza City, Gaza), and Former President Bill Clinton. I was surprised at being moved by some. It was an event that welcomes superlatives.
Reports were that there was somewhere between 16 and 20,000 people in attendance. Obviously since 99% probably professed to be Baptist (there were at least invited guests who were not), we were not all of one mind on all things. But we agreed to be together and respect one another during our time together. That was the case by what I saw and witnessed. Somewhat amazing for Baptists! There was a sense of agreement that although there were theological things that might separate us, there were many that united us. There was a sense that we need to speak with one voice for the poor, the environment, and those marginalized, here in America and around the world. Although no one put forth the idea that we should not share the good news of Jesus Christ, it was fairly clearly stated that the best way to get an audience to share that good news, was first to bring the healing, hope and honesty that Jesus would bring into relationships and situations.
Lastly, I was proud to be an American Baptist. When Cooperative Baptists would say how wonderful it was to be in a group that was so diverse, geographically, theologically and ethnically. I thought, we have most of that in the ABC. Not these numbers, but we have lived there for a long time and may not be so geographically diverse but are certainly as much if not more ethnically diverse. I was pleased when Roy Medley, the American Baptist General Secretary called for a special time of prayer for the Senator (one of the Southern Baptists) who presented during the session over which Roy presided. We were front and center but never “talked” American Baptist exclusively.
I don’t know “what will come of it.” The least I expect is that around the country there will be more crossing the lines between Cooperative Baptists, National Baptist, Progressive National Baptist, National Missionary Baptist, American Baptist and other Baptist denominations to find ways we can work together. We strive to do that in Evergreen. The movement begun with this coming together has a long way to go, but we are on the way. Praise be to God!
February 8, 2008
Marcia J. Patton
A truly historical event took place in Atlanta Georgia last week as Baptists from all over North America gathered. Amazingly it was brought together by the urging of a laymen, albeit powerful and influential, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Former Southern Baptists, these men sought to bring together something bigger than they had hitherto experienced in their religious lives and basically succeeded in my opinion. There is only one discouraging note, the more conservative Baptists were not in attendance, at least not officially. The Southern Baptist Convention, Conservative Baptists, General Association of Regular Baptists and others were not there. I didn’t see the more conservative of our American Baptist brothers and sisters there. I encourage you to check out the web site (http://www.newbaptistcelebration.org if you have a fast computer connection, there are pictures on the home page so slow connections will frustrate you!) to find out further facts and figures of the event. I would caution you not to believe everything said in every media out there, if you have questions about something you read, see or hear about the event, please feel free to ask me or others who were there about the veracity of the report. In no particular order I offer my impressions of the time together.
The speakers were “on” and the challenges they gave were inspiring and “real”. Most were given standing ovations. With the line-up, the expectations were high and were met. My most memorable speakers were Former President Jimmy Carter, both first night when he was listed on the program as speaker and on the last night when he spoke a few summary words. The first night he said that this event was the most meaningful event of his religious life. I also easily remember Tony Campolo, Marian Wright Edelman (they both spoke at the same plenary session—it was almost overload!), Al Gore (too bad people had to pay to hear him and that the room would not accommodate more and that they turned out the lights just as my lunch was served!), Naw Blooming Night Zan (Join General Secretary of the Karen Women’s Organization, Burma), Hana Massad (Pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, Gaza City, Gaza), and Former President Bill Clinton. I was surprised at being moved by some. It was an event that welcomes superlatives.
Reports were that there was somewhere between 16 and 20,000 people in attendance. Obviously since 99% probably professed to be Baptist (there were at least invited guests who were not), we were not all of one mind on all things. But we agreed to be together and respect one another during our time together. That was the case by what I saw and witnessed. Somewhat amazing for Baptists! There was a sense of agreement that although there were theological things that might separate us, there were many that united us. There was a sense that we need to speak with one voice for the poor, the environment, and those marginalized, here in America and around the world. Although no one put forth the idea that we should not share the good news of Jesus Christ, it was fairly clearly stated that the best way to get an audience to share that good news, was first to bring the healing, hope and honesty that Jesus would bring into relationships and situations.
Lastly, I was proud to be an American Baptist. When Cooperative Baptists would say how wonderful it was to be in a group that was so diverse, geographically, theologically and ethnically. I thought, we have most of that in the ABC. Not these numbers, but we have lived there for a long time and may not be so geographically diverse but are certainly as much if not more ethnically diverse. I was pleased when Roy Medley, the American Baptist General Secretary called for a special time of prayer for the Senator (one of the Southern Baptists) who presented during the session over which Roy presided. We were front and center but never “talked” American Baptist exclusively.
I don’t know “what will come of it.” The least I expect is that around the country there will be more crossing the lines between Cooperative Baptists, National Baptist, Progressive National Baptist, National Missionary Baptist, American Baptist and other Baptist denominations to find ways we can work together. We strive to do that in Evergreen. The movement begun with this coming together has a long way to go, but we are on the way. Praise be to God!
February 8, 2008
Marcia J. Patton
Update to letter below
I have so appreciated the response and concern expressed about my “appointment” to the American Baptist Churches Transition Team. You have given confirmation that this service is important. I wanted to let you know that a first meeting has finally been set. It will be an all day meeting at Valley Forge Pennsylvania on Wednesday, February 27. I’m flying out the day before and flying back the day after. I’ll be staying with friends in the area (saves ABC money and I get to talk and catch up with friends!). Thanks for your continued prayers for me and for the work we are doing together.
Soon after, the ABC Executive Committee meets in Kansas City. Terri Simpkins (Burien community church and President of American Baptist Women’s Ministries) is on that Committee and they will be the first to receive a report from our work. Then the General Executive Council meets the first week of April, which will continue to work out concerns about the new structure. This will give the transition team its next steps. Then the General Board meets in June! Keep those prayers coming!
Grace and peace,
Marcia
Rev. Marcia J. Patton, Ph.D.
Executive Minister
Soon after, the ABC Executive Committee meets in Kansas City. Terri Simpkins (Burien community church and President of American Baptist Women’s Ministries) is on that Committee and they will be the first to receive a report from our work. Then the General Executive Council meets the first week of April, which will continue to work out concerns about the new structure. This will give the transition team its next steps. Then the General Board meets in June! Keep those prayers coming!
Grace and peace,
Marcia
Rev. Marcia J. Patton, Ph.D.
Executive Minister
Service to ABC/USA
December 17, 2007
Dear Pastors, Ministers, Members and Friends of Evergreen Association:
May God bless you in this season of celebration of Christ’s birth. May the miracle of God-among-us remind us to make a difference where we are, bringing hope and peace to our broken world.
My purpose in writing is to let you know about an opportunity that is before us. At the beginning of Advent, the General Executive Council (GEC) (all Regional Executive Ministers, Executives of International and National Ministries, MMBB, and the Office of the General Secretary) met in Kansas City for an unusual extra meeting. Attached is the press release about the meeting which you may want to take a moment to read now.
As I was biding my time after the meeting, I was approached by the President of the Regional Executives Minister’s Council. He asked if I would be willing to serve on the Transition Team as representative for the Regional Executives. I asked for time to think and pray about this. I came home, emailed the Executive Committee, consulted with a few of you, and let the President know that I would serve.
There is opportunity for us in this endeavor. I must admit some nervousness over the amount of time it may take (no one can give a clear answer on the time commitment). It brings four separate concerns at this point.
1. I’m going to need your prayers as I do this task and continue my work in Evergreen. I am aware of how important prayers have been in the past and know they will help in this future.
2. Evergreen needs to give my time to this work at this time, for the benefit of the denomination.
3. It is an opportunity for us to share what Evergreen has learned about transition, about listening to God in the midst of transition, and about taking risks so all might have equal voice.
4. We, as an Association need to step forward into this opportunity. To do that well over time, we’re going to need to add staff. It is this fourth item that needs your considerable prayers and attention. We are on a bare-bones budget. The notion that we could add more responsibilities to the staff we have or add staff to oversee other responsibilities is simply not possible with the present level of giving by churches and individuals. In order to move forward, we are going to have to make Evergreen a priority in our personal and corporate giving.
While time management will become an even greater necessity, I am fully committed to these regional priorities:
Search committees and churches in pastoral transition will get my first attention.
The health and well being of our local churches. Evergreen has been building an “educational team” of folk who know a lot about Church Transformation, Evangelism, systems theory, cultural competency, and spiritual and relational vitality. Their services are ready for churches for just such a time as this.
Continuing the current programs, services and emphases of Evergreen Association.
Each day brings opportunities to us. May this corporate opportunity bring hope to us as we go forward into 2008.
Grace and peace,
Marcia J. Patton
Dear Pastors, Ministers, Members and Friends of Evergreen Association:
May God bless you in this season of celebration of Christ’s birth. May the miracle of God-among-us remind us to make a difference where we are, bringing hope and peace to our broken world.
My purpose in writing is to let you know about an opportunity that is before us. At the beginning of Advent, the General Executive Council (GEC) (all Regional Executive Ministers, Executives of International and National Ministries, MMBB, and the Office of the General Secretary) met in Kansas City for an unusual extra meeting. Attached is the press release about the meeting which you may want to take a moment to read now.
As I was biding my time after the meeting, I was approached by the President of the Regional Executives Minister’s Council. He asked if I would be willing to serve on the Transition Team as representative for the Regional Executives. I asked for time to think and pray about this. I came home, emailed the Executive Committee, consulted with a few of you, and let the President know that I would serve.
There is opportunity for us in this endeavor. I must admit some nervousness over the amount of time it may take (no one can give a clear answer on the time commitment). It brings four separate concerns at this point.
1. I’m going to need your prayers as I do this task and continue my work in Evergreen. I am aware of how important prayers have been in the past and know they will help in this future.
2. Evergreen needs to give my time to this work at this time, for the benefit of the denomination.
3. It is an opportunity for us to share what Evergreen has learned about transition, about listening to God in the midst of transition, and about taking risks so all might have equal voice.
4. We, as an Association need to step forward into this opportunity. To do that well over time, we’re going to need to add staff. It is this fourth item that needs your considerable prayers and attention. We are on a bare-bones budget. The notion that we could add more responsibilities to the staff we have or add staff to oversee other responsibilities is simply not possible with the present level of giving by churches and individuals. In order to move forward, we are going to have to make Evergreen a priority in our personal and corporate giving.
While time management will become an even greater necessity, I am fully committed to these regional priorities:
Search committees and churches in pastoral transition will get my first attention.
The health and well being of our local churches. Evergreen has been building an “educational team” of folk who know a lot about Church Transformation, Evangelism, systems theory, cultural competency, and spiritual and relational vitality. Their services are ready for churches for just such a time as this.
Continuing the current programs, services and emphases of Evergreen Association.
Each day brings opportunities to us. May this corporate opportunity bring hope to us as we go forward into 2008.
Grace and peace,
Marcia J. Patton
Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches | Phone
(253) 859-2226