It was great to meet some more of the BL family this past week, but I see in reading these forum posts that I missed many more who were there. I was a commuter, coming in from Macon on Wed. and Friday just for the afternoon and evening sessions...sort of. I left before Carter and Clinton spoke, knowing I could catch them online later. I wanted to get home earlier than midnight.
It was a wonderful event to be a part of, and I was inspired and affirmed by the time I spent there. How nice to be a part of a meeting where fellowship and worship and information were the focus rather than voting on divisive issues! I hope it does lead to further meetings and joint projects of all kinds as we each share our gifts and expertise within the body to do more together than we could separately, even as denominational entities. I think the kingdom of God will be impacted positively as a result of what has begun. If it continues, and I think it will, we may be quite surprised at the forms it takes. Never underestimate the creative power of the Spirit.
I saw several former Ga. Baptist employees like myself, all enjoying the freedom to attend such a meeting. I know there were others who gladly joined us in spirit and wished to be there. But I also know there are Baptists in Ga. who never knew the NBC meeting happened, including some moderate friends who are still in the SBC fold and don't make the effort to stay connected and informed. How sad. I grieve for those I consider to be in bondage today, even as we celebrate anew the wonderful freedom in Christ that simply cannot and will not be constrained by human words or deeds!
Neil