by Dave Roberts » Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:35 am
Some quick thoughts on this.
First, I see CBF as changing into the future. When I came to CBF in 1991, it was a refuge for the folks who could no longer, in good conscience, accompany the SBC into the future of rigid creedalism that had been chosen. Now, CBF is redefining itself as a missions organization with a structure focused less on full, direct support for field personnel and more on encouraging creative partnerships that further that mission. It is also looking into filling gaps in the mission outreach of existing organizations rather than setting up competing mission efforts.
Second, ministers have a great influence on where churches go. Some churches will not call a pastor or other staff unless they are fully committed to CBF (or SBC) while others seems to shift back and forth in the spectrum. Indeed, it usually only takes one rigid Calvinist from SBTS or SEBTS to shift some churches in our area toward CBF. At the same time, some CBF supporting churches have gone with a pastor back to the SBC.
Third, I do see some possible leaders for CBF from state positions who might do well in guiding CBF national in the future. These are from the younger generation. At this point, it would be premature to name people, but they are out there. I know CBF best in VA and NC, having pastored in both states. NC CBF is one of the stronger state organizations, and it's growing. CBF of VA also is building new dreams and partnerships and picking up new ministries, though on a smaller scale than NC because the BGAV does not endorse CBF but is also not hostile to its churches.
Fourth, the reality is that younger ministers, and many of us who are older, are not rigidly committed to one denomination. My son worked during his seminary days at a Disciples of Christ church with a pastor who was a former Baptist. There are also churches that shift in their emphasis. A nearby SBC church used a retired Methodist minister for a recent interim.
Fifth, I am certain that almost all denominations (with perhaps the exception of some pentecostal groups) are in some sort of decline. The future of all denominations will be interesting to follow. I suspect that the future shape of things may be quite different from what any of us expect. The current of change is too vast to predict for me.