|
 A Mini-Sabbatical at the Center
for
Baptist Studies
by
Danny Chisholm
Pastor of Central Baptist Church
Meridian, Mississippi
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It was a terrific surprise to be the fifth A.H. Newman Scholar through the
Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University. The tone for the week was
set Sunday night over Country Fried Steak at the Cracker Barrell in Macon.
I remember Dr. Shurden (Buddy) asking me what I hoped to get out of the
week and I said something like, "I want to see if I'm losing my mind." I
explained that I needed to determine whether or not my understandings of
Baptist theology and practice were compatible with our Baptist
predecessors. This too, needed explanation, since there is much confusion
and revisioning of what our historic distinctives mean among rank and file
Baptists. I have read, heard, and experienced the changes in the SBC. I
wanted to go back and see for myself what being a Baptist was all about.
Let me tell you some of the ways I spent my time. First, I did a lot
of reading. I spent the mornings and afternoons in their beautiful
library. Buddy had already sent me a reading list that covered Baptist
history, distinctives, and principles. The heart of the material came from
a series of books entitled Proclaiming the Baptist Vision. These
books are sermons on the topics of the priesthood of all believers,
religious liberty, soul competency, autonomy of the local church, Baptism,
The Lord's Supper, and the role and interpretation of the Bible. I also
reviewed the biblical and historical background for women in ministry,
missions, and
church polity. I was also grateful to find and read Fred Craddock's book
on preaching entitled, As One Without Authority.
Second, I spent time talking. I ate lunch with Buddy and Greg each day
in the cafeteria. This gave me time to talk about my reading and also hear
their views about church work and Baptist life. I appreciated this time
very much. Sometimes we talked about important issues among Baptists while
other times we talked about what was going on in my life and church. We
did our share of laughing too.
Third, I spent time thinking. All that reading was good for me, yet I
needed time to sort out what I was taking in. I thought about my own life,
church, and views about being a Baptist. This was the most helpful part of
the week for me yet proved to be the most difficult. I was forced to go
back and revisit some well-established beliefs about how things should be
done in the church and denomination.
Fourth, I saved time for resting. This week away from church related
responsibilities came at a good time for me. Walking around on a college
campus again encouraged me. My hotel had a treadmill which I utilized. On
campus, I enjoyed seeing all the students who seem to be quite younger
than I am. It reminded me of some of my experiences on a college and
seminary campus. The Lord utilized the week to remind of where I had been
and where I am now. I don't stop often enough to thank God for my life,
family, education, and blessings he has given to me.
Finally, I spent time praying. The week was a much needed retreat. I
didn't realize how much I needed to get away for a while. The week helped
me focus on my priorities and realize that I am still a work in progress.
I came to Mercer with questions, and left with answers and different
questions. I'm still sorting out some of what I experienced but I'm a
little farther along than I was before. I would urge anyone to consider
taking a week to retool and rethink who you are and where you are in life
and ministry. If you feel like you are "losing your mind" like I did, this
week might be for you. A week at Mercer might help you find it. |
