Southern Baptist efforts to address social and moral issues were the focus of an elaborate closing session presentation by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and the North America Mission Board (NAMB).
“Champions for the Faith” was the title of ERLC’s portion of the approximately 90-minute joint presentation. Richard Land, ERLC president, introduced eight Southern Baptists who he said exemplify what it means to “take a stand on their faith convictions, speak the truth with Christ as their witness and make a difference for good and for God.”
Land said in a day when families are being “assaulted” by moral decay of modern society, the “Champions for the Faith” are “inspired and obedient men and women” who stand boldly for Christ.
NAMB president Bob Reccord showed a clip from a 20/20 TV broadcast that questioned Southern Baptist efforts to evangelize Jews.
The clip ended with host Barbara Walters saying Southern Baptists’ literal interpretation of the Bible is “a tough dilemma for them” as they seek to be part of society’s broader religious community.
“The North American mission field may be tough, but there is no dilemma,” said Reccord, to resounding applause. “There’s nowhere that I would rather be than in the middle of the dilemma with God and His matchless power.”
Among the missionaries interviewed by Reccord on the platform was Bill Black, director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Black told the audience the work of many volunteers makes it possible for the ministry to reach millions who come to the Smoky Mountains annually.
Reccord said more than 100,000 Southern Baptists volunteered for some type of mission service last year. A music video followed using images from various NAMB ministries including Disaster Relief, World Changers, construction projects, Mission Service Corps, and city ministries.
“One thing is certain, if we’re going to impact our culture, we must be active in media using TV spots,” said Reccord. Celebrate Jesus 2000 TV spots were shown. One included a new Hispanic message. Another featured Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gold medalist.
Retton joined Reccord on stage, telling the crowd the Celebrate Jesus 2000 spot was used as an opportunity for her to “share my faith publicly.”
“I’m proud to be a Christian, and I want to share it with everybody,” she said. (News Network)
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