Prayer language

As a regular reader of The Alabama Baptist and a 25-year Baptist with a prayer language, I have some observations on this matter.

The first pertains to the wording of the mission board’s announcement. As I recall, they stated that if a candidate had a prayer language, then he (or she) had removed himself from eligibility. That’s evidence of administrative cowardice. If they want to tell someone that they will not let them serve, for certain reasons, that’s one thing. But the way they stated it is another. That alone tells me how fearful they are of even having to defend their decision. As does the fact that their latest decision was made in light of the fact that it would be discussed at the convention. How many witnesses does it take?

Second, from what I’ve read: 1) If you have a “private prayer language” and you use it, you cannot even become a missionary, and 2) Jerry Rankin, the head of the mission board, has a “prayer language.” They apparently maintain there’s no overt or covert plan to get rid of Mr. Rankin but come on guys. Does this mean you think the average Baptist is stupid?

If what Wade Burleson had reported is true, then full sunshine should be shone on it. All of it. If it’s not, then Mr. Burleson should obviously be given the boot.

The Bible says that the gift of “unknown tongues” — Glossa in my Stong’s — is just that. A gift. From God. Paul thanked God for it. Apparently the mission board doesn’t.

Robert G. Cleveland
Pelham, Ala.