Concern over removal of IMB trustee

I am concerned about the recent action taken by International Mission Board trustees seeking to remove Wade Burleson from their ranks. As a young minister there are several reasons for the concern I have.

First, I am concerned because the information provided in regard to this action taken by the trustees is vague and has yet to be substantiated to the people the trustees serve on behalf of, Southern Baptists. They have officially taken steps against Burleson by moving to have him removed as a trustee this June, yet not given the members of Southern Baptist churches what is needed to make an informed decision.

Burleson, on the other hand, gives much information in his weblog, kerussocharis.blogspot.com. Among his points is his statement that a “trustee on the losing side of a vote should acquiesce to the majority, except in one instance: if the dissent is a principled dissent (based upon a violation of conscience or Scripture), then as Luther would say, ‘My conscience is held captive by the Word of God. Here I stand.’” Burleson also says “there was no attempt at any private mediation prior to the actions at the Board meeting to recommend me for removal from the IMB.”

If what Burleson states is true, the Board of Trustees have acted in contradiction to the biblical accountability amongst Christians.

Whether we agree with him or not, Burleson seems to be a valuable asset in seeing the SBC holding close to the inerrant truth of Scripture, not just one particular interpretation of a particular group. He asks, “Do we really want to continue to close the door of the tent of cooperation to the point that every Southern Baptist must interpret the Scripture in non-essential doctrines in order to cooperate on the mission field?”

I am not saying we need to make all of the changes Burleson may desire; they are too lengthy to discuss here. Rather, I am saying that these questions need to be seriously considered by the Trustees and the messengers who vote on the Trustees.

Being a young minister I am concerned by the Board’s action in regard to young ministers being disinterested and departing the SBC. This is an example of a situation that causes some young leaders to be disillusioned with the denomination. The lack of information and politics being played are partly what leads many young leaders to be disinterested.

Burleson in many ways appeals to young leaders because he is making known important information that should concern the future leaders of the SBC, yet from appearances this is the very reason he is being punished. The accusations against him need to be substantiated so that we can make an informed biblical decision at the June meetings.

The Kingdom of God, the IMB, Burleson, and the members of Southern Baptist Churches deserve no less.