ONE SACRED EFFORT

A Book Review Submitted to Dr. Lloyd A. Harsh of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the M.Div. Course Introduction to NOBTS, the SBC, and the Cooperative Program COOP 5000 in the Divisions of Theological and Historical Studies

Roy Israel Alva Navarro B.A., National University of San Marcos. Lima-Peru. 2012 September 30, 2013

Chad Brand and David E. Hankins, One Sacred Effort: The Cooperative Program of Southern Baptists. Nashville-Tennessee, B&H Publishing Group, 2006. 240 pp.

In the first chapter the author explains what means be a Baptist and what differ the Baptist believe from others Christian bodies (denominations). In order to understand the particular Baptist identity this chapter developed points that the author consider encompassing what is meant by "Baptist". There are three main branches: Evangelicalism Baptists under the Authority of Scripture (Baptists hold that Scripture is the ultimate source of authority. Baptists believe that all Scripture is God-breathed, inerrant and infallible); VoluntaryismBaptists affirming individual accountability before God (Baptists believe we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith alone. There is nothing added to what the Bible says. People are not justified by both faith and works); CongregationalismLocal Church Autonomy under Christ; Missionismthe Great Commission as the Church's Great Task (Not all Baptists agree doctrinally but they should all be passionate about the lost coming to know Christ as their Lord and Savior).

The bible teach what is a church and many things that the church have to consider as a specific commandments to the church. The Baptists try to base his churches in this teachings and add some wisdom and discretion in other difficult situations where looks like there is no one indication in the bible. This teachings are: All Christians are baptized into and guidxred by the Holy Spirit and that every Christian has a spiritual gift in which they are to use for the work of doing ministry. The pastor is to study the Scriptures and lead by example and equip the congregation for the work of the ministry. The pastor is not exempt from doing ministry but he is also not the only one in the church that is supposed to be doing ministry.

As the title of the chapter three mentioned, the author present a theological base in order to explain the importance for cooperation among local churches, but maintaining the autonomy of the local church. Otherwise, autonomy does not preclude cooperation. Aware of the dangers that historically have accompanied such cooperation. The author advocates confessionalism, as demonstrated in the adoption of the Baptist Faith and Message, to prevent compromising biblical truth for the sake of greater cooperation.

In chapter four is presented the early history of the church, then the developing of the Catholicism, the reformers and the early Baptist church. All this with the target to show the found ways of cooperating in fulfilling the biblical mandate. The author finished this chapter giving stress in the modern missionary movement and how it began to grow in England and America through some associations with objective in common such as funds for assisting impecunious pastors or widows of pastors.

This chapter five is dedicated entirely to the Southern Baptist Convention. The author describes the growth of the SBC, stressing the cooperative efforts that served as forerunners of the Cooperative Program, launched in 1925. And how The Cooperative Program was finally

formed. Churches would give monies to the state conventions and then the state convention and the SBC would split the monies evenly. While there were some kinks to work out, the Cooperative Program was here to stay.

In chapter six the author describes the operation of the Southern Baptist Convention (is a legal corporation but it is not a normal one. It has no assets. It has no employees. It owns no property. In fact, the Southern Baptist Convention only exists two days per year). The focus of chapter six is the explanation of the annual meeting of the Convention, which actually is the only two days that the Southern Baptist Convention actually exists. The author offers a clear and simple explanation of the role of the messengers, the officers, and the business of the convention.

In chapter seven the author explains the Conventions process of allocation of funds, beginning in the local church, to the state conventions, to the Southern Baptist Convention, to the various entities supported by the Cooperative Program. This money is then distributed through the ministries of the SBC based on the amount that was designated from the annual SBC meeting. This is a very good system. However, this writer believes that there are people in every church that would do well to give more.

The author describes, in this chapter, the historical development and present work of the local Baptist associations and the state conventions (other organizations through which Baptist congregations cooperate). Also, the author made a description of the Covenant for a New Century, a major reorganization of the convention in order to heighten efficiency in the new century.

Chapter eight provided a history of the entities of the SBC. The entities that are discussed here are the ones that are still in operation today. The IMB delivers missionaries to countries all over the world. The IMB is maintained financially by the Cooperative Program. NAMB is primarily responsible for evangelism and church planting in the United States and Canada. The SBC currently operates six seminaries. The seminaries are: Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is an entity that provides southern Baptists with media outlets such as radio, print, and other electronic media. The chapter culminates in a presentation of the present work of the GuideStone Financial Resources, LifeWay Christian Resources, and Womens Missionary Union.

In the present chapter the author explains the labor of the Executive Committee, the responsible for control the work of the convention during the time that the convention is not in session. This committee has all responsibility for receiving and disbursing funds, planning and overseeing the annual meeting, handling legal issues and convention relations, promoting

the Cooperative Program. The Southern Baptist Foundation provides assistance in estate planning and investments. The Executive Committee exists to serve the overall mission of the SBC and to advance the kingdom of God.

In chapter eleven the author try to present the work of the Southern Baptist Convention in the present time and the difficulties that it have been having like that the amount of money received by the Cooperative Program has been in a stable decline. The author divides these concerns into three categories: tensions in the denomination, trends in the churches, and trouble in the pew. Finally the author says that the good things about the Cooperative Program should be shared in churches. People do not like to give to things they really do not know about, and that the church has the ability to change the minds of the people and God has the power to change the hearts of people.

The main question in chapter twelve is if the Cooperative Program can survive in the twenty-first century. The author argues that the future of the Cooperative Program begins with the local church. That is why he provided six points that challenges the local church: First, Southern Baptists must allow leeway in nonessential matters. Second, churches must recognize their duty to cooperate with other churches of like faith and order. Third, churches must operate with a proper balance between local church ministries and mission enterprises. Fourth, churches must demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the Cooperative Program. Fifth, churches must develop Christians that are committed to biblical stewardship, beginning with the tithe. Finally, churches must educate their members concerning the value of the Cooperative Program.

This book is a great help to all who seek to know, first of all, who are the Baptists, from a point of view. Second, it let you understand very well in which consists the management and organization of Baptists through Cooperative Program and SBC, whose ultimate goal is the extension of the kingdom of God. Is interesting to know where are the offerings going (I mean with a clear understanding), and how much have been developed those various mechanisms that receive it. Perhaps the lack of knowledge (by the churches and church members), of this whole system that revolves in the base of the Cooperative Program, is the main cause of the unbalancing of this project. But nevertheless, it is clear that the funding from the churches to the Cooperative Program have given to many results to the date.