We have received reports that some IMB missionaries are receiving notices that they are being terminated. We will post further details as soon as we receive permission to release the information.
Click here to learn about supporting missionaries who are being terminated
The President of the SBC's International Mission Board recently sent this letter to IMB missionaries who have refused to sign the 2000 BF&M:
Dear__________:
You are among a small handful of missionary personnel who are continuing to
struggle with my request earlier this year to affirm the current Baptist
Faith and Message. Or perhaps you are among those who have already
decided not to respond to this request to assure the
Southern Baptist Convention of our continuing
doctrinal accountability. I appreciate the encouragement of
your regional leader and his effort to clarify the issues and counsel
with you in response to your concerns. Whether you
are among those who have corresponded with me directly
or not, Avery and I have been praying for you and for
each of us to have wisdom and sensitivity as we communicate on this
vital issue.
We have sent several memos explaining the rationale for this request and to
put the changes in the revised BF&M into perspective. Just as when you
were appointed, allowance is provided for stating
areas of disagreement. However, there cannot be
flexibility in being unwilling to be doctrinally
accountable and assure Southern Baptists that we will work in accord with
our confession of faith and not contrary to it. To do so would erode the
credibility and support of the IMB and to bring into question your
colleagues around the world.
This request does not reflect any changes in expectations that have not been
in place throughout our history. I would plead with you to try to
understand that it is not an issue of your faithful and effective service
or your adherence to doctrinal positions stated when
you were appointed. You
are now serving in the 21st century and it is important to recognize and
support the organization and positions of the denomination with whom you
serve, even if there are some areas of personal disagreement.
Several of our missionaries have chosen to resign rather than fulfill this
expectation. There is a perception that others have signed the
statement insincerely in order to "hold their job." I
am not aware that that is factual and would deeply
regret anyone finding it necessary to compromise
his or her personal convictions in order to serve with the IMB. While some
may choose to no longer fulfill their missionary call with Southern
Baptists, I trust that will not be the result of the dilemma you are
apparently experiencing. You are serving in a strategic role and are
vitally needed in what God is doing through the IMB. This summer Don
Kammerdiener and I spoke to our emeritus missionaries at Ridgecrest and
Glorieta about the changes in the BF&M and why missionaries were asked to
renew their affirmation of this document. I am
sending a transcript of this presentation and hope it
will help you understand the context of these
revisions and why it is inaccurate to consider it a creedal statement.
Avery or I will personally be in touch with you within the next several
weeks and look forward to the opportunity to discuss the BF&M issue
objectively, understand your reticence to cooperate in this request and
clarify the implications of your decision. We are praying that God will
lead you to affirm the 2000 BFM and continue to serve
with the International Mission Board.
Sincerely yours,
Jerry Rankin
Enclosure: IMW Transcript
Bill O'Brien's letter to the IMB (Bill O'Brien is a former administrator at the IMB)
Keith Park's response to IMB (Keith Parks is the former President of the IMB)
Missionaries explain reasons why they won't affirm faith statement
One who won't sign: Granddaughter of 'Preacher Hallock'
Send Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists a check for $75.00 or more designated to the "Missionary Transition Fund" and:
1) We will guarantee that 100% of your contribution will go to support IMB or NAMB missionaries who refused to sign the 2000 BF&M creed.
2) We'll send you a free copy of Smyth & Helwys new book -- Stand With Christ: Why missionaries can't sign the 2000 BF&M
Send checks payable to Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists P.O. Box 6371 Norman, Oklahoma 73070 (Be sure to tell us the check is for the "Missionary Transition Fund")