Voice of Truth - Johnny Hunt

Yesterday, Johnny Hunt was elected new Southern Baptist Convention President. Here is a recap of his first press conference as posted on Baptist Press.

Incoming SBC President Johnny Hunt concluded his first press conference during the dinner break. Following is a sample of what he said:

"We believe that there's a need for a radical change and radical leadership to turn the tide in our denomination. ... We've been declining as a denomination. You can't turn something around until you stop the tide in the direction it's going.

Hunt said one of his goals is "being able to inspire the younger generation that's coming behind me to buy in and then step up to the plate and support" the SBC.

"... I've had the opportunity to lead every church I've been in through transition to become a growing church. It would be my heart through the times that I can address our denomination ... to lead them and encourage them to ... embrace God's heart for the nations."

"... Instead of just constantly saying, 'Give to the Cooperative Program' or 'Tithe to the Cooperative Program,' I think what we need to do is show -- especially the generation behind us -- all that the Cooperative Program is doing, and spend more time showing what's happening overseas, showing who's being helped, showing who's being cared for. (People then will say), 'I want to give more to that source.'"

I am glad to hear many of his comments. The number of church members between 20 and 39 is very low. With men in that age range being even worse. This is true of most conservative, bible believing churches. Conservative Christianity is boring to most young men. I will admit I could not get excited about Christianity for at least a year after I was saved. Guys do not want to come to church and sing about love all the time. Unfortunately, the churches drawing young men today have strayed from the bible to do so. How do we reach young men? Not through marketing like many churches, some in our town, are doing. Two things I see and experienced that work; missions and evangelism. It wasn't until I went on a disaster relief mission trip, that I became fully engaged with being Christian. Men need action and a sense of accomplishment. What a feeling it was when I realized I could help clean up flooded homes and witness at the same time. We need to get men involved in these activities. What an opportunity we are missing right now, with so many flooded out in our state. God gave us a mission field in our back yards, but we are unprepared to harvest the field. Johnny Hunt has been strong in these areas. Let's pray for his leadership and for us to be willing to follow his lead.