The Acts 29 Network is one such example of an organization that, while it is not afraid to go "outside the box" in methodology, is solidly conservative in theology. I challenge any conservative Southern Baptist to read the Acts 29 doctrinal statement and find any hint of theological liberalism. Why then does the MBC Theological Study Committee seek to cut ties with Acts 29? The best I can tell, one issue... alcohol. Rather than try to explain Acts 29's position on alcohol, I have posted their statement below, so that it may speak for itself:
Acts 29 and Alcohol
Acts 29 is an interdenominational network of church planting churches. As a result, we have both primary issues on which we are unwavering, and secondary issues on which we allow a range of diversity. This perspective enables unity without uniformity in our network. We hold our essential distinctives in a closed hand; this includes, for example, reformed theology, Christ-like male leadership in the home and church, and commitment to church planting. We hold secondary issues in an open hand; this includes charismatic gifts, eschatology, and various areas of Christian liberty, such as alcohol. Because our position on alcohol is one that can be easily misunderstood and/or misrepresented, this statement is our attempt to clarify the official position of the Acts 29 Network on the issue of alcohol as we understand the teaching of Scripture.
First, we believe that all drunkenness is a sin (Deuteronomy 21:20; Ecclesiastes 10:17; Matthew 24:29; Luke 12:45; 21:34; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11, 6:10; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3).
Secondly, we believe that many horrendous sins are affiliated with drunkenness. Therefore,
getting drunk is a sin that can lead to other sins, such as incest (Genesis 19:32–35), violence
(Proverbs 4:17), adultery (Revelation 17:2), mockery and brawling (Proverbs 20:1), poverty
(Proverbs 21:17), late night and early morning drinking (Isaiah 5:11–12), hallucinations (Isaiah 28:7), foolish behavior (Isaiah 5:22; Jeremiah 51:39), murder (2 Samuel 11:13), vomiting (Jeremiah 25:27; 48:26; Isaiah 19:14), staggering (Jeremiah 25:27; Psalm 107:27; Job 12:25), madness (Jeremiah 51:7), shameful nakedness (Habakkuk 2:15; Lamentations 4:21), sloth (Joel 1:5), escapism (Hosea 4:11), and depression (Luke 21:34). In summary, sin leads to death and the sin of drunkenness produces only death and misery.
Thirdly, we believe that Christian leaders are to live their lives in such a way as to set a positive example of holiness for others to emulate (Hebrews 13:7). This includes elders, the male senior leaders in the church, who are not to be drunkards (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
Fourthly, we do believe that all Christians must at varying times and in varying ways give up
some of their Christian liberties in order to love people of weaker conscience. Christians must
make every effort to not lead them into sin by exercising freedoms in their presence (Romans
14:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31–32).
In conclusion, there are different views on alcohol in our network and even on our board. We
recognize that this is an issue where Christians can and do disagree, so we have no position on alcohol other than that people should have their conscience captive to the word of God, submit to the leadership of their church or denomination, and do everything for God's glory.
The Acts 29 Network permits diversity on this secondary matter and pursues unity on the primary theological issues. We respect the right of Christians, organizations, and denominations to arrive at differing conclusions on this matter. So long as they are within the boundaries of Scripture, we respect those positions and welcome faithful Christians holding them into the Acts 29 Network. Together we can pursue what is most important—the expansion of God’s kingdom through the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the planting of His church.
There you have it. Does the Acts 29 statement call for total abstinence from alcohol? No. But then again, neither does the Bible. While many Southern Baptists (including myself) believe total abstinence from alcohol is wise, are we willing to break fellowship with fellow, conservative Baptists solely because they see this secondary issue differently?
There is no way I could type enough to examine this issue thoroughly, but here's the bottom line for me... It would be a monumental mistake for the MBC to cut ties with the Acts 29 Network. In such networks are where we find the future of the MBC... young pastors with a passion to do whatever it takes to reach a changing world with the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt, some in the established church struggle with the methods of the emerging church. No doubt some of their concerns are legitimate, particularly as they relate to the recreational use of alcohol by some emerging leaders. What we have to decide is, are we going to come along these leaders and offer them guidance, or are we going to simply throw them away? I don't think there's any question but that God is going to use these young leaders in a mighty way. The question is, will they still be part of the MBC when He does? I sure hope so.
Quick Hits... Still not much luck fishing this summer. Took a little float with my dad the other evening. Dad is the one who gave me a love of fishing, and little Ozarks streams. He is, and always will be, my favorite fishing partner. Must tell a story on him though. As we were floating down the creek, I stood up in the back of the canoe to stretch. As I did, Dad brought his pole back to cast, and as he did, he hooked me right in the seat of my pants. The hook only got fabric, no flesh, but it was so embedded we couldn't get it out. I had to sit on the hook the rest of the float, and have Rachel dig it out of my shorts when we got home. He would have rung my neck when I was a kid if I had done something like that!... As bad as the fishing has been this summer, there's rarely a trip when something noteworthy doesn't happen. I went to Swan Creek with our assistant pastor, Jeff Updegraff, the other morning. The fishing wasn't too great, but I did have a first; I caught two little smallmouth on the same minnow! I have caught two fish on the same cast once before. (It was last summer.) On that trip (Beaver Creek) I caught two keeper bass on a Zara Spook, one on each treble hook. One fish was 12", the other was 15". I have a picture of that occurrence, and it is one of the highlights of my fishing career!... Watched the Cardinals lose to the Marlins tonight. Juan Encarnacion was thrown out trying to steal second base. He would have been safe, but for some unknown reason he didn't slide! Even the freshmen I coached this spring knew to always slide on a steal attempt. I don't think too many tears will be shed in Cardinal nation when Juan hits the door.