(Note: I've edited this entry a little bit since I initially posted it. I felt it was a bit harsh. If I offended anyone with my choice of words, please forgive me.)
I was not surprised to find a column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about the alcohol debate at the recent Missouri Baptist Convention. (The Post-Dispatch has followed MBC issues closely this past year.) What I was surprised to read, was the following paragraph in the column:
"As Tolliver was speaking, another group of pastors gathered at a lake house a couple of miles away, drinking Red Stripe and Fat Tire beer, watching football and talking shop: the influence of music in their worship services, their inner-city social justice efforts, the challenge of having so many new babies in their congregations."
Yes, you read that right... As David Tolliver was giving the executive director's address, a group of pastors were drinking beer and watching Monday Night Football!... I am dumbfounded at this, and I imagine my reaction is mild, compared to that of many Missouri Baptists.
As I have said before, the Bible does not command total abstinence from alcohol. And because I believe in the absolute sufficiency of Scripture, I am not willing to impose abstinence on others, even though I practice it, and believe it is the best course of action.
But since this is my blog, let me give my two cents... I can think of no good reason why any group of Christians should be engaging in recreational beer drinking. None. Much less a group of pastors at the state convention.
I'm not saying these guys aren't sincere. (I don't even know who they are!) I'm sure they love the Lord, and love their churches. Nevertheless, this particular episode smacks of spiritual immaturity, and even worse, perpetuates the stereotype many Missouri Baptists have of young leaders.