Listening Sessions Continue

In Baptist life, everyone has a voice. Well, at least in theory. This historical process is often neglected in modern day Baptist circles but it must be retained if the Baptist tradition is to continue. This Baptist blogger believes that giving church members a chance to share their opinions on theology, polity, and church matters is of great importance.
Not long ago our pastor here at FBC Memphis resigned to pursue other interests. As a result, we've had to go through the process of selecting a good group of men and women to choose for us a new pastor. We pray, they pray, and we all hope that the man or woman chosen is the right one to take on the rather difficult position of head pastor of a historical Baptist church in Memphis. He/she will be asked to respect the past but move the church into an already postmodern era of thinking. He/she will be asked to be a pulpiter but also demonstrate charisma. He/she will be asked to well represent the community but asked not to forget about his flock.
I look forward to the day that a pastor is chosen but for now, our listening sessions continue. I'm proud to say that we exemplify the most democratic way of handling the situation in any Baptist church in which I've been a part. We gather, we voice our concerns and prayerful hopes, someone facilitates, and someone takes notes. The notes are given to the selected group of women and men chosen to represent our church as we go about the time-consuming process of calling a pastor.
If you haven't visited FBC Memphis, this is actually a good time to do it. There is a spirit of togetherness that I've rarely witnessed in church life. And tell them that I sent ya'. If you do, your membership is free!