THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED

We are weeks away from thousands of Southern Baptist messengers migrating to Dallas, Texas for the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Southern Baptists hold to the autonomy of the local church. Unlike a denomination, which consists of a top-down organizational structure, the SBC has a bottom-up polity. Local and like-minded churches choose to partner with other churches who have similar beliefs. This means that when messengers come together, we pray, worship, debate, and vote. In other words, two days a year the convention meets to do business. This remains key to Southern Baptist life. We are not a denomination. The messengers, through their voting, tell the convention what they are to do over the next year.

A MOTION TO DISBAND THE ERLC?

Per usual, the media airways flood with what might transpire at the convention, which goes into session the second week of June (Yes, I will be there, so make sure to introduce yourself if you see me). This year has been no different. Media outlets, blogs, and social media accounts are considering a motion and subsequent vote to disband the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). The ERLC was an entity founded in 1908. Their mission reads, “to assist your churches by helping you understand the moral demands of the gospel, apply Christian principles to moral and social problems and questions of public policy, and to promote religious liberty in cooperation with churches and other Southern Baptist entities.” Some, like Dr. Al Mohler the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, are questioning “the utility of the ERLC.” At the annual meeting in 2024, more votes than ever before were raised to abolish its existence (See this RNS article).

Southern Baptists seem conflicted on the usefulness of this entity. Many wonder if the days of the ERLC’s existence have run its course. In some ways, the ERLC seems to also struggle with executing its given purpose by Southern Baptist messengers. As a brother in Christ, I feel for the ERLC President, Brent Leatherwood. He came into a position that was ripe with conflict and heat from those within and outside the convention. In fact, some of the criticisms he receives are unfair. He was the ERLC’s chief of staff when Dr. Russell Moore was in the President’s seat, and it appears some of the mistreatment he receives may be on account of his ties to Dr. Moore’s tenure. Southern Baptist messengers, we know what that feels like when we are blamed and held accountable for those who pastored before us. Therefore, we should refrain from doing it to others.

From the outset, I am 100% behind the ERLC. I believe in their mission. I affirm their existence. I believe they could become a better resource for Southern Baptist churches across the globe. I don’t believe we should vote in favor of disbanding their existence from Southern Baptist life. That’s why I am writing this post before the convention. I think the ERLC benefits Southern Baptist churches. I think it has potential to be a greater resource in the future for our churches. That being said, I do think that the ERLC should consider some reforms to prove the worthiness of its existence. Here are four ways this entity could show its worth to Southern Baptist messengers.

A. Be more pastoral and less political.

One of the main characteristics that continues to get the ERLC into trouble is when they speak into areas of Christian liberty with a definitive voice. These actions show signs of them becoming more involved as lobbyists in the political sphere instead of assisting churches to understand what is happening in culture and politics. Pastors are asking questions about immigration reform, elections, gender issues, and everything else. The ERLC needs to think more pastorally by resourcing Southern Baptist churches on these topics. What are the issues? What does the Bible say? What views are acceptable? What positions are outside the bounds of orthodoxy? How can pastors be better equipped to inform their congregations of these issues? How can ministry leaders navigate these policies? Becoming more pastoral would be something like: Here is the issue, here is what the Bible says on the issue, and here are the parameters from both our doctrine and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

B. Stick to the Southern Baptist Convention’s Resolutions.

The best way to show Southern Baptists your value is to stick to the script. Every year the convention passes resolutions. All resolutions passed should become the primary speaking points for the ERLC as they apply them to public policy. Perhaps we could say the resolutions passed should be the primary objectives for the ERLC. Think of the value and worth of the entity when they report to the messengers: We heard you vote for this resolution last year, and here is how we put your vote into action. To put it another way, here is how we influenced public policy in relation to the passing of this resolution. The ERLC would be speaking on behalf of the convention not for the convention.

C. Be a thermostat for the church on cultural issues.

Since the ERLC works in the public square, they should be like a thermostat for Southern Baptist churches. At the end of their mission statement, they state, “Together, we can bring hope to the public square–for the sake of the gospel.” This is great! I concur! So, bring to the churches areas where the culture is getting colder and where it is getting warmer to the gospel. The ERLC should consider becoming more like that game we used to play when we were children. A child hides an object, and coaches the other player on if they are getting hotter, closer to, or colder, further away from, the item. Doing this will allow the ERLC to assist the church on bringing “the gospel to bear on issues of moral importance in culture.” Perhaps church messengers would be less likely to call for the ERLC’s abolishment if churches were better informed on which direction politics and culture is moving in relation to our beliefs.

D. Be more available and approachable.

The ERLC would do well to be more available and approachable at different events they attend. While at the convention, for example, ask pastors what they are experiencing and how they can become a better resource for the church. What do you need? How can we be more helpful? How have we served you well? Where can we do better? These are some questions that could be asked to attendees. Sometimes the ERLC displays a one-way street of communication and call to action–here is what we are doing and here is what we need you to do for us. I think the potential motion to disband this entity would be less a reality at the convention if more Southern Baptist pastors thought their voices were being heard or walking away feeling like they had a seat at the table.

The ERLC is beneficial to Southern Baptist life

The ERLC has current value and potential for executing their mission and serving the church. While the frustrations among Southern Baptists are real, even if sometimes misinformed, this entity needs to remain. Maybe not in its current form. Perhaps reform and changes are necessary to show their value–I have provided four in this post. However, if the motion comes from the floor to disband the ERLC, I hope you see it is unwise and premature to do so at the SBC in Dallas, Texas. We, Southern Baptists, need this entity to be informed, prepared, and equipped so “we can bring hope to the public square–for the sake of the gospel.”

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