Bible verse of the day

Ethics Daily

Anniversary of Bailey Smith's Harmful Moment in Baptist-Jewish Relations
Bailey Smith, then president of the Southern Baptist Convention, claimed 30 years ago that God "does not hear the prayer of a Jew." Today, other Southern Baptist leaders have rhetorically followed his lead.

A 'Transformative Moment' in SBC Political Activity
Ronald Reagan, then the GOP nominee for president, joined a who's who of conservative Christians on a Dallas stage 30 years ago, convincing many Southern Baptists and other evangelicals to join the Republican cause.

Muslim Documentary Accepted at Festival
"Different Books, Common Word: Baptists and Muslims," the most recent documentary from EthicsDaily.com, has been officially selected as part of the International Black Film Festival of Nashville.

British Churches Focus on 2012 Olympics in London
The London 2012 Olympics are less than two years away, and churches in Great Britain are beginning to develop plans for outreach, hospitality and service during the event.

Ken Starr Joins Baptist Church – Without Attending
Ken Starr, the new president of Baylor University, promised to join a Baptist church once he was on the job in Waco. He kept that promise, joining a church without even being present for the service.

The word "border" is an interesting word. As a noun it describes a separation, such as the border between two countries or the border around this newsletter page that separates it from other pages. Yet, as a verb it depicts a connection, such as to say that a school borders a park or this column borders the BGCM Digest. While the noun places the emphasis on what separates the items, the verb highlights the connections of the items.

Next April, Baptists from across mid-America will come together to change our borders from nouns to verbs. The Baptist Border Crossing, which will be held April 2-4 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, is the result of months of planning by Baptist leaders from several different denominations. Although there have been many borders (in the noun form) and obstacles separating us, we will border (in the verb sense) and connect with each other to celebrate our commonalities.

Just over 150 years ago, violence among people in this region gave name to the "Border War" and foreshadowed the Civil War that would literally divide the nation and create new borders. Although such hostilities have passed, there are still many borders that divide us. These borders--including differences in race, class, worship style, geography, and denomination--may not be as obviously problematic, but their continued existence hampers the ability of Baptists to truly fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

When Baptists come together for this historic gathering next spring, it will be an attempt to build upon the vision and success of the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant that was held earlier this year in Atlanta. Speakers for the upcoming gathering will include author Tony Campolo, Baptist World Alliance president David Coffey, North American Baptist Fellowship president David Goatley, and evangelist Carolyn Ann Knight. Former President Jimmy Carter will also participate in the event. These speakers literally represent the diversity of the Baptist family and the attempts to create unity in Baptist life. There will also be many breakout sessions to help create dialogue and spark action on how to cross borders and work together.

Baptist General Convention of Missouri leadership have been involved with the planning of this exciting gathering and are looking forward to what God will do through it. In fact, the BGCM’s annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the Baptist Border Crossing with a short session for BGCM messengers to hear reports and deal with business. We will then join with our brothers and sisters from several other denominations for worship and preaching at the Baptist Border Crossing. More information about the Baptist Border Crossing will be posted at its Web site (www.BaptistBorderCrossing.org), and additional information about the BGCM's annual meeting session will be posted at the BGCM's Web site (www.baptistgcm.org) as it becomes available.

The Baptist Border Crossing has the potential to lead Baptists in the Midwest to a new era of cooperation. As we come together for worship, fellowship, ministry, and dialogue, we will not just be crossing borders that have separated us in the past, but also learning how to border each other and continue to work together in the future. If that occurs, the Baptist Border Crossing will be more than just a meeting, it will be the start of a movement of God's people working together to build God’s kingdom.

Please join me in praying for this gathering and making plans to attend. As we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Baptists next year, let us cross borders to come together with our Baptist brothers and sisters. Let put aside our differences to worship, fellowship, and minister together. Let us recognize that what we have in common is greater and more important than our differences. Let us remove any borders (in the noun form) that divide us, and instead unite in the love of our Lord and Savior. As the famous Spanish cellist Pablo Casals once asked, "But why should love stop at the border?"