Staff Articles
Non-Generic - Friday, February 27, 2009
Some rhetorical scholars study different genres of speeches or events in order to understand what typically occurs and to note exceptions. For instance, Barack Obama's inaugural address last month followed the rhetorical expectations for the genre of presidential inaugural addresses. In his speech he tried to accomplish the four tasks that presidents traditionally tackle in an inaugural: unite the American people, discuss traditional American values, articulate a political philosophy, and embody the presidential role. If a president did not follow these generic expectations, then that would tell us something important about how that president is different and could help us understand why the speech was considered effective or ineffective. Obama clearly attempted to establish himself in the address as a president following in the tradition of those who have previously held the office.
Other genres studied include plays, television programs, eulogies, and sermons. No one has developed the genre of Baptist meetings, but I wonder what might be said to be typically found at such a gathering. Perhaps one feature of this genre would be business sessions with controversial motions or resolutions that spark heated debate. Another aspect might be the presence of political groups that result in contested elections, small groups of people caucusing throughout the meeting, and even campaigning prior to the meeting. A third generic feature of Baptist meetings today might be the presence of secular politics, either in the form of candidates speaking at the meeting or in the body taking a position on some current political issue. Other aspects of this genre would include worship, preaching, fellowship opportunities, and the highlighting of missions efforts.
There is a Baptist meeting coming up, however, that will not include all of the typical functions found in the genre of Baptist meetings. The Baptist Border Crossing, to be held April 2-4 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, will not look like the average Baptist meeting. Gone will be the polarizing business sessions, the politicking and fighting for control, and the political focus. Instead, the times of worship, preaching, fellowship, and missions will gain more focus and priority than they often receive at Baptist meetings. Rather than being secondary features of the genre that are added in between business sessions, these aspects will be featured prominently throughout the weekend. Additionally, a few items not traditionally seen at Baptist meetings will be quite evident at the Baptist Border Crossing. There will be a focus on the larger Baptist family as Baptists from several different denominations will unite to worship, fellowship, and work together. We will remove the barriers that divide us and recognize that our similarities far outweigh our differences. We will cross the borders that have prevented us from working together to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. There will be greater diversity in races, ages, and backgrounds than are usually found at Baptist meetings.
By removing some aspects of the genre of Baptist meetings, increasing the focus on other aspects, and adding some new ones, the Baptist Border Crossing will be a gathering that is much different than the average Baptist meeting. It will violate the generic expectations, but that is a good thing. It is time for us to cast aside that which has distracted and divided us and instead come together in our common faith and mission. As presidential rhetoric scholars have found, presidents today include the same basic aspects in their inaugural addresses as George Washington did but highlight some aspects more, like unity and values. Just as the inaugural genre has evolved, it is time for Baptist meetings to improve and help us better fulfill the biblical call to be unified in our "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
