I find it fascinating (and not a little disturbing) that CABC leadership seems so preoccupied with numbers. I discovered recently that the Executive Minister is now inviting the pastors of churches with an average worshiping congregation over 250 to an annual exclusive retreat on PEI. They call it the "Cavendish 250." And perhaps you've seen the November issue of "Convention Connection," the bulletin insert propaganda sheets that have replaced The Atlantic Baptist. Actually, they don't replace the AB because they provide only highly-biased, sanitized, one-way communication, rather than a medium for dialogue or exploration of important issues. But I digress. On the front cover we are told that attendance at Assembly "increased by 25% in 2006 and by another 52% in 2007." On the back cover we are told in large-type that Acadia Divinity College enrollment is up by 15% for a total of 160 registered individuals. And inside you'll find two listings of churches - the "Top 20 Giving Churches" and "Tithe-Plus Giving Churches." Nowhere do we find any explanation or analysis of these numbers. We are not reminded that the increase in attendance at this year's Assembly was due to the presence of the African Association, nor are we told what it means to be a "tithe-plus church" and why we might like to be one. We are simply left to assume that these numbers are signs of progress, or God's blessing, and that everything is coming up roses for the CABC. I wonder what all this talk about numbers really means? I wonder what it says to churches that don't make the top-20 list, and what it has to do with being faithful followers of Jesus? When he urged us to be salt and light, I think Jesus was saying that even that which is small can be significant. With all this emphasis on being BIG (and we've got the numbers to show what BIG is!) I can't help but wonder if we are overcompensating for low self-esteem, or worse, putting makeup on a corpse. I calculate that there's at least an 86% chance that I'm right!
Convention Assembly
It is interesting that the publicity I have seen on last summer's Assembly has not a word about the guest speaker, Dr. Brad Braxton. It is as if he was not even in attendance! I understand that although he received a very positive response from those in attendance, a few objected to his theology and Convention staff have excised mention of him from their reports. I have also been informed that Dr. Braxton was refused permission to bring his books for sale during Convention because his theology was unacceptable to certain Convention staff. Further, although many are interested in being able to hear the recordings of Dr. Braxton's presentations, there is no link on the Convention site that I could find that makes that possible.
I was not at Convention and did not hear Dr. Braxton's sermons, but I have heard him preach in another context - it was fantastic. I understand that he raised many issues about racism that should be part of our ongoing discussion and growth as a denomination. To invite someone to come to help us deal with such a crucial issue, and then to effectively block even the memory of his presence boggles the mind.
Any thoughts?