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Pastor's Page

Posted on April 21, 2004 ...

Back in the mid-1980’s I heard Richard Jackson, Pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church, speak at the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Jackson’s words featured a central reoccurring theme he returned to time and again: “That’s the Baptist way, and I like that.”

There are lots of things I like about being a Baptist. (I’m a bit like the woman who was asked what she’d be if she were not a Baptist. Her reply: “I’d be ashamed!”) One of the things I like most about being a Baptist is our congregational form of church government. Under this system, the members of a local church are its highest authority. Thus, each congregation decides items such as the properties it will purchase, the budget it will adopt, and the make-up of the staff it employs. Again, “That’s the Baptist way, and I like that!”

We have come to a point where our church needs to make a decision. Lanny Green, our Minister of Worship, is graduating in a few weeks with his Master’s Degree from Lee University. Numerous church members have inquired about the feasibility of Lanny staying on board our church staff full time. Our Personnel Committee met last Sunday to discuss this matter. The committee recognized that this was a big decision that rightfully belonged to the entire church body. After all, “That’s the Baptist way, and I like that.”

Therefore, the Personnel Committee has asked that a special business meeting be held on Sunday night, May 2, following the evening worship time. At this meeting the church will vote whether or not to offer Lanny full-time employment on our staff. This Sunday, materials regarding this decision (job description, financial costs, etc.) will be available in our Sanctuary. I will also be in the Annex this Sunday night after the evening worship service if anyone would like to dialog about this matter further.

The question has several challenging aspects. Opinions will differ. Yet, our congregation has demonstrated on numerous occasions its ability to address difficult questions with the highest demonstration of maturity and respect. I am confident that this will again remain true. After all, that’s the North Cleveland Baptist way, and I REALLY like that.