William "Bill" Harrell Sets The Record Straight

Yesterday, I had an extended phone conversation with Rev. William “Bill” Harrell, longtime Pastor of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA and current Chairman of the Executive Committee of the SBC.  His recent interview with The Christian Index raised some eyebrows in the blogging world, particularly among Calvinist bloggers.  Specifically, the internet frenzy surrounded his remarks about two issues in SBC life—contemporary worship and aggressive Calvinism—both of which, Pastor Harrell contends needs immediate address.

The more I read the Internet “versions”, the more uncomfortable I became with much of what was being said.   Thus I decided to give Pastor Bill a call and pose a few questions to him.  For the record, I found him gracious, completely candid and desiring to clarify any misunderstandings his remarks may have created. 

Unfortunately, I was not the only person with whom Brother Bill communicated.  Many had already contacted him, most of whom were highly offended that he would so malign the founders of the SBC and present such a anti-Calvinist message.  And, rather than seek clarification, they simply contacted him to condemn and judge.  I stand as only one voice in this dialog.  Yet, I trust we get beyond this hopelessly unhelpful approach in dealing with issues like these. 

Pastor Harrell told me he had absolutely no intention of his remarks about Calvinism to be taken as a broad-brush against all Calvinists.  He reiterated his longtime friendship with many convictional Calvinists and has even had Calvinists preach in his Church.  Rather his remarks about the “ground-rule” were couched in the context of pleading for integrity among both Churches and Pastors/Staffers whom the Churches call. 

He spoke (retaining confidentiality) of a long list of Churches  he personally knew had struggled with this very issue.  Time after time, Pastor Harrell said the scenario was the same:  a Church would call a Pastor.  The Church did not know the Pastor’s Calvinist convictions.  After some time, the Pastor began to openly state his Calvinist convictions and implement "reform" for the Church.  Result?  One very divided--and ultimately split--Church.

His remarks, then, pertained to integrity…being open and honest with one another.  Indeed this is only what Dr. Danny Akin, Dr. Paige Patterson and others have said elsewhere in other contexts.  It is surely right that it be this way. 

And, frankly, it really is up to the Pastoral candidate to make sure this is addressed.  After all, the Candidate ought to be mature enough to see its significance as well as its potential for serious conflict and override any infatuation the Pastor Search Team may possess toward him by “getting real” with them…Making sure they know him and what he believes. 

Not that it is necessary to dot every “I” or cross all “Ts”.  But one’s view of how people are saved and one’s ecclesiology cannot be considered side issues.  Historic Calvinism possesses answers to these questions with which most Southern Baptists disagree, according to the latest study by Lifeway.

Moreover—even though Pastor Harrell did not bring this up—I would say that the playful word games some Calvinists employ are equally unacceptable.  “I’m an Historic Baptist” stands as one favorite among many Calvinists who do not wish to call themselves Calvinists (especially to a prospective Church team).  Yet, this can be deceptive if the goal is to avoid revealing one’s convictional belief about Limited Atonement or Irresistible Grace, both doctrines of which appear to be minority views held by Southern Baptist Churches.  Though Southern Baptists do not at all question Election as the BF&M shows, we could safely say that most Southern Baptists would not agree with the particular interpretative understanding of Predestination that Five Point Calvinists maintain.

In the end, Pastor Harrell’s words were about integrity, not polity.  He longs for a simple “gentlemen’s agreement” to just be honest.  It really must be that way for after all, he notes, “Baptist polity is all about voluntary relationships.  Being Baptists, we could not enforce any ground-rule on anyone or any Church.”  Mr. Harrell further explains: “Whether it is a Pastor whose mindset is ‘Contemporary’ interviewing at a ‘Traditional’ Church or a ‘Non-Calvinist’ interviewing at a ‘Doctrines of Grace’ Church or even an ‘Arminian‘—if there is such a self-identified animal in the SBC—interviewing at a ‘non-Arminian’ Church, the rule is the same—Just demonstrate integrity.  That’s all.”  Thus the thrust of his comments in The Christian Index and the source of massive misunderstanding.

I am glad I had the opportunity to speak with Pastor Harrell.  He possesses a keen mind, a delightful wit and a passion for all Southern Baptists.  His deep love for the local Church and his dedication to Baptist principles, polity and the autonomy of every individual Baptist Church came through clearly as I spoke with him.  Indeed, after our chat, it became obvious to me why he was asked to be our Executive Committee Chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention.   

With that, I am…

Peter

Comments

[volfan07]

peter,

once again we see the hearts of five pointers....attack, condemn, and destroy.

i am glad that you called bill harrell and set the record straight. i think he was right on in what he said. i have seen exactly what he was talking about many, many times in my neck of the woods.

volfan007

[Scott]

Volfan,

I respectfully disagree. I don't pretend to know what lies in the hearts of men, but I am confident that what we see is not exclusive to "five pointers", but rather common to all sinners. I am becoming increasingly persuaded that much of what transpires in blogdom is thinly veiled gossip or slander. Well, maybe it isn't veiled at all. Predictably we line up on our favorite side of an issue and start firing away, shooting first and asking questions later. You would think we had never read wise King Solomon's advice on the tongue or Jame's sage words. So much dialog is absent of grace and edification. We stand firm and courageous defending our position yet void of brotherly love. What is the old adage, "Love without truth is compromise, truth without love is harshness." Comments are made behind the relative anonymity and protection of the internet, comments that would never be made face to face unless you were ready to engage in fisticuffs. When was the last time you changed your view based on a blog discussion? When was the last time anyone did? I crave for dialog that focuses on the Word of God and the wonders of Him who saves sinners, dialog that is edifying, exhortational, and equipping. Perhaps it is time we change our focus? We need to ask ourselves whether our contribution is building up or tearing down believers. I don't mean we never confront error, but there is a God honoring way to do so, and a way that brings shame on the name of Christ. May God give us wisdom and grace to glorify Him.

[SelahV]

Scott: I've been thinking so many similar thoughts ever since I began blogging. Where is your blog? Are you planning to have one?

As I have read the back and forth comments on various blogs, I have wondered: if these things were said, and with the tone they are being said, by members in these pastors' churches, what would these pastors say to them? I'm am scratching my head in amazement. SelahV

[peter]

Volfan.

Thank you for your comment. I simply desired to balance out what was being assumed Bro. Harrell meant by his words.

Preach good tomorrow.

Scott,

I hear the frustration you possess. I too have my share of it. Unfortunately, at least from my perspective, I do not think the answer to unfair blogging is no blogging. Rather I think it is better blogging...godly blogging.

Whether or not I ever reach that goal is debatable. I surely have no illusions that I presently dwell there. Yet I certainly desire to. It is my goal.

Grace Today

SelahV,

Thank you always for your participation in our community. You truly are a refreshing breathe. Be careful, I might add,as you go deeper into the blog forrest for the creatures become more and more scary :)

With that, I am...

Peter

[SelahV]

Peter: Lions, and Tigers and Bears, ooh My! I have the ruby slippers, dear Peter. I can always go back to Kansas, from whence I came. LOL. I have followed yellow-brick roads so long in the land of yesterday--some paved with good intentions, some filled with potholes, some simply coated with yellow paint, that I know real gold when I walk upon it. And should I take a wrong turn and venture down a lane or two whose yellow is so bright it blinds me, well I can always count on the Great-And-Powerful to get me back on track and give me a pair of His SONglasses to deflect fiery rays which need deflecting. And then I always have you...my brother. I am so blessed. SelahV

[volfan007]

keeping peole from the extremes and tangents in theology does help people. encouraging people to stay away from errors will keep them from confusion and hurt. to care about others demands that we encourage people to the truth of Gods Word...the balanced truth.

so that no one will think that i am mean and nasty, i will end this post with this: love...love ...love ...love...love...love....love....love....love....love!

from the hills of tn, and looking forward to preaching Gods Word this morning,

volfan007