Many of you have asked me about the article in the local paper concerning President Jimmy Carter and the meeting in Atlanta he has convened. The meeting is the Celebrating of a New Baptist Covenant. The three-day conference concludes today when President Bill Clinton will address the assembly. Many have wondered out loud if the meeting was intentionally planned to be held just before Super Tuesday and the primary elections in 22 states. However, the leaders deny that to be their intentions.

The theme of the meeting is “harmony and unity” among Baptists. You can listen to the speakers on their website. I listened to Jimmy Carter last night. He called for unity around the Gospel. In conclusion he outlined six topics of interest. He inferred it seems we can agree to disagree on these issues and still preserve harmony. Here is his list:

1. Should women serve in the roles of pastors and deacons?
2. Creation - Do we live on a young earth or an old earth millions of years old?
3. Abortion - Should Roe vs. Wade be debated?
4. Should homosexual Christians be welcomed in the faith family?
5. What about separation of Church and State?
6. What should our position be on capital punishment?

The former President did not expound on these issues but seemed to say they were all up for debate. He believes no matter our viewpoint, we can still maintain unity and should strive to walk together. He concluded that we should put aside our differences and preach salvation by grace and seek to spread the Gospel. He also spoke of traditional Baptists and more conservative Baptists. The SBC is in the more conservative group and are largely absent from this meeting. The New Baptist Covenant Meeting is led by those that left the SBC several years ago.

After listening to the Baptist meeting I turned on the Democratic debate. By 9 p.m. I needed a prayer time. Our world is in need of strong leadership on every front. The church and the nation need leaders of substance and conviction. These are days that demand our best. Cowards need not apply. Our nation, the Southern Baptist Convention, Olive Baptist Church and my family need me to be at my best and on the frontline. You are needed as well! God help us to be found faithful to seek His mind.

On Wednesday of this week Liz and I had the privilege of going to the birthday party of a great Olive member. Gladys Collins turned 95. In President Carter’s address he spoke of dormant traditional Baptists. Mrs. Collins is a Baptist – but she is not dormant. She has been and is a lady of action. Mrs. Collins is a great American, a great Baptist and my friend! I am pleased and thankful to be on God’s team with her.

Pastor Ted Traylor