Update on Exit Strategy

I had initially posted on a Resolution that was to be submitted for review at the Southern Baptist Convention. Here are the links:

What Dr. Mohler suggested... http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-06-17
The Actual Resolution... http://prayerandtheword.blogspot.com/2006/04/sbc-resolution-on-exit-strategy-from.html
Some other comments... http://www.exodusmandate.org/art_20060425-resolution-for-sbc-annual-meeting.htm
An interesting conversation... http://thecherrypitt.blogspot.com/2006/04/being-christian-kid-in-secular-world.html

After conversing with our friends that went, I learned more about the process. Basically, resolutions are submitted to the Committee on Resolutions, and then they decide if they are to be voted on by the whole convention or not. This resolution didn't make it to the vote. Here is the explanation from the SBC site: A resolution has traditionally been defined as an expression of opinion or concern, as compared to a motion, which calls for action. A resolution is not used to direct an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention to specific action other than to communicate the opinion or concern expressed. Resolutions are passed during the annual Convention meeting.

I've had more time to reflect on it. Thanks especially to Lindsay for her insights! She helped me to realize further that if ANYTHING, parents need to be more engaged in their child's education. Basically, there shouldn't be an "exit strategy" but moreso an "engagement strategy". As she said, for every one parent who converses with their child, there are loads others, who either do not have the time to talk with their kids or who feel unadequate. So, what is needed, is a resolution that encourages parents to become more involved in their child's public education. It is true that Christian parents have relied to heavily on public schools to bring up their child. Especially at the secondary level, their is a danger of students accepting a non-Christian worldview, and it is important that parents combat that by being involved! Additionally, for those desiring private education or homeschool, we need to work to make it more available to people of all races and socioeconomic status. I applaud the SBC for having that desire.

With that said, I am happy to report the resolution that WAS voted positively for. It was indeed an engagement strategy designed to encourage students studying to be teachers, and pushing parents to be more involved. Yay! This whole thing has made me realize that human opinion, whether from a Christian or not, is still just that. We are all still humans and will disagree, but the beauty of it is that we all still worship the same God and can love each other in spite of our human opinions. As I have heard recently, "Human opinion should not drive ministry." I got all bent out of shape about a select group of mens' opinions. I need to have more faith that what God wants to happen will happen...and it did!

Steph