A Prayer for Southern Baptists

Seldom do I write only to my own denomination, but I want to direct this post primarily to us. This past week, David Platt, president of the International Mission Board, asked their trustees to begin seeking his successor. For many, that move came as a surprise because David has served in this role for only four years. Here are my thoughts:

1. I thank God for His sovereignty. This move came as no surprise to God. All of us who thanked Him for sovereignly orchestrating the election of a young, passionate leader as president of the IMB several years ago must also trust His sovereignty now.
2. I thank God for the missionaries He has called and placed on the field. This is the group of men, women, and families who are giving their lives for the gospel. They’re zealous and sacrificial. As long as lostness remains, they’re in the game—no matter who leads the IMB. Many, in fact, would be on the field even if the IMB didn’t exist.
3. I thank God for the Richmond-based IMB staff. They’re committed, prayerful folks who will carry on the work in the interim period. They know that Great Commission work is too important to get sidetracked now.
4. I thank God for Southern Baptist pastors around the country. They’re central to our being a Great Commission people; when they have that passion, they lead their churches in that direction no matter what denominational transitions are taking place. Now, David has the privilege of returning to that calling.
5. I thank God for our denominational systems. Our processes are hardly perfect, and our bureaucracy drives me crazy at times. Yet, we also have a system that can facilitate an intentional, smooth transition to the next president.
6. I thank God for prayerful, giving Southern Baptists. I’m not naïve about our growing questions of institutional effectiveness and denominational loyalty. Sincere, faithful believers are asking these questions—and I ask them, too. At the same time, though, millions of Southern Baptists—young and old alike—still pray, give, and trust that we can do more together than alone.  
7. I thank God for the next IMB president. God knows who He is. Our job now is to pray regularly for the trustee search team as they seek His face and His will.

Would you join me in these prayers?