New Policy: Southern Baptist Missionary Candidates Can't Speak in Tongues

Beliefnet ^ | Nov. 23 2005Beliefnet | Adelle M. Banks

[tutstar]

The Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board has adopted a new policy that forbids missionary candidates from speaking in tongues.

The policy, adopted Nov. 15 during the board's trustee meeting in Huntsville, Ala., reflects ongoing Southern Baptist opposition to charismatic or Pentecostal practices.

[tutstar]

"In terms of general practice, the majority of Southern Baptists do not accept what is referred to as `private prayer language,"' states the policy, according to a denomination announcement. "Therefore, if `private prayer language' is an ongoing part of his or her conviction and practice, the candidate has eliminated himself or herself from being a representative of the IMB (International Mission Board) of the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention)."

[tutstar]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone~!

[Tazzer]

Battle lines being drawn;
Nobody's right
When everybody's wrong...

4CJ, Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!!!! Amen!

[jer33 3]

...whew...wipes forehead in relief...I guess IMB won't kick me off the field

Happy THANKSgiving to you and yours, tutstar.

[Tazzer]

And billbears, Happy Thanksgiving from Ff--150 and Silverwoman1. May all your prayers be answered swiftly, my friend!

[tutstar]

Well there are at least 2 freepers online this fine Thanksgiving morning.

Blessings!

[Kjobs]

Thanks be to Jesus. This is a problem we've discussed often in private, and I'm glad to see it getting some public attention.

[BTHOtu]

Good Morning, tutstar. There are now at least three Baptists posting. Have a joyful and relaxing Thanksgiving.

[whispering out loud]

I am somewhat appalled by this ruling of the SBC, and IMB. I am a student of the scriptures and am currently serving in a southern baptist church. My problem with this is that personal practices "barring sin" should be solely left to the discretion of ministers, if we limit the way that these ministers worship God, then we tie their hands as to the effectiveness of their ministry.

The scripture is very clear in Corinthians as to the "personal prayer language" though it is not to be spoken in open during the duration of the service unless an interpreter is present, the Bible is very clear that it does exist, and that it is a gift from God. Banning any Christian from experiencing and or using one of Gods gifts is coming dangerously close to the very thing that led certain people to flee their homelands and inhabit this country, and yet people wonder why new "denominations" pop up every day. What do we expect when we pick and choose the parts of the Bible we choose to believe and practice.

[tutstar]

Thanks!! and the same wishes for you too!!

Glad you get to keep your job! 8^)

[Tazzer]

"Blessings!"

Backatcha! :>

The article is sad because praying in tongues is the Greatest Secret of all--no if, and buts about it. Oh well...

[Uri’el-2012]

The Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board has adopted a new policy that forbids missionary candidates from speaking in tongues

It cuts the staff in half !

No need for interpreters.

b'shem Y'shua

[tutstar]

Well what are you going to do with I Cor 13:8?

[tutstar]

Is there a need for prayer?

[nina0113]

The Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board has adopted a new policy that forbids missionary candidates from speaking in tongues.

Especially at the interview!

[tutstar]

I had no clue it was even an issue. Thanks to WKB I do.

[tutstar]

I have so much to be thankful for!!
May we all thank the Lord for the gift of life we have today. May we realize its value in good health and not only in the bad.


It will be a great day I'm sure! The cook doesn't get to relax though, does she?

[whispering out loud]

this is a very misinterpreted passage, It simply states that All the gifts of the spirit are given in individual lives "for a season", accept for love. Love is the ultimate command for us as Christians. If we take the words quite literal, then no one in todays church would have any knowledge either.

[sausageseller]

Will they cut the day of Pentecost from their bibles now?

[FourtySeven]

When I clicked on this, I thought it might be something from ScrappleFace. It just struck me as odd.