The news that the search committee had decided to recommend David Hardage as the next BGCT Executive Director may have come as a surprise to many people, but after thinking about it have undoubtedly come to the conclusion that this is an absolutely terrific recommendation. The reason? Because David is well known in much of Texas, has been known as an outstanding pastor, and exhibits the exact kind of humility it takes to be successful in his new role. People who worked in the Baptist Building duri8ng my years there knew David as a cooperating servant leader. Whatever we asked of him, he was willing to do.
As for my own association with him, I remember well being asked to supply for him at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. I have done the same at hundreds of churches throughout Texas, but I have never been treated with more sensitivity and kindness any place else as I was in Sulphur Springs. From the moment I let them know I was in town, I was attended to by staff members in the absence of the pastor (which is why I was in town in te first place). They checked to see if my hotel room was adequate. They let me know what time I needed to be at the church. They gave me a complete rundown on the expectations of the day. When I finished preaching the deacons came and presented me with a "Thank you" gift (in addition to the honorarium). From the time I arrived to the time I left I have never been treated with more kindness and hospitality. In my mind a church that does this has been trained well by their pastor. That was my first introduction to David Hardage.
I sincerely believe the church was reflecting the personality of their pastor. I have always known David to be a sensitive, kind, cooperative individual. He possesses none of the overbearing bravado that many top executives seem to have. The best thing I could say about him is that he is Pinsonesque, that is he exhibits many of the same qualities that my former executive director, Bill Pinson, has. When David hears that I said that he will be absolutely humbled by the comparison. That's just the kind of guy he is.
Not everyone knows David Hardage, just as not everyone would know anyone who would be recommended for this gig. But, those who do know David will say what I have said—"Good choice".
It has already been noted that David is a product of Texas Baptists. That is he received his early training, his education and his experience as a Texas Baptist. Having grown up in a pastor's home, and having spent most of his career as a pastor, he understands what it means to be a pastor in this era. He will be able to empathize with pastors in churches of all sizes, because he has been pastor of churches of all sizes. He will be able to work with Associational Directors of Missions, because he has been one. He will understand our institutional work, because he has worked on the inside of one of our great institutions.
As for me and my house, we can't wait to see where God will take us under David's leadership. I have already started praying for him. Have you?
8 comments:
Ken,
Thanks for the post. I wrote a blog at peoplesharngjesus.com in which I tried to contextualize the choice of David Hardage in the light of the years of division and loss which we have experienced. I will probably face some criticism, but so far I have only had strong support for my remarks. I think you and I agree on my major premise. Merry Christmas, friend.
Dan Wooldridge
I hesitate to even find myself partially agreeing with the Panda about anything, but if Hardage was in favor of the BGCT leaving the SBC, and it can be documented, then I think that disqualifies him from consideration.
Anonymous,
Do you have some proof of this, or is it just something else you learned from the Sumo Mud Wrestler.
I could, for example, say that if it can be proven that you have been beating your wife then you are disqualified from church leadership.
I don't know you, and I don't know if you have ever beaten your wife, but now it's on the internet and I believe that if you did it then you are disqualified.
Actually, the BGCT could not possibly make the decision to leave the SBC because they were never in it. They are a convention all their own as is every state convention. Only churches are affilliated with the SBC. It is a fact beyond dispute that when Hardage pastored his church in Sulphur Springs that he did not take action to lead them to leave the SBC. Now if what we are talking about is second guessing the SBC in some of their decisions, only someone who had no opinions of their own whatsoever would fall into that category. It is true that many wanted to distance themselves, but that is not the same as leaving. I could prove that a number of high profile churches in the other state convention distance themselves from the SBC when it comes to missions dollars given. Just food for thought.
I like the name Sumo Mud Wrestler better than the Panda. Its much more fitting and appropriate.
Anonymous: I have never heard David express a d esire to leave the SBC. If anyone has, prove it.
I've known David for a long time and would be totally surprised if he actually said he was in favor of the BGCT leaving the SBC.
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