This edition of Baptists Today pays tribute to the brave souls who had the vision and tenacity to launch this independent news journal two decades ago and to those who have sustained it through the years.

It has not been an easy task. But then, freedom is always risky and fragile.

Unlike publications that are underwritten with denominational mission funds, Baptists Today exists on the support of those who value a free press and support the important role this news journal fills in Baptist life.

Founding editor Walker Knight and company started pulling together the first issue of what was then SBC Today in the early years of the struggle for control of the Southern Baptist Convention (hence the publication’s original name).

Annual SBC meetings drew thousands, and hard-fought presidential elections gave a new brand of Baptists the power to appoint influential committees and boards. Charges and counter charges continued for many years before the completion of what advocates labeled “the conservative resurgence” and critics called “the fundamentalist takeover” of the SBC.

In the early years of the struggle, several influential leaders — concerned about the course of the denomination — saw a need for an autonomous, national publication that could forthrightly deliver the news and provide a forum for expression of opinions about the issues at hand. They teamed with a restless and gifted religious journalist eager to birth a new national publication.

The overarching question that faced Southern Baptists (even the huge number determined to ignore the controversy) at that time was: “What kind of Southern Baptist Convention will we be?”

Now with the battle over and the spoils in the captors’ hands, that question has been solidly answered. Current news reminds us how drastically the SBC has changed over the past two and a half decades.

A broad faith statement that once explained basic Baptist beliefs to outsiders has been shaped into a narrow, doctrinal sledgehammer. Committed missionaries with years of faithful service are being pulled from the field because they won’t succumb to the heavy-handed dictates from administrators who should be their greatest sources of support.

Indeed, the question of what will become of the Southern Baptist Convention has been clearly answered. Were that the sole question at hand, there would be no role for an autonomous national news journal.

However, the need for Baptists Today is greater now than ever before because a second — and arguably more important — question has arisen since the fate of the SBC was sealed. It is one that hits closer to home and affects more than one room in the broader Baptist house.

“What kind of Baptist church will we be?”

Many well-intentioned church leaders have ignored the shifting landscape and dismissed warnings that changes in denominational life would eventually make it up to the local church level.

Yes, up. No matter how popish some denominational leaders act or how much they mess with issues that should be left to each congregation, every church has the ultimate responsibility for seeking divine direction, claiming its ministry priorities and relating in partnership with whomever it chooses.

The smorgasbord of resources and ministry partners available to Baptist churches has never been more plentiful. Each church can carve out its ministry to reflect its values and interests. To do so, however, requires being informed.

“What kind of church will we be?” is a good and timely question.” A good question, however, always leads to many more.

How does our church respond to changing demographics that put the world at our doorstep? What trends in worship might impact our church? What is happening in missions that we might be a part of?

Where do we find a minister to lead us with integrity and humility? How do we effectively communicate the gospel across cultural barriers that have arisen? Can our church live up to its full ministry potential?

The list is endless. So as we blow out the 20 candles this month, we will do so with a promise rather than a wish.

Keep reading Baptists Today and we will diligently provide you with trusted information, insightful analysis and inspiring features during this most challenging — and exciting — time to be Baptist.