We are increasingly concerned about the theological and social liberalism inherent within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) and the growing influence of the CBF within the Missouri Baptist Convention. We are equally concerned about the efforts of organizations outside Missouri working to move our state convention toward the CBF.

Our desire is to see the leadership of the Missouri Baptist Convention move from a [pro-CBF] center-left majority that has been willing to tolerate liberalism, to a [pro-SBC] center-right majority whose leadership will reflect a commitment to sound Biblical truth. We believe this subtle shift will completely change the nature of the debate at the state level.

We believe the vast majority of Missouri Baptists are theologically and socially conservative. We also believe the majority of Missouri Baptists are opposed to the current drift of the Convention toward the CBF. Project 1000 is about re-kindling the vision and re-building the hope that the current course of the MBC can be corrected.

Project 1000 is about identifying conservative pastors and conservative Missouri Baptist Churches in every association and encouraging those churches to be good stewards of the tithes and offerings they send to the Missouri Baptist Convention. If we are faithful in sending our money to Jefferson City, we should also be faithful in sending our opinions and our convictions in the form of messengers to the annual meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Project 1000 is about people. It is first and foremost about building relationships among conservative Missouri Baptists. However, it is also about building relationships with those whose theology is conservative but for various reasons have found themselves sympathetic to the "moderate" movement. Because our state paper, Word & Way, has failed in presenting the conservative side of the conservative/moderate controversy, we will present our views one-on-one or in small groups as the Lord gives us opportunity. We have the research, the Scriptures are clear, and the hearts of many hang in the balance.

In Missouri, the churches can still influence the course of our state convention. The annual election of the convention president still carries with it the power to appoint the committee that in turn nominates those who set the agenda and determine the course of our state convention. Our goal is to begin electing conservative individuals to MBC positions that will begin the process of moving our Convention from a [pro-CBF] center-left majority to a [pro-SBC] center-right majority on the various board and agencies.

We believe that the manner in which we disagree with others is of utmost importance. It is our conviction that being above reproach and walking with integrity is more important than whether we win or lose. Indeed, the battle belongs to the Lord. As faithful servants of Christ, we will speak the truth in love and remember the Scripture that declares: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)

Project 1000 is about what we will pass on to the next generation of Missouri Baptist Christians. It is our prayer that God will raise up faithful servants from across this great state to "contend for the faith" during this crucial time in the life of our Missouri Baptist Convention.
 
 

This statement was released publicly as the official statement of Project 1000 April 28, 1998 in Jefferson City.