Why do we need to know this?” I remember asking myself that question often during grade school math, especially algebra. I imagine many people ask the same question about Free Will Baptist history. As a journalist, I recognize the why as a valid concern, so please allow me to offer five simple reasons Free Will Baptist history should be a priority.
To teach our story to the next generation. Our heritage of faith is quickly and easily forgotten. What seems important, even unforgettable, today may soon be an afterthought. If we fail to preserve and teach our history, consequent generations will forget. Scripture makes it clear we should share the story of what God has done for and through us (Isaiah 38:18-19). Former Executive Secretary Keith Burden once said, “It is easier to have a clear vision of the future when you have a correct understanding of the past.” I agree! History anchors the next generation and keeps them from drifting from their tradition.
To avoid past mistakes. In 1948, Winston Churchill famously remarked (paraphrasing philosopher George Santayana), “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Too often, churches and denominations cross the same minefields when they don’t have to walk through those minefields at all. Enough said.
To inspire and challenge us to greater things. Few things are more motivating than being part of something greater than yourself, or even greater than your generation. Our history gives us a better understanding of how God has used Free Will Baptists around the globe.
To safeguard against legal issues. On one occasion, the courts called upon the Executive Office to testify in a situation when a church had been victimized by the “hostile takeover” of a minister from another denomination. The original congregation sued to retain possession. Unfortunately, the congregation had not updated records and did not follow its historical constitution and bylaws closely. As a result, the judge ruled against them in favor of the “new” congregation. A church (or denomination) either needs to follow its organizational documents or update them to match current practice. Yet another crucial reason to know our history.
To provide clear testimony to God’s ongoing work in and through us. When Antiques Roadshow featured a copy of The Centennial Record of Free Will Baptists and traced our crucial role in the abolitionist movement prior to the Civil War, I found myself leaning forward intently, heart racing. What a heritage! I pray our history, both past and future, will continue to bring glory to God and build His Kingdom.
A Bridge to the Future
In March 1994, as a senior at Welch College, I sat transfixed as Jack Williams shared the story of the 1911 merger between New England Freewill Baptists and Northern Baptists. The presentation, appropriately titled “The Day We Lost 600 Churches” traced the series of events that contributed to the denominational disaster, from a loss of theological “distinctives” and the subtle encroachment of ecumenism to unethical “back-door deals” between officials on both sides of the merger.
His concluding remark, however, impacted me most that day. Williams told his spellbound listeners, “There will never be another merger like 1911 if we preach Free Will Baptist distinctives, if we make a conscious effort to preserve and promote our Free Will Baptist name, and if we teach the next generation our history and heritage.”
That was the moment Free Will Baptist history captured my heart. From that day, I have made it my goal to do my part to tell the incredible story of what God has done through this denomination and to help others retain, research, and write their own stories about their part in this denomination we love.
About the Writer: Eric K. Thomsen is the managing editor of ONE Magazine and a member of the Free Will Baptist Historical Commission. Learn more about the rich heritage of Free Will Baptists at www.FWBHistory.com.
