#065: Why The Institutions Matter

This week on The Journey, we were joined by Willy Rice, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL. Our discussion explored the nature and purpose of the Southern Baptist Convention, emphasizing that we are a voluntary cooperation of autonomous churches united primarily around global missions and theological education. We addressed the tension between institutional life and missional integrity, the dangers of prioritizing size over substance, and the critical importance of convictional clarity in our current moment. Most importantly, we were reminded that following Jesus is simply about taking the next step of obedience and maintaining proximity to Him.