MOHLER IS IN THE RACE!

Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said in a press press release he would nominate Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. for president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the next meeting, which is in June. Jeffress said Mohler provides “the kind of visionary leader Southern Baptists need to communicate a missional conservatism and biblical clarity to the world”.

Things look good for a Mohler election. The meeting is in in Indianapolis, just across the river from Louisville, Kentucky. Lots of seminary students and faculty from Southern could afford to drive over and attend. In addition, Mohler is well known to anyone who watches television news shows and talk shows, as he is constantly called on to give the Christian point of view on various issues. He always does so in a calm, intelligent and informed manner. He also has a good blog and commentary for Crosswalk.com. He has a radio broadcast as well.

Mohler is also part of the old conservative guard. He has stree cred for reforming the seminary. He has sided with the insiders for years, including a recent "we love Paige Patterson" gathering.

As pastor of FBC Dallas, Jeffress carries weight as a nominator. He also served 15 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, Texas, former roost of Morris Chapman. He has a television program and a radio broadcast.

Mohler has also put in his time as a denominational leader. He served on the Program and Structure Study Committee that made recommendations for the reorganization of the convention in 1995. He serves on the denomination’s Great Commission Council. Mohler chaired the SBC Committee on Resolutions. He served on the Baptist Faith and Message revision committee in 2000. He chairs the Council of Seminary Presidents.

Count me in.