Jim Smith, editor of the Florida Baptist Witness, has released a transcript of a Q & A session between Baptist state paper editors and Jerry Rankin. The question of “private prayer language” and the new IMB policy came up and Rankin responded with refreshing candor. The new baptism guideline also was addressed, though more briefly.

Regardless of where you come down on the new IMB policy and guideline, you have to admire President Rankin’s willingness to speak plainly and answer what must have felt like awkward questions. That kind of openness demonstrates a humility that we need to see emulated throughout our SBC culture.