QUESTION: What would you offer to N.C. Baptists as president of the Baptist State Convention?

ANSWER: As a young, non-aligned pastor of a growing, missions-minded church, I offer:

1. Balance - There is a critical need to continue the balance in our state that has led to the formation of the Committee of 20, unprecedented giving and a renewed sense of hope. Balance must be maintained between president of the Convention, president of the General Board and the executive director.

2. Innovative ideas - I will initiate cutting-edge ministries that will enable pastors and local churches to meet the next century challenges.

3. Fresh focus - Our rich heritage of diversity can deepen our commitment to missions and evangelism.

QUESTION: To which of the two identifiable groups - conservatives or moderates - do you more closely relate?

ANSWER: Though identifiably conservative theologically, I have purposefully remained non-aligned. Believing in the autonomy of the local church and the priesthood of the believer, I have chosen to lead my church to expand in the areas of missions and evangelism. Such an emphasis is reflected in Cooperative Program giving that ranks Green Street fourth in North Carolina and has led to an unprecedented year of church growth with almost 300 new additions (over 100 by profession of faith).

QUESTION: How do you view the concept and goals of the "Committee of 20"?

ANSWER: I am committed to the work, the people, the process and the spirit of unity that encompassed the Committee of 20. It is only because of the renewed sense of hope, balance and vision that emerged from this committee that I am allowing my name to be placed in nomination. The goals of this committee reflect the desire for reconciliation, building trust, maintaining balance that we have experienced for the last two years, ensuring truth in communication and de-politicizing our state convention by focusing on our core value of reaching people for Christ. This is my commitment to N.C. Baptists.

The 167th session Interviews with the candidates for president: (Sept. 27) Mac Brunson Jack Causey Candidates meet for agreement on 1997 presidential races (Sept. 27) James H. Royston, nominee for executive director-treasurer (Oct. 3) Messengers to make major decisions in 167th annual session (Oct. 11) Interviews with the candidates for second vice president: (Oct. 18) David Crocker Allan Blume The convention's program (Oct. 21) Interviews with the candidates for first vice president: (Oct. 25) Charlotte Cook Mike Cummings Candidates for president field tough questions from conservatives (Oct. 25) N.C. Baptist group homes to be proposed at BSC (Nov. 1) Biblical Recorder's circulation decline paralleled by other Baptist publications (Nov. 1)

QUESTION: If you lose the election for president, will you support your opponent?

ANSWER: I have always been cooperative and supportive of the association, state and national convention. My personal giving and the giving of the church I pastor reflect that support. Jack Causey is a friend and should he be elected president I will support him just as I have been cooperative all along. Over the past two years, we have seen what trust and balance can do. We are beginning to come out from under a heavy fog of distrust. We have the opportunity to pick up the mantle of reconciliation and trust and move forward.

QUESTION: Would and your church ordain a woman to become the pastor of a church? Yes or no? Why or why not?

ANSWER: The ordination of women to ministry is a local church issue and an individual matter which should not be a litmus test for fellowship. In my current and former pastorates, this has never been an issue. If it would arise, we would be congregational, as in every other matter. A more important aspect than ordination is the fruit of a congregation. In the past three years, Green Street Baptist Church has commissioned and sent two young women to full-time foreign mission work and we have two more women who have committed to foreign missions.

QUESTION: Does the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have a place/role within Southern Baptist life? Why or why not?

ANSWER: The N.C. Convention has made a place for the CBF by offering alternate giving plans. To be fair we must ask, "Shall this Convention remain committed to its stated purpose of cooperating with the Southern Baptist Convention?" We must also insist on balance in state convention committees, which President Mathis has worked so hard to achieve in the past two years. I will direct my efforts to give all those who call themselves N.C. Baptists a place in N.C. Baptist life. I will continue efforts to balance representation from churches committed to the SBC as well as those supporting to CBF.

QUESTION: What are the qualifications for individual Baptists to serve on the boards of the agencies, institutions and General Board of the Baptist State Convention?

ANSWER: 1. Active participation in the local church and support of the programs of the Baptist State Convention.

2. Believe in the mission of the institution/agency/board to which they are nominated.

3. Be sensitive to the feelings of N.C. Baptists.

I would maintain the system of trustee selection as it now exists and continue to build on the spirit of cooperation and fairness demonstrated by Greg Mathis and Mike Queen in the past two years.

QUESTION: What are the challenges/opportunities for N.C. Baptists in the 21st century?

ANSWER: These are encouraging and exciting days in N.C. Baptist life. With the coming of a new executive director and the work of the Committee of 20 there is a renewed spirit of cooperation and trust. We can carry out the work of the kingdom together now and into the next century. However, these critical days will shape our future and call for balance, new ideas and innovative ways to reach this generation for Christ. Our challenge is our opportunity.