Ohio Baptist Churches history - Chapter 8 review

"An additional result of the conflict between the states appeared in the worsening plight of the small Baptist congregations, which could not sustain ample pastoral support. Having been deprived quite frequently of their meager pastoral leadership during the war years, the small congregations could not adequately sustain their vitality in many cases. Even churches in county seat towns were often without ministers, and became increasingly feeble and extinct. [John Buell] Sackett, having been given the title of 'Exploring Missionary' in addition to being the corresponding secretary, reported with alarm, 'There are more than one hundred Churches destitute of the stated ministry of the word—mostly small and inefficient—in a half-living, half-dying condition.' 'Inefficient' was the important word, a term used for a century to describe the unsuccessful and declining church. Factors such as shifts in population, or an overabundance of various sectarian groups were seldom mentioned. The 'inefficiency' seemed more to weigh upon the guilt of the congregation, or, as one report described it, 'a want of that deep toned earnest piety, or whole and honest hearted devotion to the cause of God and religion.' " --A quote from Chapter 8, "The Convention, 1861-1881: Struggle for Coherence"

James M. Hoyt (1815-1895) was the president of the Ohio Baptist Convention for 24 years; pictured.

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