Tony Campolo to Baptists: Give more

Tony Campolo has told British Baptists that they are “not giving enough”.

The popular evangelical Baptist and sociologist made the comments during an address to the Baptist Union of Great Britain at its General Assembly in London.

Mr Campolo said he could not believe that BMS World Mission – the Baptist mission agency - was struggling for funds.

“What could be more important than giving to mission? … You’re not giving enough,” he said.

He warned that Christians needed to be more giving not only in their finances but also in their lives.

“We are willing to be Christian up to a point. I’m calling you to go beyond that point and meet the needs of others.

“If you’re not willing to do that, you’re going to let this Baptist movement die.”

He went on to say that Jesus does not ask for believers but for disciples.

“A disciple is willing to do what the master tells them to do,” he said.

Mr Campolo encouraged Baptists not to be “despondent” in post-Christendom Britain and share their faith with others.

“Don’t tell me you’re not able to be a witness,” he said. “God can use you in spite of your shortcomings.”

As the Church of England remains divided over women in the episcopate, Mr Campolo took a swipe at opposition to women in ministry in other denominations.

“We’re with the women in ministry because we believe it’s biblical.”

He also had something to say about homosexuality, saying that while his personal conviction was conservative, the church had to be loving to all people.

“We Baptists are awakening to the fact that we have not treated our LGBT friends as Jesus would have us,” he said.

“If you don’t love those who are the outcasts of society you are not a true Christian.”