According to an lengthy email sent tonight by Dr. Mohler's office, the seminary is facing a budget shortfall of up to $3.2 million for the remainder of this academic year. The President spoke of aggressive actions to balance the Seminary's budget including: a hiring freeze on non-critical positions reductions in travel and related expenses an immediate halt on future projects that are yet to be contracted and funded Even with these cutbacks, the Seminary projects up to $1.5 million in further reductions that will be necessary over the next several months. Further meetings are … [Read more...] about Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
Archives for December 2008
The Error of Manufacturing Holiness
Some of the most eye-opening indictments on our own failings as the Church come when we look back to the warnings that the Old Testament prophets delivered to Israel. One such warning that struck me acutely is found in the book of Haggai. In chapter 2, verse 12, Haggai asks the priests presiding over the Jews returning from exile a question about whether holiness can be transferred to an object by simply bringing it into contact with something God has made holy; a question to which the priests plainly answer "No." This is so pertinent today because we find ourselves just as guilty as the … [Read more...] about The Error of Manufacturing Holiness
Should We Change Our Name?
I love the Southern Baptist Convention. I am a Southern Baptist by conviction. Theologically and missions wise I feel that the Southern Baptist Convention is the strongest. I love the influence that the SBC has, but could our name be hurting our influence? Could the name 'Southern Baptist Convention' actually be holding our convention back? Yes.. You might be a little surprised by my answer, but I think that it is true. I was born in Nebraska and I talk to a lot of people from there. I also served in Indiana for awhile and spoke with many people up there. The church in Indiana was … [Read more...] about Should We Change Our Name?
THE GRIEF OF HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
It's hard to believe. Amid turkey-dinner plans, anticipated shopping trips, and gaily decorated stores, stands a group of folks who aren't excited. The turkey sounds dry, the shopping trips stagnant, and the season's "ho-ho-ho" greets a spirit of inaudible sighs of heaviness. That's right. Many folks do not take pleasure in the approaching holidays. A variety of reasons come to mind: expenses, booking flights, flights canceling, and dysfunctional families. I could write several posts on each of the lists that pop into my mind today. But today I want to focus on one. Grief. Do you … [Read more...] about THE GRIEF OF HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Video: Ed Stetzer On Why Change Is Hard In The Church
Here is a video clip from Dr. Ed Stetzer from September 2008. He is speaking at the Comeback Church Conference hosted by Hickory Grove North Campus, Charlotte, NC. In this two minute video he explains why pride is often the root of our unwillingness to change. There is a second clip from the conference where Dr. Stetzer talks about relevance in ministry context. … [Read more...] about Video: Ed Stetzer On Why Change Is Hard In The Church