What I do with they had at the SBC is more breakout sessions, debates, lectures, and seminars. It would be great to see a debate on women’s roles in ministry or on exclusivism v. inclusivism or differing views of hell or any number of theological issues that would spotlight our fine theological minds in the SBC and help us as Pastors to be prepared for arguments that come our way. It would also be great to see some more younger guys doing smaller breakout style sessions. Overall, I would like to see more events geared toward education and theological and philosophical advancement, rather than just a business meeting and pastor’s conference.

Business meeting?! Really?

PS Went to Phoenix and Vegas… confirmed my worst fears.

Do we, even us young preachers, have the stomach to make time for our responsibilities, like attending the SBC, or must everything we do be for our own encouragement and edification?

Not belittling going to things that are encouraging. Personally, though, I think we might be better to put a lot of effort into doing smaller, more local things to encourage each other. It’s great to meet a pastor from the other side of the country that has the same struggles and see him, what, every year, maybe? But is it not better to build a relationship with the pastor across town (or, here in the south, across the street!), and mutually encourage each other?

Just thinking through my fingers this morning…if you can go to both, have a blast!

If you’ll be at the SBC, I’ll see you there.

Dougs last blog post..Randoms thoughts of the week

Todd Buruss last blog post..What We Believe- Article XVII, Religious Liberty

Let me say at the outset that I am really proud of most of the “young, restless, and Reformed” bloggers that I read. You guys (and gals) are really sharp. And you make me proud. I think that you should be allowed “a place at the table” and should also “earn a place at the table.” You are surely the “brain trust” upon which we will have to draw in the not-to-distant-future. And I for you thank the Lord for your zeal for personal evangelism, world missions, and church plants.

Concerning the Advance Conf. vs the SBC Annunal meeting, I have one question to pose. I was going to make a comment but I think it will better serve the discussion by asking a question. I set forth the question just after having read, “Why Johnny Can’t Preach!” I teach Speech Communication. And I have two daughters in their twenties. So I have some (?) credentials.

It seems to me that the younger generation, having been reared on the “flash and dash” of the electronics that are with us now, are drawn to the same type of thing in “church doings!” Is that so? If not, I need some corrective to my conclusions. Please help me here. I would tend to say that a majority of the younger SBC pastors might want to opt for the “flash and dash” of the Advance Conf. over against the “boring” nature of the SBC Annual meeting.

I do know the differences. I was young once too. I had “heroes of the faith” and those “stomp and snorters” (and I am not saying those who speak at the Advance Conf are this type) who influenced me. So I do not come into your domain accusing, I come as an “old timer” just asking. Will the intensity of the powerful personalities for the Advance Conference just be a bigger draw just because of what it is? Or will the actual content make the difference? Remember, there will always be Bible conferences that will “twist our crank.” But hopefully, the SBC is here to stay.

If there is a “tone” of any kind taken by anyone, it is not intended. Please forgive!

Will Jacksons last blog post..1 Baseball game, a swimsuit, and many diapers later…