We all knew it was coming, but it has happened. Fred Luter has been elected unanimously and enthusiastically elected president of the SBC, our first African-American president. It was exciting to be part of this great celebration. But before we break our arms patting ourselves on the back, the job isn't done. If we view this as the finish line, we will have erred. This is a step in the process. A good step. A big step. But just a step. I had a thought this week. The next major step in racial reconciliation will be when black men are regularly considered as candidates for and pastors of … [Read more...] about President Fred Luter
Thank you, Bryant Wright
Two years ago, I voted against Bryant Wright twice. I was stupid twice. He has been a great SBC President. Actually, I'd still vote for my friend Leo Endel, but if he couldn't win, I'm so glad Bryant did. … [Read more...] about Thank you, Bryant Wright
Presentation of Motions
The introduction of motions is often a silly season during the SBC. There are a few good motions every year, a few nit-picky type motions, one or two personal crusades, and some downright silly ones. 1) No presentation of motions session would be complete without a Wiley Drake sighting. Wiley moved that the New SBC president be instructed to study and report on the subject of Imprecatory prayers. That motion almost died for lack of a second. It will die soon. 2) I was walking to my seat when Todd Littleton made his motion concerning Richard Land. The gist, as I got it, was to affirm our … [Read more...] about Presentation of Motions
Bloggers and Beignets Tonight
I'm looking forward to meeting with bloggers and blog readers tonight after the session (supposed to end at 9) at Cafe du Monde. If you are walking, take a right out of the hall, walk past the Hilton and around the bend. Take a right at Decatur and go to the cafe. It's about 1.2 miles, from Mapquest. There is also a trolley you can pick up down on the river. Costs 1.25, I'm told. I'm wearing the lime green (more embarrassing than I thought). . If you see me, join me!! Hope to see you there. … [Read more...] about Bloggers and Beignets Tonight
NOLA Won’t Be Boring for Baptists
You never know when the rumors swirl if they are truth or just the Baptist grapevine, but this is certainly going to be an interesting week at the SBC. 1) Of course, electing Fred Luter as the first African-American president of this convention is the highlight, and I think everyone wishes we could elect him and go home. No such luck. The narrative of racial harmony may be encroached upon by some of the other factors. 2) Lost in the discussion is the significant vote about the Great Commission Baptists moniker. That vote will tell you where the wind lays in this convention. A couple … [Read more...] about NOLA Won’t Be Boring for Baptists
Tony Evans Brings IT!!
Why I Said “Yes”
An odd thing happened last Saturday. I am headed to Taiwan in a month for a two-week mission trip. I was sweating it out at the church, running a yard sale to raise funds to buy the plane tickets (purchased Tuesday - a miracle of provision). While I was trying to encourage customers to purchase the junk I was peddling, I got a text message. "Dave, some of us have been talking and we think you should be nominated for 2nd VP of the Convention." You don't get a text like that every day. My initial response was, "okay." But after I talked to a few friends about it I began to have second … [Read more...] about Why I Said “Yes”
Interacting with Thom Rainer’s “Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts”
Thom Rainer, the president of LifeWay, has written a wonderful blogpost entitled, "Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts." It is must reading for those of us who blog or comment. I identify with everything he said. Take a minute, click the link and read the entire post. Waiting........... Good, you are back! Now, let's look at and examine each of Rainer's points. Rainer's Excellent Points The points here are copied directly from Rainer's post. The comments are mine. 1) A controversial post often creates sides, dividing people who probably agree … [Read more...] about Interacting with Thom Rainer’s “Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts”
Bloggers and Beignets: Cafe Du Monde! Monday, 9 PM, Be There!!
There has been a lot of enthusiasm for having a bloggers' get-together during the Convention. After some discussion, it seems like the best time to do this is Monday night, right after the closing session of the Pastors Conference (scheduled to end at 9:00 PM). And, if it is New Orleans, it has to be Cafe do Monde. Now, that is little more than a mile from the Convention Center. I don't know if any of the buses run that way, but who among us couldn't use a brisk walk (followed by pastries)? You are invited. Bring friends. Unless someone wealthy comes along, you are responsible for … [Read more...] about Bloggers and Beignets: Cafe Du Monde! Monday, 9 PM, Be There!!
Defining the “New Baptist Majority”
The Blog world tends to be transitory. This week I posted an article by Mike Bergman about baptism, and it got a few comments. Four years ago, baptism was one of the hottest topics in the blogosphere and an article like that might have blown up. Moderate alcohol consumption, tithing and other topics have had heir moment in the sun. Of course, Calvinism has remained front and center throughout all of this. I have tended to be reactive, writing on whatever seemed to be the hot topic at the moment. But I have come to a series of convictions that I want to keep in front of our readers, … [Read more...] about Defining the “New Baptist Majority”