Calvinism is never far from the front pages in the Southern Baptist Convention. It is a crucial topic and one of the hardest to discuss in a calm and productive manner. On September 15, I published an article saying that any future discussions of Calvinism here would have to be productive, not derisive. That is a hard thing to manage, and more than a few of you will think today that I violated my commitment on the subject. But we cannot be "SBC Voices" without addressing the subject that is at the root of much of the SBC's splintering. So, today we will be talking Calvinism all day - … [Read more...] about A Day Devoted to Calvinism at SBC Voices!
Life is GOOD! (The “Roll Tide” Edition)
Iowa Hawkeyes 24, Michigan Wolverines 16. Northwestern Wildcats 28, Nebraska Cornshuckers 25 LSU 9, Alabama Crimson Crud 6 Oh, yeah! … [Read more...] about Life is GOOD! (The “Roll Tide” Edition)
State Convention Meeting Forum
I'm leaving tomorrow to head to the Baptist Convention of Iowa Annual Meeting. Our meetings are almost always completely free of tension and drama of any kind. How about yours? If you attended your state convention meeting this year, tell us about it. This is pretty much an open forum for state convention related discussions. … [Read more...] about State Convention Meeting Forum
Trevin Wax’s Insights on the SBC Name Change
Is anyone tired of the discussion of the name change for the SBC? I am often amused by comments in which people express weariness of the discussions of certain topics. But I watch the statistics on this blog. In spite of what people say, there is a nearly unquenchable thirst for discussion of certain topics - Calvinism, alchohol, the GCR, whatever. What we sometimes run out of is fresh insights and we end up rehashing the same arguments over and over. Statistics would demonstrate that Southern Baptists care a lot about the issue of the name change. But I think we've been rehashing a … [Read more...] about Trevin Wax’s Insights on the SBC Name Change
It’s About Lives Changed, Not Churches Built!
When I left Cedar Rapids in 2005, after more than 14 years of ministry at my church there, it was a huge shock. I thought that I would one day retire as the pastor of that church and I used to tell people that my goal in ministry was to leave one solid church behind that would be my spiritual legacy. God showed me that this was not his will and I didn't understand it. We were settled in Cedar Rapids, happy in Cedar Rapids. Why did God move us? As time went on, I began to realize some reasons that God might have moved us across the state of Iowa to Southern Hills Baptist Church. The … [Read more...] about It’s About Lives Changed, Not Churches Built!
Defenders who Destroy? An Association’s Sad Decision
At their annual meeting, held October 17-18, the Daviess-McLean Baptist Association in Kentucky voted 104-9 to withhold fellowship from Pleasant Valley Community Church in Owensboro. The Western Recorder has reported the action and given the primary reason for the action as the fact that the church was "too Calvinistic." Associated Baptist Press also covered the story, mostly based on the story from the Western Recorder. Sadly, Baptist Press has not covered the story. The facts do not seem to be in dispute. The association brought no charges of heresy against Pleasant Valley. They did … [Read more...] about Defenders who Destroy? An Association’s Sad Decision
Name Change Suggestion: How about “Ephesus Baptist Convention?”
I wonder what name our Lord and Savior would give to the Southern Baptist Convention? I've spent a lot of time in recent years studying and teaching from Revelation 2 and 3, the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor. I'm going to give you my opinion, and you can take it for what it is worth. As I look at the SBC, the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 comes to mind. Would Jesus call us the "Ephesus Baptist Convention?" Jesus described the church at Ephesus in very complimentary terms in verses 2-3. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot … [Read more...] about Name Change Suggestion: How about “Ephesus Baptist Convention?”
Missing the Point by Magnifying the Gospel? Problems with Gospel-Centered Terminology
Sometimes, I love an unorthodox approach and Alan Cross published one a few weeks ago. It spurred my thinking on an issue that's been roiling around in my brain since I attended the Band of Bloggers meeting a while back. I know I'm going to come across as way more confrontational and critical than I want to, but there is a key issue at stake here. My goal here is not so much to correct as to fine-tune and refine. Alan Cross is one of those bloggers who consistently makes me jealous, leaving me to think “I wish I’d said that.” In a post with a title that would make any good Baptist gasp, … [Read more...] about Missing the Point by Magnifying the Gospel? Problems with Gospel-Centered Terminology
SBC Voices and sbcIMPACT! are Joining Forces. Welcome to Our New Contributors
It is with a mixture of joy and sadness that I make this announcement. The contributors at sbcIMPACT have decided to deactivate regular posting on that site - one of the SBC's best blogs in the four years it has been in operation. Their name was also a description - those writers made an impact on the life of the SBC. That's the sad part. Now the happy time! The writers from sbcIMPACT are going to join forces with SBC Voices and become part of our writing team. While they may not have the time to maintain the regular posting schedule at IMPACT, they still have lots to say. So, we will … [Read more...] about SBC Voices and sbcIMPACT! are Joining Forces. Welcome to Our New Contributors
I’m Ba-a-a-ack!
After a trip to Galena, Illinois with my wife, then a solo trip from Sioux City to Cedarville, Ohio, to Lynchburg, Virginia, to Cedarville to Boston to Cedarville (because my daughter left her purse in my car) and back to Sioux City, I am ready to return to action as a pastor and a blogger. I have some exciting news about the future of SBC Voices which I will be announcing in the next few days. I have a difficult decision to make. I forgot my razor when I left town 10 days ago, so I grew a beard. I, of course, look dashing, but there is a problem. My last beard was a) a flattering … [Read more...] about I’m Ba-a-a-ack!