I have read two posts this morning that I think are well worth your time to read. I will link to them and encourage you to go there. Alan Cross First, Alan Cross, who has been one of my favorite bloggers for some time, has a powerful article called "The Failings of Christendom." He says, "Christendom is the establishment of Christianity (or a version of it) as the state or accepted religion in the larger culture. It is the syncretism of Biblical Christianity with the goals and purposes of the prevailing world system, creating a mixed civil religion that looks Christian in its forms, … [Read more...] about IMHO: Blog-posts Worth Reading 10/6/2010
Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
I appreciate the intelligent and lively discussions we have here at SBC Voices. I thought it would be good for me to say a little bit about my philosophy and approach here. I have made a few small changes since I was appointed editor, and so I thought I should let you know my philosophy and policies for blogging and commenting. First of all, the point here is to have an open discussion of current trends and issues in the SBC and to deal with biblical topics. We do not have a single viewpoint here. We have contributors who are five-pointers and other who see n0 point in Calvinism. We … [Read more...] about Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
What are the books that have formed your views on ministry or have helped you to be more effective in what you do? I’m going to share mine. You share yours. Tell us the books you have read that have shaped and formed your ministry. Let’s all agree that the most important book is the Bible. We believe that the Bible is our final authority and shapes our lives and ministries more than any other book. We know that. The topic of discussion is other books which God has used in your life. 1) “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent and Barbara Hughes This book traces … [Read more...] about Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?
We are waiting for IMB to follow in NAMB's footsteps and name a new president. My hope is that when they make their nomination, they will forgo the "We have found God's Man" tactic that was used by NAMB trustees and their search committee. Ted Traylor, Bryant Wright and others put on a full-court press for the nomination of Kevin Ezell as NAMB president. They designated him as “God’s Man” for the job. Before I dig in, let me say that I think that Kevin Ezell may just be exactly the man we need at NAMB. NAMB needs a visionary leader – he seems to be that. NAMB needs integrity – everyone … [Read more...] about PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?
Cooperative Program Reality Check: Is the CP Really Our Sacred Cow?
Before I say some things that might rankle some feathers here, let me say that I am a supporter of the Cooperative Program. In the nearly 30 years that I have been a pastor, I have served 4 churches (3 as “senior” pastor). Two of those churches gave 20% or more through the CP. My last two churches have hovered in the 12 percent range. I say all that to point out that I am not saying what I am going to say to excuse my own CP failures. I’m not sure what you consider an acceptable CP standard, but all four churches I’ve served have, I think, met that standard. When I was convention … [Read more...] about Cooperative Program Reality Check: Is the CP Really Our Sacred Cow?
CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices
Since CB Scott has insisted on publishing constant drivel about the Albalama Crismon Tripe football team (yes, I'm bitter - my Hawks lost this week), I thought the best thing to do would be to provide him his own dedicated blog post which will be specifically for sports-related posts. Here are the rules: 1) Trash-talking, as long as it is good-natured and clean is strongly encouraged. 2) Those who diss the Tide will be commended. 3) Those who diss the Yankees or the Hawkeyes will be warned, then punished. Not sure what the punishment will be yet, but I will try to make it fit the … [Read more...] about CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices
Does Blogging Interfere with Real Ministry?
Bart Barber punched me in the gut today! He posted an article entitled "Why I Almost Never Blog Anymore" accompanied by this graph, which basically shows that the more he blogs, the fewer people his church baptizes. Bart is not suggesting that this is a scientific sample, as best I can tell. But his simple pictures speaks a thousand words. He has been one of my favorite bloggers for several years. He has a unique and powerful insight into scriptures, into Baptist history and doctrine, and into human behavior. He has been a voice of wit and wisdom, even though sometimes he has … [Read more...] about Does Blogging Interfere with Real Ministry?
Advice for Kevin Ezell and NAMB
I'll admit it. I was torqued off by Dr. Ezell's words to his church that disdained bloggers who criticized him. I was not among those bloggers, but I still felt the unfairness of the criticism. That thread was really active yesterday. But as the day wore on, the comments started to trend a little too negative for my comfort. There seems to be some real anger out there toward the SBC and its leaders and style. I understand that. I get a little frustrated at times. But I do not think that simply venting our anger is productive. Let's turn it positive (group hug, everyone). What … [Read more...] about Advice for Kevin Ezell and NAMB
New Voices Feature – “Brotherly Advice” – What Are the Mandates of the Church?
I need your help. I’m beginning a new series on Voices called “Brotherly Advice.” A few weeks ago, one of our regular commenters wrote anonymously to ask our advice on a situation in his church. We had a pretty good discussion of the issues he faced, and he received, I think, some helpful advice. I want to share an issue with you from my own ministry, and ask for your insight and opinions. And, in the future, if you want to ask a question to the blogging world, feel free to contact me. I will post your situation, anonymously or not. Struggling with a difficult member? Trying to … [Read more...] about New Voices Feature – “Brotherly Advice” – What Are the Mandates of the Church?
Disturbing Comments by Kevin Ezell
(NOTE: Kevin Ezell was elected as President of the North American Mission Board. The BP article did not tell what the vote count was. Congratulations Dr. Ezell!) I have not been involved in the debate about whether Kevin Ezell is qualified to be the president of NAMB. From everything I have been told, he is a talented leader and perhaps exactly the kind of visionary administrator that NAMB needs. We cannot afford a continuation of instability and dysfunction at the helm of this important mission organization. From what I have read, Ezell may be exactly what that organization … [Read more...] about Disturbing Comments by Kevin Ezell