First, I would like to say that I am very grateful and humbled that Tony asked me if I was interested in being promoted to Editor and to really start leading the site. Yesterday I accepted Tony’s offer. In his post yesterday he jokingly said it was after intense negotiation. There was no such negotiation. I was thrilled that he asked me and once I understood what exactly I was getting into I happily accepted.
There are a couple of reasons why I accepted the offer and why I am excited about the opportunity. First, I have believed in the direction of this site from the beginning and have enjoyed writing for it. In my opinion, SBC Voices, is the most bi-partisan SBC group site that exists. There are many other SBC group sites that are great, but SBC Voices is unique in that we allow everyone to have a voice. We link to Al Mohler’s all the way down to the Southern Baptist who just enjoys to write and loves their convention. (we even link to the ones that seem to hate our convention)
As far as I can tell the aggregator will always be a central purpose for SBC Voices. It will even stay front and center on the page. SBC Voices is not here to be a unified voice within the SBC. We are hear to let all Southern Baptist Voices speak for themselves.
The second reason I have accepted the offer to be the Editor of this site is because I believe in the Southern Baptist Convention. I believe in our missions, our theology, but most importantly I believe in the people of the SBC, especially our leadership. Dr. Russell Moore once said when people ask him about the future of the SBC he no longer gives philosophy of denominationalism, but rather he names people. That is exactly what SBC Voices is here to do. This site is about Southern Baptists.
Do not get me wrong, we will look at the future of the SBC, its direction, philosophy of denominationalism, etc. and that is because we care about our convention, but all of that will come second to our focus of letting Southern Baptists be heard.
There is going to be a few changes when it comes to contributors. A few of our old contributors asked to be released of duty, and they have been. I have already added one person who is a trustee for the IMB, SBC pastor, and a seminary professor. I have added a couple seminary students, and a person who has been a Youth Pastor in some of the largest churches in the SBC. I want all SBCer’s who are interested to please e-mail me at matt_svoboda@hotmail.com and we will see about you contributing to the site. I want the small, rural SBC pastor, the layman who just believes in his/her convention and anyone else who is interested.
I’m excited about the future of this site. The content written here at SBC Voices will be a step up as we gain more quality contributors. Thankfully, a few of the old contributors have asked to continue to be a part of SBC Voices and I happy thanked them for continuing.
Again, we are here so that all Southern Baptist types might be heard. With a diversity of voices I hope we can all discuss the convention that we love and try to be a catalyst for what we would love to see our convention become.
***In the comment thread I would love if you all told us what could be better about this site, how it could be more beneficial, and any other comments you might have.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Matt,
You might post the email that you would like folks to contact you at in this post. That way, people won’t have to go looking for it. I also wanted to say that I would love to continue contributing posts as I can. I hit a busy spell in my schooling and my free time and blogging time has come to a standstill.
Jeff Musgraves last blog post..Springtime Rush
glad you accepted; you’ve always provided good food for thought in the blogosphere. keep it up
Matt, Glad Tony didn’t have to twist your arm.
Will be praying for you as you lead in this endeavor. I believe it is a site set apart from anything we have in the SBC. Tony was brilliantly inspired when he launched it. And I believe he was equally brilliant in designating you to help hold up his arms in the ministries he is doing. I’m honored to be a part of it. selahV
selahVs last blog post..WHEN YOU NEED TO PRAY, AND CAN’T
Matt, I’m at the “all the way down to the Southern Baptist who just enjoys to write” end of the scale, but I thoroughly appreciate this site, and especially that fact that it tries to be representative of the entire spectrum of SBC bloggers. And that is my only suggestion–try to maintain a cross-section of contributors who accurately represent the convention.
Barry Wallaces last blog post..Tony Kummer never sleeps
Matt,
Thanks for you and Tony taking the time to do this. Enjoy the site and the information you provide us with.
David R. Brumbelow
Barry,
I am glad to hear you say that because that is exactly what I want to do! I am hoping to pick up ‘a few big names’ which I already have 1, but I am certainly wanting to have contributors from across the spectrum. A couple big name writers will help though. Usually they have more knowledge of what is going on in the convention and lets be honest, they have more influence.
I know I am personally appreciative. I began my blog as an outlet to express all of the information I have on a daily basis. I am a prolific reader and before my blog, I “mentally” critiqued the books I read. My blog has become a way that I can do this so others can benefit from my hours of reading. I wanted my blog to be a way to help other Christians work though difficult issues and get out there in the world and begin to make a difference. SBC Voices has been a huge assest to me in this, I can’t be thankful enough for what Tony, and now you, have done. Thanks!
Olon Hydes last blog post..Hemorrhoids Heard in Heaven, Shocked by the Bible, Chapter 9