Some unexpected things have already happened. Speculation is rampant, but then, we are SBCers and we always speculate about things. It doesn’t cost a thing. Here you go…from the hacking and plodding SBC hinterlands: J. D. Greear can stir the pot, as we have seen. Any more surprises, JD? Here, take this giant Baptist spoon […]
SBC Voices NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge 2019
Well, nothing brings productivity to halt like March Madness. Unless you’re a Hog fan, but I digress. For those who are interested, we are doing our annual bracket challenge through ESPN. Here’s the information: This message is from John Hibbard who is challenging you to play Tournament Challenge on ESPN.com. Get in on the […]
Our housing allowance: safe for now with appeals court ruling
We clergy love our minister’s housing allowance and want to keep it. It’s our very own Sacred Clergy Tax Break and the most important item in the tax code that recognizes clergy and gives us favorable treatment under the tax law. Unsurprisingly, some want to clean up the tax code and eliminate the tax break […]
Good Ides of March news: Housing Allowance upheld
Our Sacred Clergy Tax Break safe for now. Ruling of the federal appeals court is in. Scintillating commentary to follow when I feel sufficiently scintillated. Court protects ministers from $1B tax lawsuit Here is another report, from a source not many among us read: Appeals Court: Tax-Free Housing for Faith Leaders (But Not Atheists) is […]
I Am Embarrassed by My State Paper, The Baptist Message
One week ago I wrote my first draft of this article, then I didn’t post it because I realized I was angry and my words were not appropriate nor were they even coherent due to my frustration. Thus, I have waited until today when the hard copy of the article to which I was responding […]
Constitutional Amendment? Credentials Committee? How Shall We Address Sexual Abuse in the SBC?
Southern Baptists stand in agreement that we must demonstrate to the world that sexual abuse is a wicked thing, that we will protect and minister to victims, and that the days of cover-up among us have come to an end. When we leave our Annual Meeting in Birmingham, we want to have spoken with one […]
Inquiries, investigations, and registries: It’s complicated
“The subject of a database is complicated and will take time to evaluate” That was J. D. Greear’s statement to the Executive Committee not quite three weeks ago. Seems like ages have past since he named churches and spoke to the group about sex abuse in the SBC. That all Southern Baptists at every level […]
Resources on Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response
One of the things we’ve learned recently is that we need to learn a lot more on the subjects of sexual abuse and prevention. Below I’ve tried to compile a starter list of resources I’ve found helpful and insightful. Please add resources in the comments you’re aware of that will help pastor and churches grow […]
Lyell Statement on Sexual Abuse Released, Details Circumstances of SBTS Professor Resignation
Yesterday details were made public about a Southern Seminary professor and the circumstances surrounding his resignation. Dr. David Sills resigned in May 2018. Baptist Press gave no specific reason for his resignation at that time but alluded that there were moral concerns. In a statement published at lyellstatementonabuse.com, one of Sills’ former students gives her account […]
Trinity Baptist Pastor Rodney Brown Seeks Forgiveness, Apologizes to SBC, Greear, Victims of Former Staff Member
In a stunning but welcome turn of events, last night Trinity Baptist (Ashburn, GA) pastor Rodney Brown released a statement in the Georgia Christian Index apologizing for his handling of a situation with a staff member accused of sexual abuse. Brown apologized and asked for forgiveness from a number of different people during the course […]
Perspectives from a Seminary Wife: Spiritual Growth, Academics, and Where the Church Falls Short (Rachel Reeves)
When it comes to involvement in ministry, church attendance, and overall biblical knowledge, I would venture to say that I would land with the majority of churchgoers, and many (specifically in the Bible Belt) would likely share numerous experiences with me. I was raised in church. My parents ensured that I attended, they were involved […]
The Church, the Gospel, and the LGBTQ+ Community
Following the special called General Conference of the United Methodist Church, Adam Hamilton, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, held a discussion with his church about the future of Methodism. In the hour-long video Hamilton argues that the Bible contradicts itself on many issues and that it promotes views of marriage and sexual ethics […]