Archives for 2013

My daughter Bethany, her friend Katie and I played a little game last night and I thought it might be fun for the readers of SBC Voices to play along. The game was simple. I read a tweet from Joel Osteen, from Mark Driscoll, or from Tim Keller. They had to identify the author from the tweet. I've created a quiz for you here. I added in the good Rev. Dr. Ed Stetzer for you Baptist bloggers. There are 5 tweets from each of these four men. A few of them (especially Osteen's) are no-brainers. The rest might be tougher than you think. Your job, if you choose to accept it, is to identify the … [Read more...] about Keller, Stetzer, Driscoll and Osteen: You Make the Call (Revised – with answers)

Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. Proverbs 22:28 It is my belief that one of the most significant battles in the church today (perhaps second only to the Calvinism wars), is the divergence in attitude, outlook and approach to ministry between us old fogeys and you young whippersnappers. The older, more traditional, more established folks tend to view the youngsters as half-cocked, wild-eyed radicals and the youngsters tend to view us as hidebound, tradition-mired, stick-in-the-muds. Perhaps it has always been this way. It has been a long time (32 years) since … [Read more...] about Respect the Ancient Markers, Whippersnapper!

I have been learning about leadership for the last 10 years in the church culture.  I have taken classes, watched podcasts, heard lectures and speeches, read books and heard it talked about ad nauseum by individuals who believe leadership is next to Godliness.  I have come to the conclusion that leadership is a great thing that often becomes an idol.  Here is what led to that opinion. Biblical leadership is not glamours.  It's hanging out with people while speaking truth, but not really being anyone important.  It's helping and serving and washing nasty feet.  It is without title or … [Read more...] about Some Thoughts on Leadership

So far, 28 men (plus my little baby boy Josh) have signed up for the Fitness Challenge. So, the first question here is: what is your plan? What is your strategy for the "Battle of the Bulge?" I'm headed out for a walk with my wife. My biggest needs are reduced diet and consistent (reasonable exercise). As a former marathon runner, I tend to go at it too hard, get incredibly sore and then can't exercise consistently. I am also trying one more radical thing, for the month of August. I'm carnivorous - I love steak, ribs, etc! But for one month I'm going vegetarian. It's sweet corn and … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge: What’s Your Plan?

I am only about a week late on this, but seeing that I have an earned doctorate in procrastination, that is pretty good. This is our SBC Voices "Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor" challenge, and it is officially underway (underweigh?). The following men have indicated they want to be in. If you'd like to join us, please feel free - you can get in at any time, though the longer you wait (weight? - sorry, I'll stop now) the more of a head start the rest of us will have. The goal, simply, is to lose weight between now and the end of the year. The challenge is designed to provide support, encouragement, … [Read more...] about It’s ON! The SBC Voices “Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor” Challenge (Updated)

Thom Rainer's blog (thomrainer.com) is a must-read for any Southern Baptist pastor. Every post has factual, practical wisdom based on both sound research and biblical principles. (Send the check to my church address, Dr. Rainer). His latest post buttresses a statement my dad used to make about a study done years ago, showing the unrealistic expectations of congregations on their pastors. This one was performed by Dr. Rainer himself with his deacons at a church he served previously. It is entitled, "How Many Hours Must a Pastor Work to Satisfy the Congregation?"  - the title pretty much … [Read more...] about Ministry Migraines: Dealing with Members’ Unrealistic Expectations

Okay I cannot prove that the ancient Hebrews did not have coffee mugs. But I do know that if they did they would not put Bible verses on them the same way that we do. If I paint Philippians 4:13 in eye black and go out and play a tremendous game of church league softball, you know the statement that I’m making. I’m saying “I can do all things [like kick your tail in softball] through him who strengthens me.” End quote. That is not the case with the way that the New Testament writers would quote the Old Testament. When Jesus says from the Cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” He … [Read more...] about Jews Didn’t Have Coffee Mugs

Sing with me! ....Red and Yellow, Black and Normal, They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world! In 1954, psychologist Muzafer Sherif conducted what is now known as the Robber's Cave experiment.  The participants in the study were 24 boys, all roughly 12-years old, who were from basically identical backgrounds.  Essentially, the experiment demonstrated the speed with which people form cliques and engage in hostile behavior towards those who are not a part of us.  Apparently, everyone assumes, "I'm basically good and normal, and everyone who is not me is not … [Read more...] about Deviant!

HOW TO HANDLE A TRAYVON-ZIMMERMAN MOMENT BY WILLIAM DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR. No one disputes that George Zimmerman initiated the communication with Trayvon Martin. No one disputes that Neighborhood Watch Volunteers are trained not to carry a weapon. No one disputes that Neighborhood Watch Volunteers are trained not to personally intervene if they observe a suspicious person or activity, but rather notify law enforcement. No one disputes that the 911 dispatcher counseled Zimmerman not to pursue Trayvon. No one disputes that Trayvon had just as much right to be on those premises in Samford, … [Read more...] about How to Handle a Trayvon-Zimmerman Moment (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)