Archives for 2013

Note: Bart Barber was elected without opposition as 1VP of the SBC. As expected, Fred Luter, Jr was reelected for a second term, without opposition. In a few minutes, the election for 1 VP will take place. At this moment, I am not aware of any opposition to Bart's candidacy. We will see. Jared Moore faces a more formidable opponent early in the Wednesday morning session, a retired SBCT evangelism leader. I will post updates as they come. … [Read more...] about Elections

This is a very dangerous thought to put on paper, because it can come across so differently than I intend. I beg your indulgence and understanding to hear my heart if my words betray me. In 2005, I was the ultimate outsider. Other than my work with the Baptist Convention of Iowa, I was completely outside the power structure of the SBC in any way. I was a pastor in Sioux City, Iowa - that's about as far outside the SBC footprint as you can get. But I had some pretty strong opinions about some of the people who were running things in the SBC. It was (and is) pretty common to view the leaders … [Read more...] about Appreciation for the Leaders of the SBC

Motions brought forward at the first Miscellaneous Business Session: 1) Tim Overton (surprise) made a motion to banish the NIV from Lifeway and other entity use. This has been something of an ongoing crusade for him. The motion will almost certainly be ruled out of order, since it is the LifeWay Trustees that are tasked with making this decision. He has been to those Trustees, and pursued other avenues. 2) Didn't get the name, but a motion was made (really a resolution, but made in the form of a motion) for a more radical action on the Boy Scouts. Will likely be out of order to defer to … [Read more...] about SBC Session 1: Miscellaneous Business And Executive Committee

Without a doubt, the great moments of a convention are often not scripted or expected. The Pastor's conference was uneventful, but frankly, I was having meetings and "fellowship during most of it. The Calvinism Committee Report at the CP booth was packed out and wonderful. With the exception of some of the most extreme elements on both sides, the report seems to be well received by everyone. Hopefully, we will put into practice the ideals expressed. Monday evening's presentation by Tim McKenzie was unbelievable and moving. His "sermon" was nothing but scripture. He quoted the Bible for 35 … [Read more...] about SBC 2013: What to Expect

I asked a question on Alan Cross' excellent post of a couple of days ago - whether the current statistical malaise of the SBC was unique to us, or whether it more of a general problem in evangelicalism as a whole. I got my answer today from an expert on such issues, and it was one that I didn't like. The SBC has a real problem. Evangelicalism as a whole in America is fairly stable, even growing (though defining that term is pretty difficult). Other evangelical denominations are seeing growth. The SBC is at the beginning of a real, significant and scary statistical decline. If this trend is … [Read more...] about SBC, We Have a Problem

First of all, let me define my terms. I'm glad that people who are not able to attend the Annual Meeting of the SBC are able to live stream the proceedings and share their opinions on blogs and tweets and Facebook - that is great. But there has been a big push in recent years to decentralize the SBC, either by having regional sites or by allowing people to be messengers and participate from their homes and offices via computer. I can understand why people say that. It costs a lot of money to attend the convention and offsite participation would allow more people to be a part. If we simply … [Read more...] about Why I Would NOT Support Online Participation at the SBC

This was originally posted at Alan's site, Downshore Drift. SBC In Free Fall? How Far Will the Decline Go and Why Aren't We Talking About This? 5.5% decline in baptisms from 2011 to 2012 making this the worst year for baptisms since 1948. We now require 50 members of SBC churches to see 1 baptism per year. There are 105,000 less members than the year before. 188,000 less in worship attendance. We now have less than 16 million members and less than 6 million in worship. We have all known that the 16 million number is false and has been for some time. It might legitimately be half that. … [Read more...] about SBC In Real Statistical Decline Now. What’s Next (by Alan Cross)

I have received word that Bart Barber is going to be nominated by Pastor Steve Gaines as First Vice President of the SBC next week in Houston. I heartily and enthusiastically endorse Bart for that position and think that if he gets elected in spite of my endorsement, he will do an excellent job. But I have to be honest - he really annoys me, for two specific reasons. 1) When I agree with him, I often find myself thinking I wish I'd said it the way he did. 2) When I disagree with him, he is even more annoying, because he argues with unique perspectives and insight that is frustratingly … [Read more...] about Bart Barber to Be Nominated as First VP!

I hate talking about Calvinism on this blog. I hate it. For about 6 months, I pretty much banned it, with a few slip ups that I usually regretted. When the Calvinism committee issued its report, one of the things they called for was constructive engagement. Calvinists and non-Calvinists (including Traditionalists) need to talk to one another, calmly, biblically and graciously. So, I opened the door. And, of course, foodfights ensued! So, with much fear and trepidation, I am going to enter into the fray and try to add a perspective on the subject. I am committed to seeking to build unity … [Read more...] about Maintaining Unity: What Calvinists Must Do!

Louis, a frequent commenter on this and other blogs has given us part 2 in his series, "Two Thing I Hope Do Not Happen at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston, 2013."  Here is a link to Part 1, about Guidestone's decision to sell products beyond previous boundaries. The second matter that I am concerned about is how the SBC responds to the Boy Scouts. I am sure that several resolutions may be floating around already.  I have not read them. Who knows what may be presented on the floor of the Convention. It is no surprise to anyone that the Boy Scouts made a … [Read more...] about What I Hope the SBC in Houston Does NOT Do: Part 2 – Bash the Boy Scouts (by Louis)