Yesterday, the Executive Committee’s ERLC task force released their report. You can find the Baptist Press story here. The task force was formed at the February 2020 meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee. The rationale given at the time was anecdotal concerns related to churches withholding Cooperative Program dollars because of disagreement with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. I will begin by saying that I am thankful they released the report prior to the EC’s meeting later this month. Too often over the last couple of years the EC has acted in … [Read more...] about The full EC should reject the ERLC task force report outright
Winning the Abortion Debate in America
Pro-life Americans have long focused a great deal of attention on Roe vs. Wade. And rightly so. It is among the most unjust decisions ever handed down by the United States Supreme Court. I long for the day when it is overturned. Conservatives are rightly thrilled with the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett. If Scalia's judicial philosophy is hers, then her judicial philosophy is mine. The United States Constitution should be interpreted as it was written. If Americans don't like what was written, there's a process for amending the Constitution. But that responsibility does not belong to … [Read more...] about Winning the Abortion Debate in America
#SBC21 Hotel Reservations Open Tomorrow
Are you planning to join 10,000 of your closest friends in Nashville in June for the SBC Annual Meeting? If so, make sure you are at your computer at 9am EDT tomorrow (October 1) so you can make your hotel reservation. The website is sbcannualmeeting.net. I'm told there are over 1,400 hotel rooms for messengers at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. That's a lot more than are usually available at the convention hotel, but they will still go quickly. Don't hesitate. Lord willing, I'll see you in Nashville! … [Read more...] about #SBC21 Hotel Reservations Open Tomorrow
Still no report from the ERLC study task force
The SBC Executive Committee voted back in February to form a study task force to “review the past and present activities” of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). It was reported at the time that the task force would report back to the Executive Committee by September. The EC met today virtually. Not a word was mentioned about the ERLC study task force. The abbreviated meeting was held online due to safety concerns related to the pandemic. EC Chairman Rolland Slade said that he hopes to have a full meeting in February. He said, "We all know that there are a number of … [Read more...] about Still no report from the ERLC study task force
To the LU Board of Trustees
To the LU Board of Trustees, I'm sure the last couple of weeks have been extremely difficult for you in your role on the board of trustees at Liberty. I trust it is your desire to lead the University forward with integrity. As a graduate of Liberty, I feel that you deserve to know my most recent thoughts. The information that continues to be revealed about Jerry and Becki Falwell's abuse of their positions at Liberty to prey on young men is absolutely disgusting. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 5:1a where Paul writes, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and … [Read more...] about To the LU Board of Trustees
Hopeful for a new day at LU
You have heard by now that Jerry Falwell Jr. has resigned as the President of Liberty University. I don't need to recount for you all the sordid details that led to his forced resignation. I am a graduate of Liberty University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership and Biblical Exposition in 2010. The 3 1/2 years I spent at Liberty were some of the best years of my life. My professors were top-notch. It was at Liberty that I learned how to study the Bible and preach it to others. My love for the local church grew during my time at Liberty. I developed friendships that I … [Read more...] about Hopeful for a new day at LU
More Executive Committee transparency, please
The Mike Stone reign at the Executive Committee has come to an end. That is a very good thing for Southern Baptists. His time as chairman of the Executive Committee has been a disaster in numerous very public ways. His fumbling of the sexual abuse issue was a huge embarrassment for our convention of churches. Yesterday it was revealed that he is a part of the steering council for the Conservative Baptist Network. You'll notice that he's not the only member of the EC that is a part of this group. I count six. Two of them are officers. It's interesting, but not surprising, that Paige … [Read more...] about More Executive Committee transparency, please
Good Friday Reflections
In recent weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we deal with suffering as Christians. Those reflections are especially appropriate on Good Friday. We know that suffering is a part of life in a fallen world. The impact of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden is still being felt today. This world is broken. Things are not as they should be. We await a Savior who will make all things new. But until then, we must learn to deal with suffering in a way that pleases our Lord. As a pastor, I have the great privilege of walking with people in their suffering. I’ve often seen God’s people suffer … [Read more...] about Good Friday Reflections
Back to the Basics
This is a time of uncertainty. COVID-19 has swept through our nation, with the total number of cases in the United States exceeding 100,000 today. Schools have been shut down. Businesses have closed. Many of those who still have a job are working from home. The President just signed a 2.2 trillion dollar economic relief bill to help prop up an economy that has been in a free fall. Things are far from normal. Churches have not been immune to the effects of this Coronavirus pandemic. Churches have had to alter the way they do ministry. Almost no churches are meeting in person right now. Many … [Read more...] about Back to the Basics
Floyd explains Vision 2025
We've had several articles here about the happenings at the SBC Executive Committee Meeting last week. On Monday night, Ronnie Floyd presented his new plan called Vision 2025 to the Executive Committee. William published an article on the plan here at SBC Voices. But Vision 2025 was quickly overshadowed by the actions the Executive Committee took the following day. It's one of my frustrations with the EC right now. We should be focusing on Vision 2025. Instead, it was almost forgotten just as quickly as it was presented. But today in Baptist Press, Dr. Floyd published an article with … [Read more...] about Floyd explains Vision 2025