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The Executive Committee's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Task Force presented their report to the EC today. Task force chairman Mike Stone gave the presentation on behalf of the task force. He gave a brief explanation concerning the creation of the task force. He then went on to describe the work of the task force. We've written about the task force report here. And here. If you haven't read the actual report, I encourage you to do so. The baffling part of the presentation today was that no action was taken by the EC regarding the report. The report includes six recommendations … [Read more...] about No action on ERLC Task Force report

It's been a year since the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee last met in-person. It was at that meeting that the Executive Committee voted to usurp the authority of the duly elected Pastors' Conference President by giving him an ultimatum regarding the program. It was also in February 2020 that the EC took on the role of super trustees of the SBC's ERLC by launching an investigation into the entity. Today the Executive Committee begins its February meeting. Are we in in for more February surprises from the SBC entity that many Southern Baptists believe has gone rogue? You … [Read more...] about Are Southern Baptists in for more Executive Committee surprises?

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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