We've got some big news to announce today. Our team has been working to maximize the benefit of this year's SBC Pastors' Conference for those of us who pastor average-sized churches. Our speakers are drawn from that demographic. The Caskey Center, our major partner for this year's PC, specializes in equipping what they call "smaller-membership churches." Caskey has a number of program elements designed with us in mind: Common Ground Testimonies are one example. They're also releasing new research at the SBCPC designed to strengthen smaller church leadership and health. While this focus … [Read more...] about Can’t Afford the Trip to Phoenix? Scholarships Available
Young Leaders Advisory Council Survey
The SBC Executive Committee appointed a 22-member Young Leaders Advisory Committee to explore ways to engage young leaders in SBC life. Baptist Press reported on the council and their initial work last week. Quoted from the BP article, SBC EC Vice President Ken Weathersby said: "The council is working to provide concrete ways for young leaders to actively be involved in the life of the convention. We want to know what steps we need to take to make sure their voices are heard and that they are providing leadership in every aspect of the convention." You can help by completing an online … [Read more...] about Young Leaders Advisory Council Survey
Tips for a Great 2017 Pastors’ Conference Experience
We’re about 80 days out from the 2017 SBC Pastors’ Conference. This year's conference is designed to highlight expository preaching from 12 pastors of average-sized SBC churches. This hasn't been tried before, but as plans have come together I'm even more optimistic than ever this format is going to be a huge blessing. Since I've seen some of the details of what's planned, I wanted to pass along my thoughts on how to have the best possible experience at this year’s Pastors’ Conference. 1. Attend all four sessions. Our unique format means you'll want to be there for the beginning of the … [Read more...] about Tips for a Great 2017 Pastors’ Conference Experience
ERLC Executive Committee & Russell Moore Release Public Statement
This afternoon the ERLC posted an article called Seeking Unity in the Southern Baptist Convention which includes separate statements from the ERLC Executive Committee and Russell Moore. I recommend reading the entire article here, even as I've tried to pull some of the more notable sections. Notable quotes from the ERLC Executive Committee: ... It is in this difficult context that Dr. Russell Moore has exercised leadership with integrity and with boldness. We affirm Dr. Moore in his leadership of the ERLC... ... Over the last few months, Dr. Moore has engaged in numerous private … [Read more...] about ERLC Executive Committee & Russell Moore Release Public Statement
Frank Page Is Not Asking Russell Moore to Resign – Update: Positive Joint Statement Released After Meeting
This morning a Washington Post article detailed the history of the opposition to Russell Moore. The article contained a summary of the situation and a look at the current dynamics at play. In many ways, the article fairly represented the situation. However, there was at least one aspect that led to the completely wrong conclusion and ended up exploding on social media. Bailey wrote that Page would not rule out asking Russell Moore to resign during a private meeting they had scheduled for this afternoon. The moment I read that sentence, I sensed something wasn't right. Frank Page knows how … [Read more...] about Frank Page Is Not Asking Russell Moore to Resign – Update: Positive Joint Statement Released After Meeting
Important Statements of Support for Russell Moore
The past week has seen several notable statements of support for Dr. Moore's continued leadership at the ERLC. We've covered most of them in individual posts but I thought it might be helpful to compile some of the most important here together. Yesterday morning, Matt Chandler tweeted a strong word of support: "@drmoore was 1 of the reasons @villagechurchtx re engaged in Southern Baptist life. Hope they don't now force out a man we love". Chandler is another leader many younger Southern Baptists hold in high esteem and I haven't known him to make many public statements about this kind of … [Read more...] about Important Statements of Support for Russell Moore
NAAF President Byron Day – Calls for Unity, Moore ‘Outstanding’ as ERLC President
David Roach at Baptist Press reported this evening that Byron Day released an open letter calling for reconciliation between Russell Moore and his critics (Article: NAAF pres. urges 'reconciliation' among Moore, critics). Day is the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Laurel, Maryland and current President of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, a network of over 4,000 "predominately African American pastors and churches affiliated with" the SBC. Recent past presidents of the NAAF include K. Marshall Williams, Sr., and Dr. A. B. Vines, Sr. The letter … [Read more...] about NAAF President Byron Day – Calls for Unity, Moore ‘Outstanding’ as ERLC President
Open Letter to Jack Graham from NOBTS Students
This is the text of the open letter to Jack Graham by six NOBTS students. The letter was first delivered to Graham during this morning's visit to the NOBTS campus. It was released at their website, iheartcpblog.wordpress.com and they offer the option to add your name to the document. Graham preached chapel today at NOBTS and the students made "I Heart CP" t-shirts and asked questions during a forum time requested by Graham. We've covered some of the details as students have written about the situation & their concerns. I'm thankful for this letter as it's gracious, measured, but pointed … [Read more...] about Open Letter to Jack Graham from NOBTS Students
NOBTS Student T-shirts Available & Updates Throughout the Day
Today at NOBTS Jack Graham is scheduled to speak in chapel. A group of students has composed a letter to Graham, open for fellow students to sign. They were up last night printing 200 "I Love CP" t-shirts that will be available this morning beginning at 6am. Jack Graham as requested a Q&A time with NOBTS students. It should be a fascinating day and my goal is to keep you updated in the comments section of this post. 316Tees Shop says that their t-shirt designs will set the tone and the most important aspect is that they use inspired designs, and not imitations for you to wear unique … [Read more...] about NOBTS Student T-shirts Available & Updates Throughout the Day
The Story Behind the NOBTS Letter to Jack Graham & CP T-Shirt Project
Devin Haun is a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and associate pastor at Grace Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA. He's a service manager at The Bomb Factory, a hot rod shop in New Orleans, and has appeared on The History Channel's Big Easy Motors. He also runs a small screen printing shop. He's been married for five years and he and his wife have one daughter. I asked Devin if he would tell us about the events planned for Tuesday at NOBTS in his own words. Hello world, my name is Devin Haun and I am a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I am sure many that … [Read more...] about The Story Behind the NOBTS Letter to Jack Graham & CP T-Shirt Project