Dan Barnes

The SBC Annual Convention just happened in Phoenix, and I'm sad I missed it. One that that is always discussed at the convention is the lack of evangelism that unfortunately is happening. Our friends at Lifeway report in an article entitled "Churchgoers Believe in Sharing Faith, Most Never Do" that 61% never share their faith and half never invite a person to attend church. We know that across the board in evangelical churches, the numbers are even lower. This has some pretty real ramifications for churches and church growth, planting and kingdom expansion. I am an educator and a life … [Read more...] about Passing The Evangelism Test

The scripture tells us that we need to confess to one another, that it brings healing. If you look in our world, in our nation, our churches, and our lives it's clear we need healing. I want to encourage you today to confess by taking some initiative today. I'm going to put myself out there and confess a few things today. First, I know that my priorities as a Christian should dictate, but I have to admit. I didn't care for Chick-fil-A. They are a great company and do great things, but I just don't care for it. I don't like it. I'm so ashamed. I don't enjoy golf. I have played, I own … [Read more...] about Confessions

We have all heard the data, the majority of churches in the United States are plateaued, not growing, or in decline. Statistically speaking, most of the pastors and leaders in the United States are in churches that are not growing. The numbers are even worse when you look at the percentages of churches that are growing and adding new believers as opposed to Christians from other churches and other areas. What can be done? I believe there are a few steps we can each take in our local context to make a difference. What better time than the Easter season? You will have more visitors this one … [Read more...] about Easter Visitors at a Plateaued Church

Hey SBC Voices world, I have been away for a while, testing out the theory that it's better to be silent and considered a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. Things in this country have been pretty shaky, which leads me to my letter today. I have message a little with Micah, but wanted to share my thoughts to him with all of you. I am up the lovely I-29 corridor from Micah's old stomping ground, and met him the few times he ventured out of the "south" to the "Midwest". That Missouri to Iowa transition can be tricky. Fries Family, including Haddon. During the presidential . . . fiasco … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Micah Fries and Family

If you feel like you are in spiritual isolation, I feel for you. My heart breaks for you and I pray that you can find connection soon. Unfortunately this article isn't for you. This is for the leaders, pastors, elders, deacons and regulars in the church today. I want to challenge you to consider if your church is one causing spiritual isolation. It's a real issue and we need to consider it. With the move from community church to mega church, there has been an impact even on smaller churches. We have moved from Sunday School to small group, we have tossed out much of the social activities … [Read more...] about The Danger of Spiritual Isolation

In seminary, we learned about a large group of men, the majority who start out in church work. They don't make it, they fall away and drop out. They don't make it. I remember thinking I was never going to be one of those. I was going to stay long term at a church. I was going to be like those men with great ministries because they put in the time. I finished seminary and went to the church I was going to spend decades serving.  This is where I was going to put down roots. My long tenure lasted 4 years and the decision was made I would resign. I wasn't voted out by the congregation, there … [Read more...] about Perspective From One Who Didn’t Make It

Unless you have been under a rock, you have heard about Kim Davis, the Kentucky Clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses because she does not support same sex marriage. There has been a ton of opinions on both sides, mostly in the form of memes on Facebook. Many support Davis, and many oppose Davis. She has become a polarizing icon, but should we rally behind her in this situation? Let me start out by saying the issue of same sex marriage is complicated. Marriage as a religious institution is defined by God as a union of a man and a woman. It's the foundation of building a family, … [Read more...] about Should We Celebrate Kim Davis?

I hang out in blog-land a lot, I write and read and comment. As bloggers, we know how to argue and disagree and say some pretty harsh things. Especially on some hot button issues. I would list them, but then someone would hijack the post to talk about them. On second thought, that will happen anyway, so let's list them. Calvinism Vs Traditionalism, Alcohol, complementary vs egalitarian, and many more. We even fight over if Lifeway curriculum is the best (which it is). My fellow bloggers, perhaps it's time to put the focus on our differences on a back burner. We have some issues that I would … [Read more...] about Maybe We Should Shift our Focus

To say I dislike abortion is a major understatement.  I believe in my heart that the practice of contraception through abortion is beyond unjustifiable. Let me start by saying I am not interested in the "what about rape and incest"  argument because those account for less than 1% of all abortions.  I don't want to discuss the "what if the mother's life is in danger"  because that has always been legal as a medical emergency.  I'm talking about the 99% of abortions in which a man and woman have unprotected (or failed protected)  consensual sex that results in pregnancy. That pregnancy is … [Read more...] about Planned Parenthood, Enough is Enough

There are many experts on church health and church growth who work for the convention,  Lifeway,  state offices and parachurch ministries who I am sure have a list of reasons why the SBC is Shrinking.   I want to share one thought with you today.   I've been part of a handful of churches both as a member and on staff.   I have been part of growing churches and learned great lessons from them.   I have been part of platued churches and learned a few things.  I have sat in declining churches and taken a few notes,  and I have seen a few things in common. In my opinion,  the number one reason … [Read more...] about My Unqualified Opinion on the Shrinking SBC