We have had a fairly lively discussion of the Rev Dr. Plodder's post on pastor's salaries. A few pastors shared that they were paid above average, most claimed to be below average in compensation. I have another question that I thought might be an interesting discussion. Is your salary public information at the church? In my experience, it is common practice in smaller churches for the pastor's salary to be public information. In larger churches, that information is kept private. Often, the budget is presented with a line item that groups all staff and support staff … [Read more...] about Pastor: How Confidential is Your Salary?
The Dangers of Theological Systems
We love our systematic theology and our interpretational guidelines. Dispensational. Covenant. Calvinist (or non-Calvinist). Deeper life. Baptist Identity Gospel-centered or Christ-centered. There is a lot to be gained from theological systems. They help us unify and organize our thoughts and see consistent themes in the study of Scripture. They help us link Genesis to Leviticus to Matthew to Romans to Revelation. It is great to have an organizing hermeneutical principle when we are studying scripture. But these controlling hermeneutical principles have some inherent … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Theological Systems
When Does Sports Become Idolatry?
Evidently, there was a little football game last night. One overpaid, under-educated team defeated another overpaid, under-educated team for a mythical national championship. (Sorry, still bitter about the two most evil forces in college sports playing in the BCS game). Twitter was atwitter and Facebook was booked solid with comments about the game - mostly the effusions of glee and self-adulation from Bama and SEC fans (sorry, another uncontrollable shot, undermining the point I want to make). Americans love their sports. Athletes get paid extraordinary amounts of money because of our … [Read more...] about When Does Sports Become Idolatry?
A Desert Marathon and Measuring Success in Ministry
The most worthless class I took at Southwestern was Pastoral Ministry. Our professor told stories about how he gained respect by challenging a deacon to a fistfight, said little of consequence and taught me nothing about pastoral ministry that did me any good when I finally changed my first name to "Pastor." But I experienced something a few years back that taught me more about ministry than I ever learned in ministry classes. I am now 55 years old (212 in blogging years). I have had my fair share of ups and a number of downs. Several times during the thirty-one years I have been in … [Read more...] about A Desert Marathon and Measuring Success in Ministry
Christian Social Engagement in a Post-Christian America: Maybe We Should Change Our Tune?
I write this with some trepidation, because I am well aware of the all-too-common tendency among us to misread, misinterpret, misunderstand and misapply. So, let me be clear about what I am NOT going to say in this post before I try to make my point. I am NOT saying that Christians should retreat from engagement in the social and political arena. I do not believe that the church’s task is political, but spiritual – we are here to introduce sinners to Christ who is their only hope of salvation and to teach the full truth of God’s Word through which the Spirit works to transform us to be … [Read more...] about Christian Social Engagement in a Post-Christian America: Maybe We Should Change Our Tune?
Helping Those Who Help in Tragedy
I contacted Southbury Baptist Church, which Baptist Press said was on the front lines of our efforts to minister to the Newtown Community. It is, I believe, the closest Southern Baptist church to Sandy Hook. I received a letter from John Rowe a few days later (I'm guessing they are inundated) and I would share this letter with the Voices community. There are some prayer requests and information on more tangible help. Here is John's letter: ___________________________________ Mr. Miller My name is John Rowe and I am heading up the response to the contacts that we are receiving. Forgive … [Read more...] about Helping Those Who Help in Tragedy
Merry Christmas, CB Scott: A Bowl Game Open Forum
Here are my predictions for the Bowl games: They don't matter. Oregon/KSU should have been the BCS championship, but they got stupid and lost. The BCS championship game should be cancelled due to overwhelming evil and shame. … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas, CB Scott: A Bowl Game Open Forum
“Going Bush” till 2013
In Australia "going bush" describes those who leave civilization behind and head for the outback for a while. I am not planning to backpack or head for a cabin over the "holidays" but neither do I intend to be around this blog much. Contributors: starting Saturday and going through the first of the year, post at will. If you have something ready to go, and no one else has something up, put it up. Also, those of you who have admin capabilities, do whatever comment moderation you feel is needed. Trust me, people actually enjoy it when you delete their comments - they never get mad and … [Read more...] about “Going Bush” till 2013
When the Fullness of Time Had Come…
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Around 400 BC, God spoke to Israel through the prophet Malachi, calling Israel to repent of their sins. He lodged 5 accusations against them and gave evidence that each was true, in spite of Israel’s protestations of innocence. And then, God went silent. For nearly 400 years, there was no prophetic word given to the people of God. There were false prophets who claimed to have a word from God, and … [Read more...] about When the Fullness of Time Had Come…
Video Responses Appropriate for All Blog Comments
When someone makes a point in disagreement with what I have advocated, I can respond with this: When someone complains about what I say, or whines about a deleted comment. When someone makes a particularly good point. When someone introduces Calvinism into a non-related comment stream When someone makes a really annoying point, or advocates ignoring biblical convictions to "just come together. When CB Scott starts talking about "Sabanation" Add yours as you please! … [Read more...] about Video Responses Appropriate for All Blog Comments