Day one of the convention is in the books and the convention has been great so far. We elected Fred Luter as president - a sense of history was palpable. We dealt with some issues in a Baptist way without going to embarrassing places. The descriptor debate was pointed, but it was handled well. We talked it over, took a vote, then took a ballot. Tomorrow, we will find out which side won and we will go on about doing our business. Both Bryant Wright and Frank Page had forceful and (I thought) powerful calls to lay down our arms as Calvinists and non-Calvinists and work together for the … [Read more...] about Baptists on Their Best Behavior
It’s Name-Change Time
This issue is now being brought up. Should be a lively study. I will post comments as we follow the discussion. … [Read more...] about It’s Name-Change Time
A Surprise…No Questions!
I was a little surprised when LifeWay was not peppered with questions about the Calvinist conspiracy theories related to the Gospel Project. I was shocked when there were no questions of Dr. Land. I figured he would get hammered. Nothing. Soon, the Great Commission Baptists issue will come up. … [Read more...] about A Surprise…No Questions!
President Fred Luter
We all knew it was coming, but it has happened. Fred Luter has been elected unanimously and enthusiastically elected president of the SBC, our first African-American president. It was exciting to be part of this great celebration. But before we break our arms patting ourselves on the back, the job isn't done. If we view this as the finish line, we will have erred. This is a step in the process. A good step. A big step. But just a step. I had a thought this week. The next major step in racial reconciliation will be when black men are regularly considered as candidates for and pastors of … [Read more...] about President Fred Luter
Thank you, Bryant Wright
Two years ago, I voted against Bryant Wright twice. I was stupid twice. He has been a great SBC President. Actually, I'd still vote for my friend Leo Endel, but if he couldn't win, I'm so glad Bryant did. … [Read more...] about Thank you, Bryant Wright
Presentation of Motions
The introduction of motions is often a silly season during the SBC. There are a few good motions every year, a few nit-picky type motions, one or two personal crusades, and some downright silly ones. 1) No presentation of motions session would be complete without a Wiley Drake sighting. Wiley moved that the New SBC president be instructed to study and report on the subject of Imprecatory prayers. That motion almost died for lack of a second. It will die soon. 2) I was walking to my seat when Todd Littleton made his motion concerning Richard Land. The gist, as I got it, was to affirm our … [Read more...] about Presentation of Motions
Bloggers and Beignets Tonight
I'm looking forward to meeting with bloggers and blog readers tonight after the session (supposed to end at 9) at Cafe du Monde. If you are walking, take a right out of the hall, walk past the Hilton and around the bend. Take a right at Decatur and go to the cafe. It's about 1.2 miles, from Mapquest. There is also a trolley you can pick up down on the river. Costs 1.25, I'm told. I'm wearing the lime green (more embarrassing than I thought). . If you see me, join me!! Hope to see you there. … [Read more...] about Bloggers and Beignets Tonight
NOLA Won’t Be Boring for Baptists
You never know when the rumors swirl if they are truth or just the Baptist grapevine, but this is certainly going to be an interesting week at the SBC. 1) Of course, electing Fred Luter as the first African-American president of this convention is the highlight, and I think everyone wishes we could elect him and go home. No such luck. The narrative of racial harmony may be encroached upon by some of the other factors. 2) Lost in the discussion is the significant vote about the Great Commission Baptists moniker. That vote will tell you where the wind lays in this convention. A couple … [Read more...] about NOLA Won’t Be Boring for Baptists
Tony Evans Brings IT!!
Why I Said “Yes”
An odd thing happened last Saturday. I am headed to Taiwan in a month for a two-week mission trip. I was sweating it out at the church, running a yard sale to raise funds to buy the plane tickets (purchased Tuesday - a miracle of provision). While I was trying to encourage customers to purchase the junk I was peddling, I got a text message. "Dave, some of us have been talking and we think you should be nominated for 2nd VP of the Convention." You don't get a text like that every day. My initial response was, "okay." But after I talked to a few friends about it I began to have second … [Read more...] about Why I Said “Yes”