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”
Interacting with Thom Rainer’s “Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts”
Thom Rainer, the president of LifeWay, has written a wonderful blogpost entitled, "Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts." It is must reading for those of us who blog or comment. I identify with everything he said. Take a minute, click the link and read the entire post. Waiting........... Good, you are back! Now, let's look at and examine each of Rainer's points. Rainer's Excellent Points The points here are copied directly from Rainer's post. The comments are mine. 1) A controversial post often creates sides, dividing people who probably agree … [Read more...] about Interacting with Thom Rainer’s “Five Reasons I Avoid Writing Negative and Controversial Blogposts”
Bloggers and Beignets: Cafe Du Monde! Monday, 9 PM, Be There!!
There has been a lot of enthusiasm for having a bloggers' get-together during the Convention. After some discussion, it seems like the best time to do this is Monday night, right after the closing session of the Pastors Conference (scheduled to end at 9:00 PM). And, if it is New Orleans, it has to be Cafe do Monde. Now, that is little more than a mile from the Convention Center. I don't know if any of the buses run that way, but who among us couldn't use a brisk walk (followed by pastries)? You are invited. Bring friends. Unless someone wealthy comes along, you are responsible for … [Read more...] about Bloggers and Beignets: Cafe Du Monde! Monday, 9 PM, Be There!!
Defining the “New Baptist Majority”
The Blog world tends to be transitory. This week I posted an article by Mike Bergman about baptism, and it got a few comments. Four years ago, baptism was one of the hottest topics in the blogosphere and an article like that might have blown up. Moderate alcohol consumption, tithing and other topics have had heir moment in the sun. Of course, Calvinism has remained front and center throughout all of this. I have tended to be reactive, writing on whatever seemed to be the hot topic at the moment. But I have come to a series of convictions that I want to keep in front of our readers, … [Read more...] about Defining the “New Baptist Majority”
A Pre-SBC Sale: An Offer You Can’t Resist!
Toward Forging a New SBC Majority
I have been attending a Southern Baptist church since nine months before I was born. I have never been a member of a church that was not Southern Baptist, nor attended a non-SBC church on a regular basis. I am a Southern Baptist preacher's kid, and my parents served as SBC missionaries for one term while I was growing up. I was educated at an SBC-affiliated college and graduated from Southwestern Seminary. I am pretty much Baptist born and Baptist bred. And I have always assumed that I would serve out my years as a pastor of a Southern Baptist church. That is still my hope and goal. I … [Read more...] about Toward Forging a New SBC Majority
STOP IT! A Plea for Grownup Conversation in the SBC
The problem in the SBC is not primarily theological. I believe our theological issues and discussions mask a deeper spiritual problem, a heart problem that is demonstrated in abundance as we speak to one another. We all say we can live together and walk in unity, united around the BF&M, our sound and simple doctrinal statement to which all involved in this debate subscribe. Dr. Mohler, in his recent response to the traditionalist document, pointed out that we should be glad we are discussing something like the theology of salvation. We are not arguing over whether the Bible is true or … [Read more...] about STOP IT! A Plea for Grownup Conversation in the SBC
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
The following three resolutions were forwarded to the Resolution Committee for their consideration to present to the Southern Baptist Convention 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans: Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Resolution on Racist Statements in Mormon Source Documents Resolution on the Recognition of Baptist Minister, George Liele, as America’s First Missionary The first Resolution deals with same-sex marriage and civil rights; and it was primarily authored by Pastor Eric C. Redmond with minimal contribution, but full affirmation, from me. We are submitting it as … [Read more...] about RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
One of the things I like to do at the convention is meet people I've only known through blogging. I've wondered about getting together and having a bloggers "meet and greet and eat" at some point. I wondered about the following. 1) We could meet at Cafe Du Monde after the last session of the Pastors Conference on Monday night. 2) We could meet for lunch in the food area that is by the displays - either Tuesday or Wednesday. 3) We could meet at another place (reasonably priced - not all of us are as rich as CB Scott) for a meal, but someone who knows the area better than I do needs … [Read more...] about A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC
Let me start by saying two things: I understand the arguments that have been made in favor of "traditionalist" as a designation for those who are Baptists but do not subscribe to the Calvinists' so-called "Doctrines of Grace." They have been called Arminian, but most bristle at that. They have been called anti-Calvinists and there are certainly a few of those around, but there are a lot of people who reject Calvinism but do not reject Calvinists. The most common term has been non-Calvinist. But people do not want to be known simply by what they do not believe. However, in spite of … [Read more...] about Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC