One of the key divisions in our convention is between the historic Baptists who believe in religious freedom - a free church in a free state - and the recent rise of more passionate nationalists who believe, as John MacArthur has stated, that religious freedom does not reflect Scripture. We should seek to assert Christ's Lordship in every area, even government. This movement comes largely from Reformed circles (not surprising if you know about Calvin and other reformers, perhaps). The second resolution was on Religious Freedom and formed the first test case about the relative strengths … [Read more...] about Test Case ONE: Religious Freedom over Nationalism
A Sad and Disconcerting Abuse Reform Task Force Report
Josh Wester rose to give the ARITF report and to bring two recommendations from the task force. After a couple of questions, the sad truth emerged. The task force was not able to do its work because, in spite of the clear will of the messengers expressed in previous conventions that we have robust abuse reform, the task force was not allowed to do what it was tasked to do. Money that was promised was not released to the committee. It seemed, as I read between the lines, that cooperation from entities was not as full as it could have been. Insurance concerns and financial concerns … [Read more...] about A Sad and Disconcerting Abuse Reform Task Force Report
Motions…Motions…Motions
There were dozens of motions made this afternoon, and I failed in my task of recording them. I had good reason - for the first time in my life, I made one. "Your holiness, I move that the convention, on behalf of us old codgers who have trouble remembering names, print the names on the front AND THE BACK of the name-tags for the next convention." The response to my motion was overwhelmingly positive but I have no idea if it will produce the desired result. SBC name-tags ALWAYS flip over and you see someone you know you should know but you can't remember their name. All they have to do is … [Read more...] about Motions…Motions…Motions
Why I Will Vote AGAINST the Law Amendment
I am an unabashed and committed complementarian. I believe that God created us male and female, in his image. Men and women are equal at the foot of the cross – equally in need of grace, equally loved, equally valued, and equally called to serve in God’s kingdom – but God also made us different. In certain limited ways, we are different. God has reserved certain leadership roles in the church for men. Many Christians disagree with me but that is what my study of the word of God has led me to believe. The pastor/governing elders of the church should be men. Those who preach and teach … [Read more...] about Why I Will Vote AGAINST the Law Amendment
Introduction of New Motions
We just heard 17 new motions in 20 minutes. It was actually less silly than usual. As usual, there were the calls for the head of the leader of ERLC, for financial audits of NAMB, and not one, but TWO calls for remote voting at the Annual Meeting. This has been going on for 25 years. There were resolutions in the form of motions. Honestly, though, this was probably the most reasonable set of motions that I may rescind my moniker "silly season" if this trend continues. Gotta hand it to our President! Somehow, he got through to the messengers. There was not a single person who gave a long … [Read more...] about Introduction of New Motions
Doing Business without Opposition
I heard several rumors yesterday about disruptions, motions, and substitute nominations that might take place today. None of that happened. Don Currance reported 10,100+ messengers. No challenges to the seating of messengers occurred. Heiden Ratner brought the Committee on Order of Business report, which passed without comment. They have added a Tuesday evening session and the Law Amendment is scheduled for discussion around 10 AM Wednesday. The Holy Rev Dr. Adam Blosser brought the Committee on Committees report. The young whippersnapper did a great job and it passed … [Read more...] about Doing Business without Opposition
DJ Horton Wins Presidency
In the runoff, DJ Horton has defeated Brad Whitt to be president of the 2025 Pastors Conference. DJ Horton - votes % Brad Whitt - votes % Had a dinner appointment and couldn't stay to get the numbers … [Read more...] about DJ Horton Wins Presidency
Pastors Conference Runoff – DJ Horton leads Round 1
There will be a runoff for the President of the Pastors Conference. We believe the runoff will be between Brad Whitt and DJ Horton. Vote totals have not been announced. We will post those here as soon as they are announced. Brad Whitt 279 votes. 33.9% Chris Bolt 182 votes 22.11% DJ Horton 361 votes 43.86% Brad and DJ in the runoff. The ballots are being collected. … [Read more...] about Pastors Conference Runoff – DJ Horton leads Round 1
SBC Pastors Conference President
Three Nominations Brad Whitt was nominated by Dean Inserra. Chris Bolt was nominated by.... DJ Horton was nominated by Fred Luter. They now vote by ballot! If there is a runoff it will be tonight. … [Read more...] about SBC Pastors Conference President
Who Will Be Our Next President?
We have about two dozen candidates for president this year, right? Those are only the ones we know about! I ran into Luke Holmes today and he told me about 1963 (I think) when there were 14 candidates for president at the SBC. What a mess that would be! An Ophrah Winfrey convention - "You get a nomination. You get a nomination. Everyone gets a nomination!" In reality, there are only six candidates that we are aware of, who have publicly announced their intent to seek the office. I have talked to several people today and there seems to be more confusion about who will be elected than I have … [Read more...] about Who Will Be Our Next President?