Sorry for that clickbait title. No, I have no idea who it will be. I do hear a fair bit of scuttlebutt from time to time but the dust is still settling on the Patterson fiasco and it is too early to start naming names. I don't think the search team has even been formed yet. The dedicated Patterson defenders are still laying down heavy fire in their efforts to undo the decision of the trustees, but their efforts will fail. The Executive Committee will be affirmed by the full board as it was by 98% majority at the convention and we will move on. The Patterson era is over and a new day is … [Read more...] about And the Next President of SWBTS Is…
Blessed Messes
I was in the village of Kaliane in the Casamance, southern Senegal, on Saturday, February 24, and I began to feel horrible. It was an amazing day, actually. We had a couple of gatherings planned with kids, arranged by my translator Alioune. We showed up for the morning session and found about 30 children, most much younger than I had expected. I told them a Bible story and then shared the gospel with them. We walked back to Jean Batiste and Isabelle's home and came back in the afternoon. This time there was a slightly older group of nearly 60 children and young teens and I got to tell them … [Read more...] about Blessed Messes
Unity, Division, the Past, and the Future of the SBC
When we seek unity at the SBC, we often come at it from the wrong perspective. We seek to downplay our differences, as if we all walk hand in hand, one in mind and spirit. We seek to suppress the voices of dissent and keep them from speaking their minds. We demand that those of different cultures and preferences conform to our ways. We accuse those who challenge, question, or criticize of being divisive and of threatening unity. This is a gross misunderstanding of biblical unity and actually tends to lead to greater anger and division. People feel bullied, pressured … [Read more...] about Unity, Division, the Past, and the Future of the SBC
If I Were the Baptist Pope
I know, we don't have a pope and I don't want to be one. I'll bet Steve Gaines aged 7 years just trying to run this thing the last couple of years and having papal powers over this bunch would be like trying to herd autonomous cats with soul competency. I have no authority but I do what I can. I "type a lot." (A guy at the convention saw my name tag and said, "Are you the guy who types a lot?" I said I was. He looked at me and said, "I've been praying for you to get saved!") Let me type-type-type out some of my thoughts about SBC 2018. I came into the SBC Annual Meeting with much … [Read more...] about If I Were the Baptist Pope
Bart Barber’s Powerful Statement
Bart Barber had a tough day. Pray for him. He is a man who would have jumped in a fire for Dr. Paige Patterson and not only voted with the Executive Committee to fire him but stood to defend the action. If you had told Bart a year ago that he would do such a thing he would have declared it impossible. His integrity drove him to do what his heart would never have desired or dreamed. Here is Bart's statement: I am Bart Barber, messenger from First Baptist Church of Farmersville, TX. I am also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Baptist … [Read more...] about Bart Barber’s Powerful Statement
Our Work Is Not Done – Hatley Motion to Dismiss SWBTS Trustees at 2:45 – DEFEATED
My phone sometimes doesn't post when it is supposed to. I hit publish...I thought. I publish it now simply for the results. This is how it is done. We approve the Trustees of our entities and we can remove them. That is why we are voting on Hatley's motion to dismiss the trustees of the Executive committee of SWBTS at 2:45 PM. The motion is in order. It is also a horrible idea. One of the worst to come to the floor in recent memory. Please show up to vote no. I assume a simple majority wins but this should be defeated by the kind of overwhelming majority that sends a … [Read more...] about Our Work Is Not Done – Hatley Motion to Dismiss SWBTS Trustees at 2:45 – DEFEATED
I Don’t Understand Minority Reactions to the VP Visit: That’s Why We NEED Each Other
I am not excited about the VP's visit tomorrow but it is for very different reasons than many of my friends and in the minority communities. For me any desire to hear the VP speak (and I have little) is more than balanced by the anticipated logistical nightmare that awaits us tomorrow. Bill Townes broke my heart when he told us that I can't bring glitter. No glitter! But several Black Southern Baptists took this appearance very differently - as a betrayal and an insult. As I read their tweets I was shocked at how great an offense this was. If it had been Trump I could have understood it … [Read more...] about I Don’t Understand Minority Reactions to the VP Visit: That’s Why We NEED Each Other
Dan Anderson Restored as ERLC Trustee
By an overwhelming vote, after a powerful, forceful speech by the chair of the ERLC , Dan Anderson was given his second term as a trustee. We hope this kind of this won't happen again. … [Read more...] about Dan Anderson Restored as ERLC Trustee
Dr. A.B. Vines is First Vice President
We rejoice that Dr. Vines was elected by an overwhelming majority. There were 9560 registered messengers with 6499 voting. Dr. Vines received 4364 votes - 67.15% … [Read more...] about Dr. A.B. Vines is First Vice President
Thoughts on the Nomination Speeches
Brad Jurkovich nominated Ken Hemphill, carrying forward the harsh tone of the Hemphill campaign. There was a negative tone to much of it. He insinuated that the Greear campaign was about putting wedges between old and young and denigrated Greear's sacrificial act from two years ago in stepping aside for Steve Gaines He did praise Hemphill profusely. Hemphill is a good man. Applause was polite at the end. Ken Whitten gave the more traditional positive nomination speech. He focused on Greear's integrity, clarity, and unity. He did not disparage Hemphill in any way. He did make it … [Read more...] about Thoughts on the Nomination Speeches