I wrote on this recently concerning the SBC’s statistical struggles, and have addressed the topic several times through the years. My thoughts are developing. As long as Baptists, the ACP, and the Annual Meeting exist, and I'm around, I'll likely keep thinking about this and perhaps reflecting on it. It is truly a Baptist topic! There can be little doubt that the New Testament was written by Baptists. The Apostles counted the crowds that Jesus fed with the loaves and fish and carefully quantified the leftovers. I am sure it was all duly reported on the ACP at the appropriate time. Luke … [Read more...] about Baptists and Numbers: “It’s Complicated”
To the Minions, My Mighty Men, the Deplorable Bad Hombres
When we decided to run for the Pastors’ Conference, it wasn’t even clear who the candidate would be. We had an idea that we liked, discussed, and agreed to, but it was only after several long discussions that we arrived at the decision that my name would be at the top. As they continually pointed out to me, that meant that I would get a lot of the credit if things went well, but that if things went bad, it would be my name attached to the stink (and they'd make sure everyone knew I'd been in charge)! I want to publicly thank the guys who helped out a couple of weeks ago in Phoenix. I sat up … [Read more...] about To the Minions, My Mighty Men, the Deplorable Bad Hombres
An Historic Moment Surprises Us at the SBC
Dwight McKissic was at our Voices pizza dinner today (wonderful time, thanks Adam) and he was a bit stirred up. Oh, he was his normal self, but wounded by battle with the Resolutions Committee. He tried to bring his resolution on the alt-right out of the trash bin and was told in front of everyone all its faults. Dwight's motion failed(majority, but not 2/3). We talked about making a new effort next year to tell the world clearly that racism, white supremacy, and alt-right politics have no place in SBC life. Then we found out that we wouldn't have to wait. A motion to resurrect Dwight's … [Read more...] about An Historic Moment Surprises Us at the SBC
The Numbers Conundrum – A Perspective on Our Numerical Slide
For a people as tied to numbers as the Southern Baptist Convention, another statistical report such as the one we hear is coming in the next week here in Phoenix is inevitably going to lead to the rending of garments and great weeping and wailing, accompanied by gnashing of teeth on an enamel destroying level. And the lack of numbers should give us pause, at least. I have heard too many men point to their church's dwindling attendance as separating the sheep and the goats or somehow "purifying" the church. I've seen guys drive anyone who disagrees with them out of the church with smug … [Read more...] about The Numbers Conundrum – A Perspective on Our Numerical Slide
Things We Did Right This Year with the Pastors’ Conference
Someone asked me today, are you going to be glad when this is over. I wasn't sure how to respond. Being president of the Pastors' Conference has been one of the great adventures of my life. When Todd and I sat in the green room last year ready to be introduced, I was excited and terrified. Seeing it all come together has been amazing. One the other hand, normalcy will be welcome. We've made mistakes along the way, of course. And we have seen so much of the hand of God. I have been reflecting, in those brief moments when I wasn't answering a question, ordering something, dealing with a … [Read more...] about Things We Did Right This Year with the Pastors’ Conference
Whither Nuance? The Disappearance of Thoughtful Subtlety in American Politics
Social media interaction can be revealing. I retweeted a tweet by a friend - an observation about the tendency of Christians to justify any failures on "our side" (politically) by pointing out that "their side" is worse. The nearly immediate and sadly predictable response was that this man (a rock-solid conservative) must be a Hillary supporter. Naturally, if you are not 100% in support of the GOP and everything they do, you are a Democrat-lover! I have watched the response to a tweet I sent out a while back with some amusement. Trump. Comey. Russia. Schumer. Pelosi. Ryan. Impeachment. … [Read more...] about Whither Nuance? The Disappearance of Thoughtful Subtlety in American Politics
Would You Pray for Our 2017 Pastors’ Conference Speakers?
We have been meeting by video conference with the 12 men who will be speaking at our Pastors' Conference on June 11-12 in Phoenix. Each of these men is a capable, committed, and Christ-centered expositor of the word of God. I have loved hearing them share overviews of their messages. They will be a blessing to you. Would you consider helping us by praying for these men? Specifically, would you pray for one or more of these men daily between now and the beginning of the conference? I would love to know that a group of people is lifting up our speakers in prayer - that they might accurately … [Read more...] about Would You Pray for Our 2017 Pastors’ Conference Speakers?
The Dangers of Study Bibles and Why I Prefer Plain Text Bibles
I don't use study Bibles. No, smart-aleck whippersnappers! I didn't say that I don't study the Bible. I said I don't use a study Bible. I have a couple of them. One of my first Bibles was the original, inspired, Scofield Reference Bible. I've had a Thompson Chain. The ESV Study Bible is on my phone and tablets. I just don't use them as my main Bible and I think that in general, it's kind of a bad idea to do so. Use them as a reference, essentially as a commentary? Great. But I like the idea of my main Bible being a plain text (or bare text) with perhaps a few translation and textual notes … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Study Bibles and Why I Prefer Plain Text Bibles
Trevin Wax’s Definitive Article on SBC Cultures: Cosmopolitan and Conventionalist
Trevin Wax has published an article at the Gospel Coalition blog, entitled “Southern Baptists and Conventional and Cosmopolitan Cultures” in which he lays out the cultural divide in the SBC in a clear, concise, understandable, and fair way. Any attempt to summarize a divide such as ours is going to be difficult, of course, and there are going to be those who don’t like his terminology (that’s always the problem), don’t agree with his descriptions, or don’t fit his categories. But this article encapsulates the present condition of our denomination as well as any I’ve seen and has the … [Read more...] about Trevin Wax’s Definitive Article on SBC Cultures: Cosmopolitan and Conventionalist
Grace, Racism, Social Media, and THAT Photo!
Monday night in Boston, a despicable act of racism took place. There are not two baseball teams I like less than the Orioles and the Red Sox, and there are few players I cheer against more than Adam Jones. There's a reason for that. He's a confirmed Yankee-killer. Just brutalizes Yankee pitching. But last night he was subjected to racist taunts from the stands during the Orioles game against the much-hated Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox condemned the action in no uncertain terms as did the mayor of Boston. Boston fans have gone on social media to decry the racist and his actions. There is a … [Read more...] about Grace, Racism, Social Media, and THAT Photo!