SBC demographics can go in different directions - ethnicity, internal numbers, etc. We will focus on internal demographics. Sometimes, when we confront our past, it is not a pretty picture. We cannot be afraid of confronting the truth about our past as we take a macro view of the past. Numbers don't tell the stories, but just objective realities. The magnitude of the numbers makes it hard. 4126 churches submitted a few statistics in 1846. Sporadic reporting since, especially during the Civil war years. 1845, baptisms and total membership. 1968 total … [Read more...] about Thom Rainer: “By the Numbers” – What SBC Demographics Tells Us about Our Past, Present, and Future
The Future of State Conventions: Anthony Jordan, John Yeats, Paul Chitwood, Tim Lubinus, & Jim Richards
Dr Yeats: Interrelationships of the three levels of fellowship. The association was the primary point of fellowship and accountability. States gathered CP National SBC manages the entities of the SBC. 99% of churches affiliate at all 3 levels. Dr. Chitwood: What drew you to Executive position? Saw the value of that position in the kingdom strengthening and blessing the local churches. Dr. Jordan: How have state conventions changed in 20 years? They are leaner and more focused. Dr. Richard: Birth of the SBTC Great resistance from the … [Read more...] about The Future of State Conventions: Anthony Jordan, John Yeats, Paul Chitwood, Tim Lubinus, & Jim Richards
Christian George: “The Downgrade Controversy” 21st Century Lessons
July 17, 1944, Unmanned weapon propelled into the sky toward Britain. 6000 Londoners lost lives to these kinds of attacks. This one killed none. An empty non-conformist chapel exploded and damaged the remains of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. 1887, Spurgeon lamented the spiritual health of Britain. Germany was made unbelieving by her preachers and Britain was following in her path. Spurgeon witnessed the implosion of the mid-Victorian church in a crisis of doubt. In 20th Century, we've seen modernist controversies and the CR. 3 diagnoses and 3 correctives for the … [Read more...] about Christian George: “The Downgrade Controversy” 21st Century Lessons
Jason Allen: Training the Next Generation of Pastors, Ministers and Missionaries SB Theological Education in the 21st Century
(Due to chatting tendencies, I came in during this address! Sorry, Dr. Allen. Blame Leo Endel!) 2. The Seminaries must about training pastors and leaders for SBC ministry . 3. SBC Seminaries must develop a sustainable business model. "Don't do stupid stuff." That is not enough. Educational costs are getting out of hand, as are recruiting costs. Recent IMB downsizing is a warning to all. Surely we did not spend decades fighting to avoid forfeiting our seminaries theologically to simply forfeit them financially. 4. We must determine to be agile and … [Read more...] about Jason Allen: Training the Next Generation of Pastors, Ministers and Missionaries SB Theological Education in the 21st Century
David Dockery “Who are Southern Baptists?” Toward a Transgenerational Identity
Ecclesiastes The SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the USA. But we did not begin this way. We began n the early 17th Century, both general and particular Baptists, emphasizing confessional life and freedom. Affirmed ancient creeds. General Baptists and particular Baptists came together to support missions. By 1730 to 1740, 8 congregations in America. 1751, Charleston association. Then the Sandy Creek association formed. 1812, Adoniram Judsun helped to form the modern missions movement. In 1840s, there was a conflict … [Read more...] about David Dockery “Who are Southern Baptists?” Toward a Transgenerational Identity
Dr. Albert Mohler: Southern Baptists and the Quest for Theological Identity
This quest is relatively new. For most of history, this was settled by birth. Since the Enlightenment and the modern age, questions of identity in a pluralistic society are before us. In terms of theology, the break comes at the Reformation. "Here I stand." the beginning point of modern theological individualism. Luther's use of 1st person singular pronoun was a decisive break with history, and we are changed. Catholics saw this as the unraveling of Christianity. They call it the Protestant Revolt. Catholics predicted it would result in anarchy, and see this a fulfilled (30k Christian … [Read more...] about Dr. Albert Mohler: Southern Baptists and the Quest for Theological Identity
Ronnie Floyd: “Kindling Afresh the Gift of God” – Spiritual Renewal, Strategic Reinvention, and the SBC
2 Timothy 1:6-7 Fan into flame the gift God does not give us fear, does not encourage sloth, does not allow retreat. We must fan into flame the gift, the power of the Spirit. We must take the initiative to fan the flame. To Timothy, this was not a rebuke but a reminder. The flame had not gone out, but Timothy needed to continually fan the gift of the Spirit into full flame, because the Spirit is the only one who can replace fear with faith and restore the work of God. It is the Holy Spirit in us who empowers the work of God in us. Do not neglect your spiritual life as a minister of the … [Read more...] about Ronnie Floyd: “Kindling Afresh the Gift of God” – Spiritual Renewal, Strategic Reinvention, and the SBC
Passing the Baton: Panel Discussion (Allen, Floyd, Mohler, Patterson, Page)
The evening is culminating with dessert and a panel discussion. Patterson - optimistic about the future of the church. History of Christianity is a rise and a fall. Just when you think things are dead, theres a 95 theses or a new missionary movement. We need to rejoice in what God is doing. Allen: references to student Bellevue Baptist, Adrian Rogers, RG Lee, and the student had no idea who that was. To Dr. Mohler. How do we transition generation to generation? Mohler: No one describes me a "young president" any more. The generational transition WILL take place. But will … [Read more...] about Passing the Baton: Panel Discussion (Allen, Floyd, Mohler, Patterson, Page)
Dr. Paige Patterson: “Guard What Has Been Entrusted” – Counsel to a New Generation
Twelve Perspectives for Coming Generations 1. Talking about the Gospel is as removed from evangelism as talking about driving is from racing in the Indy 500. We like to talk about the gospel but we are unwilling often to do the grinding work of telling the lost about Christ. A witnessing church is the product of much intercessions, a pastor who demonstrates this by his own action and which makes this a high priority. How many of you have shared Christ this month? Led someone to Christ this year? Ezekiel and the watchman scripture was read. "I'm not sure what that means, but I am … [Read more...] about Dr. Paige Patterson: “Guard What Has Been Entrusted” – Counsel to a New Generation
SBC for the 21st Century: Frank Page “The CP and the Future of Collaborative Ministry”
After a great meal (healthy, tasty, and won't bust my calorie counter!) we sat around the dinner table and one of my favorite men stepped to the podium. Dr. Frank Page. First, Dr. Allen gave background on the symposium, defining the questions that face us - about cooperative ministry. Then, he introduced Dr. Page. NOTE: I'm taking notes - trying to give a sense of what the speakers are saying. However, my fingers don't work fast enough to get it all down. Don't hold the speaker accountable for the exact quotes - until you see them in BP or some other source. Dr Frank … [Read more...] about SBC for the 21st Century: Frank Page “The CP and the Future of Collaborative Ministry”