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”
“The SBC and the 21st Century” at Midwestern – Live-Blogging at 5 PM
Dr. Jason Allen is doing an amazing job as president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Today and tomorrow, he and the seminary are hosting a Triennial Symposium on the future of the SBC and the challenges it faces today. The list of speakers is pretty impressive. In addition to Dr. Allen, the speakers will include David Dockery, Ronnie Floyd, Al Mohler, Frank Page, Paige Patterson, and Thom Rainer. Registration is still open, it is inexpensive and includes meals. If you can get to Kansas City by supper time tonight, consider sitting in on this one! I will be there with my … [Read more...] about “The SBC and the 21st Century” at Midwestern – Live-Blogging at 5 PM
“SBC This Week” – An Interview with David Platt
Amy Whitfield and Jonathan Howe have a new podcast called "SBC This Week" in which they discuss news and current events in the Southern Baptist Convention. This week's podcast includes an interview with David Platt in which Jonathan asked Dr. Platt some of the questions Southern Baptists have been asking him on blogs and in other forums. It is well worth your time to listen to the podcast. The episode is called: Executive Committee Recap and an Interview with David Platt. The Platt interview starts around minute 18, but the entire podcast is worth your time. Jonathan asks Dr. Platt the … [Read more...] about “SBC This Week” – An Interview with David Platt
David Platt at Liberty
This is powerful! Count me among those glad a man with this passion is leading our world missions effort. … [Read more...] about David Platt at Liberty
Assistance for Returning Missionaries (Rodney Hammer)
I received this from Rodney Hammer today, as a follow up to the post we've been discussing here all day. While I did not agree with his point of view in that post, I fully support Rodney in this effort, and encourage all of you to give to this worthy effort. We must support the missionaries! From Rodney: "I am told that it is too late regarding Phase 1 and IMB Voluntary Retirement Incentives. There will be many returning missionaries to the States. Many are asking what we are doing to prepare to help returning missionaries. One, I've requested our Association churches to assist and I've … [Read more...] about Assistance for Returning Missionaries (Rodney Hammer)
Where Were You When It All Went Down?
I wasn't around for Pearl Harbor and when Kennedy was shot, I was a kindergarten kid. The teacher called us together and told us that the president had been killed. Oh, I thought, can we go to recess now? I remember when Reagan was shot and while that was quite a morning the fact that he survived meant the trauma of that day did not quite rise to the level of the others. For me, the ninth inning of the seventh game of the 2001 World Series ranks up there, but others will simply see that as crass and inappropriate. (And it is!) But I will never forget September 11, 2001. Never. I was waiting … [Read more...] about Where Were You When It All Went Down?
Simple Suggestions for Responding to the IMB Changes
I've seen some interesting responses to the VRI by the IMB. Wow, have I. Some of them have been published here, but a good many of them did not make it past moderation, simply because I saw no real value in posting baseless charges. This morning, I wrote a post about changes in the SBC since my young whippersnapper days, and I posted it a little early. I had a long day ahead of me and I didn't have time to edit or complete it as I should have. As the day went on today, I thought of how I should have ended that post. So, here is the ending to this morning's post! How should we respond to the … [Read more...] about Simple Suggestions for Responding to the IMB Changes
How the SBC Has Changed – And How That Affects the IMB Changes
I don't know how many of you know this, but I actually knew John Broadus and Basil Manly (Jr, not Sr - I'm not THAT old) growing up. I've been a Southern Baptist a long time. And I think it is safe to say that the SBC that I grew up in is vastly different than the one that exists now, in very many ways. The SBC of 1960s and 1970s would not recognize the SBC of today. 1. The SBC of my youth was homogeneous. With very few exceptions, you could visit an SBC church and feel like you were home. The church might be bigger or smaller, the preaching and music might be better or worse, but the … [Read more...] about How the SBC Has Changed – And How That Affects the IMB Changes