Just 10 days ago, on January 20, we published the news, based on the BPC press release, that Ergun Caner had stepped down as president of Brewton-Parker College in Georgia so that he could heal as a result of the tragedy that had befallen his family. In that article, we asked people to pray for the Caner family during this time as the healing process went forward. It is now clear, from published reports and information gleaned from trustees and students, that the official story was designed to cover up the facts of the story and the real reasons that Dr. Caner was forced to step aside at … [Read more...] about Sad Revelations at Brewton Parker
So, You Want to Change the SBC?
There are a lot of people who are very upset about the direction of the SBC - different people have different complaints and we've all got some, I'm sure. I just had a long twitter exchange with a man who asked the question why LifeWay was still selling a book after there was resolution passed a few years back that it should not be sold. I tried to explain the whole thing to him. We had a pleasant exchange (unusual enough for twitter these days!), but I realized that 140 characters at a time is not the best way to explain that system. Years ago, I was on my high horse after the Garner … [Read more...] about So, You Want to Change the SBC?
Dr. Ergun Caner Has Resigned at Brewton-Parker College
Dr. Caner has announced his resignation. I will copy the text of both his resignation letter below and the resolution of the trustees of the college, from Peter Lumpkin's press release. ***************** In an early morning meeting with the full trustee board of Brewton-Parker College, Dr. Ergun Caner briefly addressed the packed room informing them he was stepping down as their sixteenth president. Below is the prepared statement as Dr. Caner presented it: STATEMENT: I have asked for the unusual privilege of calling together the Board of Trustees this morning, before the committees … [Read more...] about Dr. Ergun Caner Has Resigned at Brewton-Parker College
The SBC, Leadership, and Criticism
On the nearly interminable red-eye flight from Dakar, Senegal to Dulles yesterday, I watched the movie Invictus to pass the time. It is the story of Nelson Mandela, the Springbok Rugby team of South Africa, and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. After the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1990, Mandela was released from prison and then elected president in 1994. While there has been much debate about Mandela's activities prior to his arrest and imprisonment, his tenure as president of the country was remarkable. While attending a rugby match against England, he realized that the black South … [Read more...] about The SBC, Leadership, and Criticism
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up: SBC Voices Isn’t Dead
I hear a lot about the death of blogging. I think it's wishful thinking. Sometimes I would echo that wish. But I haven't abandoned my post. I've neglected the site for the last month or so, and the next two weeks are going to be even worse. I'm leaving tomorrow evening after prayer service for Omaha to catch a flight on Thursday morning to Africa. I'm going to be spending 11 days on an intense discipleship program trying to counsel and assist the good Dr. Bart Barber with some of his personal issues. Actually, I'm sure exactly how much detail to give, but we will be doing evangelism … [Read more...] about Don’t Get Your Hopes Up: SBC Voices Isn’t Dead
On Small, Struggling Churches: What Makes a Church Effective?
Recently, I read an article with which I agreed almost entirely, Ed Stetzer's “Some Churches Should Die and Stay Dead.” But as I read the article I found myself in an odd position. I was reacting negatively, viscerally, to the article - even though I could find no essential disagreement. I felt defensive and couldn't really understand why. His advice on re-planting churches was helpful and wise. So, what was my problem? As I ruminated on it (with the holidays, I've had a little more time to do that), I realized that it was not the article, but a general ecclesiological zeitgeist I discern in … [Read more...] about On Small, Struggling Churches: What Makes a Church Effective?
Football Bowl “Pick ‘Em” (Play for Second Place, Behind Me!)
I opened a group at Fox Sports "College Football Bowl Pick 'Em". Anyone who who wants to join is welcome to do so. There is a large cash prize for the winner. I will photo copy a $1 bill, blow it up to the size of an 11X17 sheet of paper and make it available. You must come to Sioux City to collect the prize. You have to pick the winner of each bowl game, plus I've made the league a "weighted" league - you have to choose which games you are most confident about and which you are least confident about. Point spread is not part of this. You just pick the winner in each game - by 1 point or … [Read more...] about Football Bowl “Pick ‘Em” (Play for Second Place, Behind Me!)
A Picture of the Real Jesus (Revelation 1)
(I do a daily devotional for my church members. We are doing a "through the Bible in one year" reading, and I write some thoughts on one of the passages. I thought some of the readers here might enjoy this one today.) Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child; Pity my simplicity, Suffer me to come to Thee. Charles Wesley penned the words to this beautiful hymn in 1742. We love this Christmas season because of the cute little baby in the manger, bathed in the star's soft light, surrounded by his mother, the shepherds and the Magi (a misunderstanding - they didn't leave until … [Read more...] about A Picture of the Real Jesus (Revelation 1)
Brewton-Parker College Reaffirmed by SACS
Word is that Brewton-Parker College has been reaffirmed by SACS. They are no longer on probation. The Brewton-Parker website likely has more details than I have now. This is wonderful news for the staff, students and supporters of Brewton-Parker. I congratulate my friend CB Scott. Hopefully this good news will sustain him when Ohio State steamrolls the Crimson Tide. … [Read more...] about Brewton-Parker College Reaffirmed by SACS
The NCAA Playoff Teams HAVE TO Be….
The Evil and Despised Alabama Crimson Crud They are arrogant, obsessed and they have a payroll higher than most NFL teams, but Bama is in. This is a fallen world and evil sometimes wins. Alabama won enough to earn a spot. Of course, it doesn't matter how many they win as long as they lose ONE MORE GAME this season. All people of sound mind and good will are hoping for that. The Team with the HORRIBLE uniforms (from Oregon) Dale, could you please tell your Ducks to consult a fashion expert. They are really good, but watching them in those uniforms is just horrible. In a side … [Read more...] about The NCAA Playoff Teams HAVE TO Be….