You've never heard of the Four S Club? I'll bet you have. They are the Secret Society of Superior Saints - the folks who have a hidden or secret knowledge that none of the rest of us poor schlubs know that makes them better than we are. Oh, they know that all who have faith in Christ are saints, redeemed, heaven-bound - they are not gospel-denying heretics after all. They just know something that makes them a little more saintly, a little more redeemed. They have a wisdom that the rest of us just don't have. Maybe it is some insight into the inner workings of the spiritual realm - they … [Read more...] about Dealing with Members of the “Four S Club”
Keller, Stetzer, Driscoll and Osteen: You Make the Call (Revised – with answers)
My daughter Bethany, her friend Katie and I played a little game last night and I thought it might be fun for the readers of SBC Voices to play along. The game was simple. I read a tweet from Joel Osteen, from Mark Driscoll, or from Tim Keller. They had to identify the author from the tweet. I've created a quiz for you here. I added in the good Rev. Dr. Ed Stetzer for you Baptist bloggers. There are 5 tweets from each of these four men. A few of them (especially Osteen's) are no-brainers. The rest might be tougher than you think. Your job, if you choose to accept it, is to identify the … [Read more...] about Keller, Stetzer, Driscoll and Osteen: You Make the Call (Revised – with answers)
Respect the Ancient Markers, Whippersnapper!
Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. Proverbs 22:28 It is my belief that one of the most significant battles in the church today (perhaps second only to the Calvinism wars), is the divergence in attitude, outlook and approach to ministry between us old fogeys and you young whippersnappers. The older, more traditional, more established folks tend to view the youngsters as half-cocked, wild-eyed radicals and the youngsters tend to view us as hidebound, tradition-mired, stick-in-the-muds. Perhaps it has always been this way. It has been a long time (32 years) since … [Read more...] about Respect the Ancient Markers, Whippersnapper!
Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge: What’s Your Plan?
So far, 28 men (plus my little baby boy Josh) have signed up for the Fitness Challenge. So, the first question here is: what is your plan? What is your strategy for the "Battle of the Bulge?" I'm headed out for a walk with my wife. My biggest needs are reduced diet and consistent (reasonable exercise). As a former marathon runner, I tend to go at it too hard, get incredibly sore and then can't exercise consistently. I am also trying one more radical thing, for the month of August. I'm carnivorous - I love steak, ribs, etc! But for one month I'm going vegetarian. It's sweet corn and … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge: What’s Your Plan?
It’s ON! The SBC Voices “Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor” Challenge (Updated)
I am only about a week late on this, but seeing that I have an earned doctorate in procrastination, that is pretty good. This is our SBC Voices "Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor" challenge, and it is officially underway (underweigh?). The following men have indicated they want to be in. If you'd like to join us, please feel free - you can get in at any time, though the longer you wait (weight? - sorry, I'll stop now) the more of a head start the rest of us will have. The goal, simply, is to lose weight between now and the end of the year. The challenge is designed to provide support, encouragement, … [Read more...] about It’s ON! The SBC Voices “Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor” Challenge (Updated)
Ministry Migraines: Dealing with Members’ Unrealistic Expectations
Thom Rainer's blog (thomrainer.com) is a must-read for any Southern Baptist pastor. Every post has factual, practical wisdom based on both sound research and biblical principles. (Send the check to my church address, Dr. Rainer). His latest post buttresses a statement my dad used to make about a study done years ago, showing the unrealistic expectations of congregations on their pastors. This one was performed by Dr. Rainer himself with his deacons at a church he served previously. It is entitled, "How Many Hours Must a Pastor Work to Satisfy the Congregation?" - the title pretty much … [Read more...] about Ministry Migraines: Dealing with Members’ Unrealistic Expectations
A Time to Mourn
Jesus was never easy to figure out. John 11 tells the story of one of Jesus’s greatest miracles, but also of some very strange behavior on the Savior’s part. Lazarus, the brother of Jesus’ close friends Mary and Martha, was very sick; near death. But when Jesus got word, he promptly did nothing, waiting a couple of days to leave for Bethany. When he finally arrived at his friends’ home, they were mourning their brother who had been in the grave for 4 days. And they were very confused; almost accusatory. “If you have been here, my brother would not have died,” Martha said. She knew of the … [Read more...] about A Time to Mourn
The United States of Nancy Grace?
The recent George Zimmerman trial and verdict has highlighted to me an unpleasant side-effect of living in the 24-hour news channel culture. We are in danger of becoming a nation of pundits - of self-appointed experts on everything! I can't watch Nancy Grace. She gets a few facts, prejudges a situation, then tenaciously trumpets her position as if it is black and white - clear beyond dispute. She may be the worst of the worst, but the cable news channels are filled with her ilk. Bill O'Reilly. Rachel Maddow. Sean Hannity. Lawrence O'Donnell. Chris Matthews. And the radio airwaves bristle … [Read more...] about The United States of Nancy Grace?
The Inheritance of the Meek
One Sunday an elderly man, an Apostle named John, was carried away in a vision given to him by the Holy Spirit. After being instructed to write down what he had seen, he turned and saw a figure walking among seven golden lampstands. He was dressed regally in a long robe and a golden sash, white hair and piercing eyes that looked like flames of fire. His voice boomed like the sound of mighty rushing waters. Demonstrating his authority, he held seven stars in his right hand; demonstrating his power, a sharp, two-edged sword proceeded out of his mouth, and demonstrating his divinity, the glory of … [Read more...] about The Inheritance of the Meek
Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge – Are You In?
Tony posted an article yesterday about his weight loss. One more reason to hate the guy - jealousy! This is a struggle I've had since I stopped running marathons back in my seminary days. I am fat. Way fatter than I ever thought I would be. I have been a successful dieter, but never been able to keep the weight off. As Tony pointed out, being fat is NOT good. It drains our energy for ministry. It causes health problems - according to some reports, it is nearly as damaging as smoking. It can damage our testimony to others. It costs everyone. A representative of Guidestone told … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge – Are You In?