Dave Miller

If anything marked the Houston SBC of 2013, it was a desire for unity and the hope that we can out some of the tension and division if recent years behind us. The Calvinism Advisory Committee report set the tone, Written by Dr. Mohler, Dr Dockery and Dr. Eric Hankins, and unanimously approved by the committee, the document calls on us to put our differences in gospel perspective, treat one another with honor and partner for the sake if the Great Commission. Our president, Fred Luter, also set a peaceful tone, by convention theme, by his words, and by his demeanor. It helped that there … [Read more...] about Will the Houston Spirit Last?

Where is.part 1? I tapped it out on my droid, and it disappeared. More later, perhaps. This was the most drama this convention has seen. Resolution 7 on the CP. Amended to include tithing. … [Read more...] about Resolutions: Part 2

There will be a gathering of bloggers after thus morning's session. Meet at noon (or so) at the Truett McConnell booth - at the far end of the display area (near the Israel booth). I am not sure exactly who is in charge, but it will be a good time. Come and join us. … [Read more...] about Bloggers Gathering

There has been NO drama so far. More of a big group hug. The resolutions committee report could change that. The committee worked over 40 hours the last few days to prepare 12 resolutions. 1) on appreciation. … [Read more...] about Resolutions

The agenda has been advanced (because no motions have made it to the floor) and the Southern Seminary report is next. Some have thought this might be a time of contention. There has pretty much been none to this point. With the peaceful tone of this convention, I doubt it. We'll see. Notes: Mohler is reflecting on his 20 years as SBTS pres. Hitting the CR hard - rescued the seminary to produce godly leaders for the SBC. Twenty years ago, he promised to: *Stand uncompromising on the confessions of faith. He is not backing down from the Abstract. *To train and educate pastors and … [Read more...] about The Southern Report

Congratulations, Jared! Jared received 66% of the vote and is the next 2nd VP. Jared Moore was being nominated as I walked in the building. Now, Bob Pearle is nominating Don Cass, a pastor and former state ministry leader in New Mexico and Texas. The vote was taken and results will come back soon. Registration is at 5066, unbelievably low for a Texas convention. What will happen in Baltimore next year? … [Read more...] about Elections: Part 2

Note: Bart Barber was elected without opposition as 1VP of the SBC. As expected, Fred Luter, Jr was reelected for a second term, without opposition. In a few minutes, the election for 1 VP will take place. At this moment, I am not aware of any opposition to Bart's candidacy. We will see. Jared Moore faces a more formidable opponent early in the Wednesday morning session, a retired SBCT evangelism leader. I will post updates as they come. … [Read more...] about Elections

This is a very dangerous thought to put on paper, because it can come across so differently than I intend. I beg your indulgence and understanding to hear my heart if my words betray me. In 2005, I was the ultimate outsider. Other than my work with the Baptist Convention of Iowa, I was completely outside the power structure of the SBC in any way. I was a pastor in Sioux City, Iowa - that's about as far outside the SBC footprint as you can get. But I had some pretty strong opinions about some of the people who were running things in the SBC. It was (and is) pretty common to view the leaders … [Read more...] about Appreciation for the Leaders of the SBC

Motions brought forward at the first Miscellaneous Business Session: 1) Tim Overton (surprise) made a motion to banish the NIV from Lifeway and other entity use. This has been something of an ongoing crusade for him. The motion will almost certainly be ruled out of order, since it is the LifeWay Trustees that are tasked with making this decision. He has been to those Trustees, and pursued other avenues. 2) Didn't get the name, but a motion was made (really a resolution, but made in the form of a motion) for a more radical action on the Boy Scouts. Will likely be out of order to defer to … [Read more...] about SBC Session 1: Miscellaneous Business And Executive Committee

Without a doubt, the great moments of a convention are often not scripted or expected. The Pastor's conference was uneventful, but frankly, I was having meetings and "fellowship during most of it. The Calvinism Committee Report at the CP booth was packed out and wonderful. With the exception of some of the most extreme elements on both sides, the report seems to be well received by everyone. Hopefully, we will put into practice the ideals expressed. Monday evening's presentation by Tim McKenzie was unbelievable and moving. His "sermon" was nothing but scripture. He quoted the Bible for 35 … [Read more...] about SBC 2013: What to Expect