This is Post 6 in Don Dent's "Finding Direction" Series Jesus told the disciples they were to proclaim Him to the whole world, including all the nations (Matt 24:14). Paul took up that task and affirmed that Jesus died for all so that we would not live for ourselves but for Him who died and rose for us (2 Cor 5:15). So, God’s intention, and our task, is to proclaim Jesus so the whole world can hear and believe. Since Pentecost, this primarily involves two missional structures – 1) the “sent ones” who go to other places/peoples to proclaim Christ where he is not known, and 2) the … [Read more...] about Movements to Christ (Don Dent)
In Missions, Money Is a Double-Edged Blade (Don Dent)
This is Part 5 of Don Dent's "Finding Direction" series on key issues in missions. Discussions about money often raise emotional responses. Take, for example. the case of a leader promising some citizens that they did not have to pay a large debt they chose to incur and contracted to pay back. Because money was available to them, many made foolish choices in how to spend it. The leader now wants those people to support him, so he cancels their debt by giving it to other citizens who choose not to take on such a debt. On one hand, these citizens are incensed a leader could take the money … [Read more...] about In Missions, Money Is a Double-Edged Blade (Don Dent)
Why The SBC Needs the ERLC (by Jonathan Raffini)
When I read of the news that Brent Leatherwood had been removed as president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the denomination I have been a member for my entire life, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), I was shocked as most of you were. After years of trying to best understand the role that the ERLC plays in denominational life, I could not believe what I was reading. There have been multiple calls for reform, leadership change, accountability and even motions to defund and abolish the ERLC, seemingly culminating in Tom Ascol’s motion at the SBC annual meeting … [Read more...] about Why The SBC Needs the ERLC (by Jonathan Raffini)
What Makes an Effective Missionary? (Don Dent)
This is Part 4 in Don Dent's "Finding Direction" Series We have painted ourselves into a corner with the idea that “everyone is a missionary.” I first noticed this statement from SBC leaders in the early 2000s. It has been repeated and advocated by so many on so many occasions since then that it is now considered a truism. The idea gained popularity because we need to renew in our churches the emphasis that every believer is a witness, but this is the wrong way. All believers should definitely be contributing to accomplishing the Great Commission, that does not make every believer a … [Read more...] about What Makes an Effective Missionary? (Don Dent)
Finding Direction, Part 3 – Is Participation in God’s Mission Important? (Don Dent)
Israel Adam and Eve’s fellowship with God in Eden quickly deteriorated into personal sin, guilt, cultural rebellion, multiplication, scattering, and confused communication among men by Gen 11. In that situation, God chose the small wandering clan of Abraham to establish a covenant relationship of promise and purpose (Gen 12). Three times God affirmed this relationship with Abraham, and each time he declared it would bless all nations (Gen 12, 18, 22). When he renewed the covenant with Isaac (Gen 26) and with Jacob (Gen 28), the blessing to the nations was an integral part. The God of … [Read more...] about Finding Direction, Part 3 – Is Participation in God’s Mission Important? (Don Dent)
The Speech I Planned to Give in Support of the Motion to Censure (by Louis Cook)
I am Louis Cook. I am a messenger sent by Oak City Baptist Church in Oak City, North Carolina. Brothers and sisters in Christ, this motion might sound unusual to many of you. Let me make clear that the purpose is not to attack or disparage. It simply calls on you, as messengers, to approve a motion of censure of these leaders who serve our Convention. Censure does not fire nor suspend someone. What it does is express our strong disapproval of a specific action. I believe that most messengers and the churches that sent us remain unaware of what was done in our name in 2022 and has remained … [Read more...] about The Speech I Planned to Give in Support of the Motion to Censure (by Louis Cook)
Nickelodeon, Abuse, and the SBC (Anonymous)
“But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.” 2 Chronicles 33:9-10. I’ve been reading a book series lately about the time of the kings. This series covers the reigns of kings Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh and showcases Judah’s flow of destruction to prosperity to destruction. The determining factor of this flow is one simple question: will the king lead the people to do what is right or evil in the sight of the … [Read more...] about Nickelodeon, Abuse, and the SBC (Anonymous)
Finding Direction, Part 2 – Humanitarian Work and the Gospel Message
The seminary students went out in teams of two with a local believing interpreter to share Christ in a large Asian city. They were essentially following the model of Matthew 10 where Jesus sent the disciples out; the students were a bit nervous because they had never done this before. One team of three hired a taxi to take them to a neighborhood and when they arrived, the taxi driver asked to go with them and drive them all day. They were invited into several homes that day, given tea and cookies, and after brief introductions shared the gospel in each home, usually for an hour or more. … [Read more...] about Finding Direction, Part 2 – Humanitarian Work and the Gospel Message
Finding Direction, Part 1 (Don Dent)
Don Dent is an Emeritus IMB missionary and Senior Professor of Missions at Gateway Seminary. He studied at Mississippi College, GGBTS with Baker James Cauthen, and Malaysia Baptist Theo. Seminary where he earned the Doctor of Missiology with Mark Terry. His daughter, Chesed, and son, Rob, both work to extend missions to the nations. He is the author of The Ongoing Role of Apostles in Missions and the recently published Finding Direction to Redeem the Nations. Don loves reading non-fiction, hunting, and since moving in 2023 to MS from CA is looking for an alternative to kayak shark fishing in … [Read more...] about Finding Direction, Part 1 (Don Dent)
Can Anything Clear Come Out of Confusion? The Self-Contradiction, Omission, and Myopia of the Law Amendment (Brian Dembowczyk)
In John 1:46, Nathaniel asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I want to ask a similar question: “Can anything clear come out of confusion?” One of the consistent arguments for the Law Amendment has been that, if approved, it will bring much-needed clarity to the SBC. Here’s how sbcamendment.org puts it: This is why the amendment is so important. Amending the constitution—which carries a greater binding authority than the Baptist Faith & Message (2000)—would clearly define who is and is not part of the SBC. Such an amendment could add stability to our convention for decades, … [Read more...] about Can Anything Clear Come Out of Confusion? The Self-Contradiction, Omission, and Myopia of the Law Amendment (Brian Dembowczyk)