Guest Blogger

(This chapel message was preached by Dr. Yarnell after the passing of distinguished SWBTS professor Dr. Garrett.)  Our key texts today are found in Matthew 5 and 11. Among the first beatitudes of his inaugural sermon, Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle [hoi praeis], for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Later, after praying to the Father who gave him all things, Jesus invited the disciples, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle [praüs eimi] and humble in heart, and you will find rest … [Read more...] about “Blessed Are the Gentle” (Chapel Tribute for James Leo Garrett Jr.) – Dr. Malcolm Yarnell

Controversy is not new to Baptist life.  More than sixty years ago many promised fireworks at the annual meeting if their issues were not addressed, others predicted a convention divided, and everyone was grumbling about supposed problems with professors.  I’m not talking about our most recent controversy though.  Those issues and more were at stake in the early 1960s.  In 1961 doctrinal controversy was set off by the release of the book “Message in Genesis” by Ralph Elliot.  The release of the book merely brought to the surface tensions which had long been simmering.  There was a concern … [Read more...] about A Statement For all Baptists (Luke Holmes)

Last spring, the ERLC invited me to speak as part of a panel the night before the SBC Annual Meeting in Birmingham, my hometown and just miles from where my abuse occurred. The symbolism of speaking in the same town about the worst evil I have encountered in church overwhelmed me, and I trembled backstage waiting to enter the room. Then I met Dr. Moore. Noticing my agitation at telling my story publicly for the first time, Dr. Moore broke the tension by telling me stories about his children, and then helpfully explained that I would not be able to see anyone because of the stage lights. He … [Read more...] about The ERLC Is Imperative (Dr. Susan Codone)

Each year, Southern Baptists gather before the annual meeting for the SBC Pastor’s Conference. During this time, Baptists are treated to some of the best preaching the convention (and often, the larger evangelical world) has to offer. This week, Baptist Press released the speaker list for the 2020 SBC Pastor’s Conference scheduled in Orlando. But before considering the list of names published in Baptist Press, I think it’s worth considering that which is most-needed by the convention family during this time. Our Southern Baptist family is not well. We are wounded. For some, the reports … [Read more...] about Like a Broken Cup and Superglue (Dr. David Norman)

Dr. Susan Codone is an "SBC Voice" - an active and supportive Southern Baptist. Her approach to this issue has been direct but it has honored local church autonomy. The church in question is free to do as it chooses, but she is also free to dissent and to put public pressure on that church when it does something that violates her conscience. Susan is a professor at Mercer University, an abuse survivor, a powerful voice within the SBC on issues of sexual abuse, and has spoken at ERLC and other SBC events. Here is Susan's story. Timothy Pigg, pastor of Fellowship Church in Immokalee, Florida, … [Read more...] about Suspended & Silenced by an SBC Pastor (Dr. Susan Codone)

Guest Post by Dr. Eric Costanzo, pastor, South Tulsa Baptist Church. In Syria, this may be the last Christmas for Christian communities who’ve been there since the first century. If the U.S. fails to act, ancient Christian communities dating back to the Book of Acts might soon be deserted. Since the first mission movements of the Early Church, Assyrian (Syriac) churches have never failed to maintain a confessional Christian presence in or near their original lands. If the current crisis facing northeastern Syria worsens, the last remnants of this people group could be driven out of … [Read more...] about Will this be the Last Christmas for Syrian Christians?