Consider my two posts an open letter to the Executive Committee (EC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and to SBC legal counsel where feedback and clarity are welcomed concerning the current text of the revised and updated SBC Business & Finance Plan (BFP) being brought before the messengers of the 2021 SBC annual meeting […]
Suggested Ethics for Online Theological Discourse (Phillip Powers)
The legacy of Donald Trump’s term as President of the United States will not be measured in terms of legislation passed, appointments made, or diplomatic accords achieved. It will not be counted by any advancements of the Republican party’s agenda, by any conservative causes that were championed, or by any national or international crises that were averted. […]
Who’s Caring Well Now?
The following is a guest post by Dee Miller, former FMB missionary and long-time survivor advocate. See her post from last week #LONGbeforeMeToo: SBC’s Oldest Survivor Advocate Speaks Out for important background. ______________ It’s a Set-Up! A total Set-Up! Not only for survivors who’ve waited years in hoping the SBC might someday hear their cries. It’s […]
#LONGbeforeMeToo: SBC’s Oldest Survivor Advocate Speaks Out
The following is a guest post by Dee Miller, former FMB missionary and long-time survivor advocate. Contrary to popular belief, abuse is not as big a problem as many believe. Never has been. The real problem is collusion with abuse. If we can persuade folks to stop colluding, and truly holding those accountable who do, […]
Exciting Evangelism news from Utah (by Kalyn Wagner)
This year has been an insane year for many but out in Utah, arguably one of the most unregenerate states in our union, a new program has emerged with the goal of reaching children with the Gospel directly in public and charter schools. Next Generation of Utah was launched in August partnering with a charter […]
Perspective on the Ground: Questions from Church Members about Beth Moore’s Departure (by Joel Rainey)
To my SBC brothers and sisters, from the experiences of one local pastor, Most in our church don’t think a lot about the SBC. Most are content with our collective mission and happy we give to it at a rate triple what we gave just two years ago. That all changed this past week after […]
Don’t Forget to Remember (by Emily Snook)
It surprised me, the catch in my throat. In the last year we’d visited that playground almost 100 times. But today was different. A year ago today, the playground equipment was roped off. We brought our own toys from home and played with no other kids. There was an uncertainty and anxiety that hung in […]
Christians and Activism (by Sonja Dosti)
Until the Reagan presidency, Evangelicals often shied away from activism. Activism is defined as “a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.” It can help bring about justice as well as social, economic, and political change, yet the word itself evokes […]
Pastor, be ready to believe (Keith Myer)
As awareness of Ravi Zacharias’ sins and abuse spreads on the internet, there have been a number of reactions. There has been a great deal of disgust and anger (and properly so). Some have offered opinions (“I never liked him anyway” or “I’m throwing his books away.”) Others have shared guidelines like the Billy Graham […]
A Right to Kill? A Pastor’s Perspective on the Death Penalty (Joseph Giles)
Over the last few days, both houses of Virginia’s legislature have passed bills that would end the practice of capital punishment in the Commonwealth. Sen. Scott Surovell (D) of Fairfax as well as Sen. Bill Stanley (R) of Franklin sponsored this bipartisan bill. For me, this is a sign of hope on many levels. There […]
I Have Something to Say: An Open Letter from Deryk Hayes
To all that this may concern, Normally I would begin a letter such as this with a greeting that clearly explains my hope and prayer that the reader is doing well, encouraged, and in good spirits. In such an instance I would further go on to explain my purpose of the letter to the reader […]
What Kind of Report is This? The EC Task Force Report on the ERLC (Mike Miller)
I’m writing this the day after the ERLC Study Task Force released its unanimous report of its work and findings. The Task Force was charged with reviewing the “past and present activities of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission” to determine whether its actions are proving to be detrimental to Cooperative Program giving. Their conclusion […]