Guest Blogger

"Bill Mac" is a frequent commenter here. I asked my men’s bible study group the following question: “What is the greatest danger ISIS poses to Christians?” As you might expect, I received answers about possible attacks, forced conversions, the spread of Islam, the persecution of Christians, etc. They pointed out the systematic destruction of Christians, their churches, and their artifacts in the Middle East. I reminded them that in our long history, Christianity has only been strengthened by persecution. I asked them to think deeper. I wanted them to think, specifically, about what danger … [Read more...] about The Greatest Danger from ISIS (by Bill MacKinnon)

I asked Dean to respond earlier, and he did - here it is. Dean Stewart pastors Vaiden Baptist Church and blogs at pastordeanstewart.com.   Earlier Dave Miller wrote a post that as a minister your family cannot always come first.  My feathers were not ruffled by Dave’s post and I agree with most of what he says. I disagree with his thesis, “If family is always going to come first, then you should pick another line of work. If you insist on always putting FAMILY FIRST you cannot be an effective servant of God! Pastoral ministry is NOT for you.” My disagreement is twofold with Dave. First of … [Read more...] about When the Ministry Hits the Fan, Your Family Better Come First (Dean Stewart)

Joel Rainey leads the Engagement Team for Evangelism and Missions at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. He is on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. He blogs at Themelios, where this was originally posted. Western Christianity never looks more lavish, or less like Jesus, than when its leaders are embroiled in scandal.  This past weeks events proved no different, as Creflo Dollar, an Atlanta area pastor and "Word of Faith" teacher made waves across the internet by asking his congregation to provide funds for a new private jet--at the bargain price of $65 … [Read more...] about Creflo, Character, and the Ripple Effect of a Heterodox Life (Joel Rainey)

THE NATIONAL BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERNED PASTORS NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Heidi McDow, 214.679.3409, heidimcdow@yahoo.com Pastors Call for Accountability as American Baptist College Hosts Lesbian Bishop; The National Baptist Fellowship of Concerned Pastors to hold Press Conference to Address Objections to Same-Sex Marriage Advocates at Lecture Series NASHVILLE, Tenn., Mar. 12, 2015 – In response to a controversial choice by American Baptist College (ABC) leadership to invite three active proponents of same-sex marriage to speak and lead worship at … [Read more...] about National Baptist Fellowship of Concerned Pastors Press Release (Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ABC BOARD OF TRUSTEES “Who Left The Gate Open? THE AMERICAN BAPTIST COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES By William Dwight Mckissic, Sr. How is it possible that an unrepentant lesbian bishop, legally married to a female, be invited to preach and lead the Tuesday night worship service, at the prestigious 58th Annual Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series, on the campus of American Baptist College, Nashville, TN?  Who opened the gate and let Bishop Yvette Flunder, for two consecutive years, come and preach/lecture to impressionable students—while she is arguably the face of the rapidly … [Read more...] about Open Letter to the ABC Board of Trustees: “Who Left the Gate Open?” (Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr)

A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE NATION AND THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION Ten Reasons Why American Baptist College President Forrest Harris Should Rescind Lesbian Bishop Yvette Flunder's, Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Invitation By William Dwight McKissic, Sr. Discussions, deliberations and decisions, regarding the legality and morality of same-sex marriage—have wound their way through courts of justice, halls of Congress, city councils and county governments, local school districts, voting booths and the office of the President of the United States. These discussions have been a part of American … [Read more...] about A Defining Moment for the Nation and the National Baptist Convention (Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr)

PRESS RELEASE: LESBIAN BISHOP AND TWO PRO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE PASTORS TO LECTURE AT THE AMERICAN BAPTIST COLLEGE IN NASHVILLE, TN The National Baptist Fellowship of Concerned Pastors is an informal fellowship of pastors with an affinity to the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC) who are deeply concerned about the state of our nation, our families, our churches, and our schools. We have mobilized to address these issues because of our grave concern over our collective, downward drift morally as a nation. Therefore, we declare our support to the NBC 's efforts that addresses these … [Read more...] about National Baptist Fellowship of Concerned Pastors – Press Release (Dwight McKissic)

Dustin Lair describes himself as a "husband, father of 7, small church pastor, retired church softball player and occasional pickup basketball superstar." Dustin sent this to me, and frankly, with the tendency of the interwebs toward the negative, I thought it was helpful. Thank you sharing this, Dustin.  Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. This my friends is one of … [Read more...] about Thoughts Gone Wild (Dustin Lair)

The SBC Plodder, William Thornton, is at his rabble-rousing best in this one! That claim has been made concerning the February 9th Alabama wedding of two females officiated by the Rev. Dr. Ellin Jimmerson. Rev. Jimmerson is an unpaid staff minister of the Weatherly Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville who describes her staff title, "Minister to the Community," as "an honorific." A progressive Patheos blogger, David R. Henson, allowed her to write of the event on his blog, "edges of faith".  Henson introduces her article: Today it is my honor to host the Rev. Dr. Ellin Jimmerson, the first … [Read more...] about First Southern Baptist minister to perform a same sex marriage (William Thornton)

After the White House gathering on “violent extremism” this past week, our president said again, “The notion that the West is at war with Islam is a lie!” It feels evident to many Americans that a rigid and radical strain of Islam has declared war on us! This war is apparent in the beheadings, bombings, burnings, crucifixions, kidnapping of girls, raping of women, and threats toward Rome and the West. This week it was reported that the Islamic State (IS) is now harvesting and trafficking in human organs; now the beheadings have a financial component. Islamic terror is evident in their … [Read more...] about Knees at the Altar or Boots on the Ground? (by Ron F. Hale)