Cooperation between local churches has long been a hallmark of Baptist identity. Going all the way back to the earliest English Separatists, Baptists have always understood that, though local churches are autonomous, we are better able to accomplish the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations when we partner together. Our history is filled with example after example of local churches that have worked together to fund, train, and send missionaries around the world. In many ways, these precedents are the foundation for the denominational structures that exist today. Whether it is the … [Read more...] about On the Value of Local Association Ministry (Phillip Powers)
One California Pastor’s Experience with Willy Rice (Christopher Cole)
Willy Rice doesn’t need this California normative-sized SBC church pastor to endorse his nomination for the SBC presidency. Pastors of far bigger and more effective churches have already endorsed this nomination and deservedly so. Anyone at SBC21 with ears to hear and eyes to see realized we heard a timely message from a true man of God as Willy delivered last year’s convention message. Many others know Willy far better and can testify to his giftedness in leading his church and Florida Baptists to effectively engage a lost community, state, and world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Still … [Read more...] about One California Pastor’s Experience with Willy Rice (Christopher Cole)
SBC22 Disneyland Guidance (by DJ Jenkins)
SBC22 in Anaheim, California is just around the corner! And with the convention center being literally across the street from Disneyland Resort, many Southern Baptists and their families will be taking advantage of the opportunity for some great family memories at the parks. As a former Send Network planter and now SBC pastor of a church in Los Angeles, I’m thrilled to be welcoming everyone to our great state. And as Disneyland annual passholders for the past decade, my family has a lot of experience with how to best navigate the parks. Consider this my best advice and a helpful guide to all … [Read more...] about SBC22 Disneyland Guidance (by DJ Jenkins)
What Happened to Them? (by Derek Kitterlin)
“What in the h#!! happened to him?” These words emanated from a lost 25-year-old whose life was overtaken by addiction, whose brokenness dominated his choices, and whose hope for sobriety had long departed. The person he knew before, the notorious outlaw who principally cared about ruinous behavior centered around methamphetamines, now cared chiefly about people’s souls. What was this newness, this distinction, this transformation, this personal reformation? The natural man does not have language to describe the works of God. I know that I didn’t. What I saw in this man when I uttered those … [Read more...] about What Happened to Them? (by Derek Kitterlin)
The SBC, the EC, and Waiving Attorney-Client Privilege (by Jon Canler)
Over late summer and early fall 2021, the Executive Committee (EC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) deliberated whether or not to waive attorney-client privilege (ACP) as part of a sexual abuse investigation into the actions of the EC over the past two decades, an investigation overwhelmingly demanded by the messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting. As the deliberations drew out, with resistance from some on the EC who were not willing to waive ACP, all kinds of commentary were offered to explain what was happening. As is readily apparent from this statement, some within the SBC … [Read more...] about The SBC, the EC, and Waiving Attorney-Client Privilege (by Jon Canler)
Christians and the Public School (by Dale Huntington)
Growing up in a family of mostly secular humanist educators, I never once questioned if I should be going to public school. My father was the elementary school principal my friends referred to as Dr. Huntington and my mom was a school teacher and a college counselor for most of my life. So, when private Christian school and homeschooling were mentioned to me, I had no point of reference for it. And to be honest, the homeschooled kids I met seemed like they were from a different planet. It was in public high school where I was exposed to Christian teaching about the wrath of God and the saving … [Read more...] about Christians and the Public School (by Dale Huntington)
Safeguarding Our Churches Against Sexual Abuse (A guest post by Tim Overton)
Editor's note (Todd Benkert): I've encouraged more ideas on how to address sexual abuse -- particularly the problem of serial abusers who go from church to church. Here is one such idea. Feel free to discuss the merits of Tim's idea in the comment section, but I applaud such efforts at creative thinking on the issue. Tragic stories of sexual abuse have come to light during the past year. These horrific sins have created a movement among Southern Baptists to do more to protect our congregations. The convention strongly believes in Scriptural inerrancy. Everyone universally … [Read more...] about Safeguarding Our Churches Against Sexual Abuse (A guest post by Tim Overton)
On Pastoral Tenure as Covenant (Phillip Powers)
I recently read an article about an Oklahoma pastor who is retiring after serving in the same church for 60 years. And let me just begin by saying that this is the kind of pastor that deserves the platform though he would probably never ask for it. So often, we platform the personalities that are the most visible, those pastors who have the largest churches, who have published the most books, who speak regularly on the conference circuit. It would seem we have missed the mark. Our measures of ministry success reflect all of the values and metrics of the world and none of the values of God, who … [Read more...] about On Pastoral Tenure as Covenant (Phillip Powers)
How Executive Committee Leaders Failed in Their Fiduciary Duties Long Before October 5th (Benjamin Wright)
By now it’s not news to readers of Voices that the President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee has resigned. He has reminded us repeatedly of his fiduciary duties to the SBC, and in his resignation letter explained that he can no longer carry out those duties after the October 5th EC vote to waive attorney-client privilege relative to the Sexual Abuse Task Force investigation. You may have also read Rod Martin’s letter of resignation from the EC, in which he writes that “the SBC is in grave danger” due to the EC vote to waive privilege. Floyd believes the SBC is in “uncertain, unknown, … [Read more...] about How Executive Committee Leaders Failed in Their Fiduciary Duties Long Before October 5th (Benjamin Wright)
Third time’s the charm? (by Dave Pittman)
“Third time’s the charm”, that’s what we’re told, right? On their third attempt to honor the wishes of Messengers, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee voted 44 to 31 to waive attorney-client privilege (albeit in a VERY limited manner) and agree to the contract with Guidepost to begin the investigation on sexual abuse. But let’s be honest, this is not an investigation on all cases of sexual abuse within the SBC. It’s only about the last 20 years and only within the SBC EC. Is there already a documented case of libel regarding a case of sexual abuse? Yes. And will there be … [Read more...] about Third time’s the charm? (by Dave Pittman)