To say that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is having some difficulties is like saying an oncoming hurricane will have showers and a breeze. It doesn’t fully capture the detail of what the damage will be, or the tragedy left in its wake. Vitriolic disputes over theology. Christian Nationalism and racial injustice. The continued coverup of sexual abuse crimes. And members leaving in droves. At the heart of it all, is a power grab for its core. So, what on earth is going on with the SBC? For me to answer that, I can only explain in this way… What is most personal is most … [Read more...] about SBC Survivor Stories: Will the Church Be a Haven or a Hunting Ground? (by Dave Pittman)
(Almost) Twenty Years a Baptist (by Cody Glen Barnhart)
Where a power structure can be wielded for good, a power structure can be wielded for evil. Friends, Baptists, countrymen, lend me your ears: I come to bury our past, not to praise it. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interrèd with their bones. So let it be with the Conservative Resurgence. Being Southern Baptist is in my bones. I professed faith and was baptized at age six in an SBC church, and my life since been decidedly SBC-centric. I remained a member at SBC churches through my adolescence. Then, I went to Italy with the Tennessee Baptist … [Read more...] about (Almost) Twenty Years a Baptist (by Cody Glen Barnhart)
Significant Concerns about the New SBC Business & Finance Plan (Part 2) by Jon Canler
See part 1 here, where Canler discusses the first two areas of concern. There he said: My concerns revolve around three aspects of the plan, two of which I’ll highlight in this post, and the third I’ll discuss in part two: Reservations Regarding Escrowing Cooperative Program (CP) Funds and Entity Reporting Reservations Regarding Trustee and EC Nominations Reservations Related to Sole Membership, Ascending Liability, and Seminary Accreditation What is Sole Membership and Why is it Good for Southern Baptists? Sole membership is the legal way the Southern Baptist … [Read more...] about Significant Concerns about the New SBC Business & Finance Plan (Part 2) by Jon Canler
Significant Concerns about the New SBC Business & Finance Plan (Part 1) by Jon Canler
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 in Nashville, TN. For reference, you can find the current BFP on pg. 25 here and the proposed plan to be voted on in Nashville here. First, know that I am certainly for business and financial stewardship, accountability, and transparency among the SBC and its … [Read more...] about Significant Concerns about the New SBC Business & Finance Plan (Part 1) by Jon Canler
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. No, the lasting influence of the 45th President will only be measured by the bitter division and caustic animosity that has absolutely engulfed our country. It is an insidious sickness that has pervaded every sphere of our public discourse, … [Read more...] about Suggested Ethics for Online Theological Discourse (Phillip Powers)
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 also a set-up for everyone on the Credentials Committee. And they know it, I discovered in the opening remarks made by chairman Mike Lawson in a Zoom call I’d been waiting to have for weeks. If the EC had asked me for input … [Read more...] about Who’s Caring Well Now?
#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, we would soon see an end to the chronic pandemic that’s been going on since the beginning of Christianity! Just do a Google search for “collusion in the Southern Baptist Convention” and you’ll soon be reading my work as it pertains to the SBC, and learn exactly … [Read more...] about #LONGbeforeMeToo: SBC’s Oldest Survivor Advocate Speaks Out
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 school in Riverdale, Utah with the aim of teaching a solid foundation of the true Gospel in a very dark place. The influence of the Latter Day Saints (LDS) church seeps into every aspect of life in Utah. Most Utah natives fall into one of two categories. They (1) have grown up in the LDS … [Read more...] about Exciting Evangelism news from Utah (by Kalyn Wagner)
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 the departure of Beth Moore. I'm fielding MANY more questions than I used to, from many people who have never asked before and who I never thought would take a critical interest. In the past week I've responded to emails, talked on the phone, and over private messages on social media with a noticeably … [Read more...] about Perspective on the Ground: Questions from Church Members about Beth Moore’s Departure (by Joel Rainey)
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 the air. Isolation. Today was different. Almost normal. We played with other kids (cousins, masked) and had little worry of what tomorrow’s news may bring. But the specter of last year lingered. It caught in my throat again as we drove home, winding down streets that I had walked every day … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget to Remember (by Emily Snook)