Pastor Vance Pitman graciously took the time to answer several questions about leadership, administration and church growth. I believe the SBCVoices audience will benefit from his words of wisdom and I hope each reader can take something back to their own church to help lead their congregation in God's direction. Vance Pitman is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Las Vegas, NV. Vance was raised in a Christian home and mentored by his father, a Southern Baptist Minister, Vance surrendered control of his life to Jesus Christ at age seventeen. At age eighteen, in response … [Read more...] about Vance Pitman on Leadership
Autonomy of the local church?
The Arizona Southern Baptist Convention provides sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, property deeds, and other legal documents for church plants. One of the clauses in these documents is a reverter clause which transfers all the church's assets to the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention in the case that the church ceases to be a Southern Baptist Church. My own church has such a clause in their bylaws, but they are not nearly as strict as the current templates available. This language is encouraged for all churches and is required for church plants to get support from the convention. I … [Read more...] about Autonomy of the local church?
Liberty University, SBC of Virginia and Ergun Caner
In Ergun Caner is a real ex-Muslim, I challenged the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia to be wise stewards of God’s cooperative program resources and prayerfully consider if Liberty University is bringing God glory. I did this because I assumed that the SBC of Virginia was supporting Liberty University financially. I was wrong. Brandon Picket, Director of Media Services for SBC of Virginia has contacted me to correct my misunderstanding of the relationship between SBC of VA and Liberty University. Since 2000, Liberty University has been a ministry partner of SBC of VA, approved … [Read more...] about Liberty University, SBC of Virginia and Ergun Caner
Win a Free CD from Seeds Family Worship
Read the review of Seeds Family Worship on the Witnesses Unto Me blog. Then head on over to enter for a chance to win a free CD from the Seeds team. Just leave a comment on the contest page to enter. Enter by this coming Lord's day, April 11, 2010. Winner will be announced Monday April 12th. … [Read more...] about Win a Free CD from Seeds Family Worship
Ergun Caner is a real ex-Muslim
Ergun Caner has been at the center of controversy recently. Mohammad Khan, a Muslim, has launched a website called fake ex muslims. Mohammad has used this website to point out errors and contradictions in Ergun Caner's testimony, speeches and publications. Last week I posted evidence on my blog that indicates Ergun Caner was born in Sweden, moved to America before his fourth birthday and has remained here ever since. This is a contradiction to Ergun's biography on the Liberty University website which states he immigrated to the United States in 1979. Following the start of this … [Read more...] about Ergun Caner is a real ex-Muslim
Sharing The Gospel, incorporating advice from Bill Hybels
In Bill Hybels' book, Just Walk Across the Room, Hybels asks the reader to write a faith story in 100 words or less. The faith story is supposed to be used as an evangelism tool when time is short. If you only have 45 seconds to give someone a message, instead of telling them about your life, I would suggest you tell them the Gospel. The exercise is the similar to what Hybels suggests. However, instead of sharing about yourself, present the gospel, which has the power to bring men to Christ. Hybels other advice is good: Keep it short, use common language, be humble, and be clear. I've … [Read more...] about Sharing The Gospel, incorporating advice from Bill Hybels
The meaning of the cross
When you have only a few words to work with, can you remain a faithful witness? Try explaining the meaning of the cross in 140 characters or less. The best description, as determined by voters, wins 25 copies of Pursuing God by author and SBC Pastor, Jim Elliff. Use them for outreach in your church or personal evangelism. Got all the details and enter by Monday February 15th on the Witnesses Unto Me blog. Jason Smathers Blog Twitter … [Read more...] about The meaning of the cross
Developing a heart for the lost
Today while meeting with my Pastor and Sunday School director, we observed that our church is not good at welcoming new faces. At times, people visit us and they do not feel welcome. I suggested this is a symptom of not having a heart for the lost. When by the grace of God a lost person shows up at our church, every member should be concerned for the soul of that visitor. That concern should reveal itself in many ways, none of which result in the person feeling unwelcome. Focusing on developing a heart for the lost is a far better focus that training people in kindness. Not only will … [Read more...] about Developing a heart for the lost
Church Discipline for Persistent and Willful Non-Attendance
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins Hebrews 10:25-26 (ESV) Neglecting the meetings of the church is a sin and church discipline is to be used in the case of unrepentant sin. Church discipline not only restores wayward sheep, but also removes unbelievers from the church and protects the corporate witness of the local church. If a member is not attending, it is … [Read more...] about Church Discipline for Persistent and Willful Non-Attendance