It is my intention to offer the following motion Tuesday morning at the 10:10 am time during the Introduction of New Motions. I post it here with some brief commentary in order to express my rationale and purpose for bringing it up. The Text of the Motion Thank you, Mr Chairman. My name is Jay Adkins, messenger from FBC Westwego in Louisiana and I rise to submit the following motion: I move the convention-elected office of Recording Secretary be permanently removed from holding a seat as a member on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention by striking “…and the … [Read more...] about Jay’s Motion to Permanently Remove the Recording Secretary’s Position from the EC
A Devastatingly Deficient Defense: The Sad Response to my “Conflict of Interest” Motion From the Executive Committee
In just a few days the Executive Committee (EC) will present their annual report to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and at least a portion of that report will be embarrassing for them. The official EC response to my motion regarding a possible conflict of interest related to the previous SBC law firm has been published… and it is utterly laughable. The Background I offered the first motion to be brought to the floor of the SBC last year in Nashville regarding what I, and some others, believed to be an apparent conflict of interest concerning our convention’s legal counsel. … [Read more...] about A Devastatingly Deficient Defense: The Sad Response to my “Conflict of Interest” Motion From the Executive Committee
Breaking News from the Executive Committee
I was just informed that two members of the Executive Committee, Neal Hughes & Hoyt Savage, have already announced their intention to the full board to nominate Andrew Hunt and Philip Robertson respectively for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee. This CANNOT be allowed to come to fruition. Both candidates were “No” votes on all 3 of Jared Wellman’s motions to waive privilege. Please consider contacting your state’s EC member and urge them NOT to place those men in these important positions of leadership on the EC. I understand that this election will … [Read more...] about Breaking News from the Executive Committee
On My Motion Regarding Our Lawyers and a Conflict of Interest
Much has transpired since my visit to the Executive Committee (EC) meeting in Nashville last month. I originally wanted to get this article written and published earlier but it became clear that the Sexual Abuse Task Force's work and the response of the EC was a far more important issue (although I would argue these two items are related). Thus, I decided to hold off publishing this article until things finally came to a head after not a small kerfuffle and a third and final motion from Jared Wellman ultimately passing the EC to waive privilege. Since then things have devolved even further … [Read more...] about On My Motion Regarding Our Lawyers and a Conflict of Interest
The Real Failure at the Executive Committee Meeting
I promise the article on my motion and its response is coming soon. I just wanted to take a moment to offer up a word from myself and a few of my friends regarding our take on last week's Executive Committee meeting. When I say a few of my friends, I am not speaking about my co-writers here at SBC Voices. I am speaking about a couple of friends who took some time with me to express some of our thoughts regarding our current problem and from whence the real failure has come over the last 9 or-so days of life in the Southern Baptist Convention. I have chosen not to name the other co-writers … [Read more...] about The Real Failure at the Executive Committee Meeting
How a Church Might Reallocate Funds Away From the Executive Committee
Last night after watching the debacle that was the Executive Committee (EC) meeting and then seeing so many pastors suggest they might lead their church to leave the convention or escrow their giving, I posted the following to Twitter. “Friends, please don’t leave the SBC. Too many good things happening. If anything, consider temporarily redistributing CP & GCG funds away from the EXComm until we get to Anaheim & we radically redefine the work of the EC & reformat the allocation budget commensurate w/the change.” In short order I was asked how such a redistribution might be … [Read more...] about How a Church Might Reallocate Funds Away From the Executive Committee
Why I am voting for Ed Litton to serve as the President of the SBC
A shift has taken places as it has to do with the Presidency of the SBC regarding the old saying, “You don’t seek the office, the office seeks you.” Not that the saying was ever actually true to begin with. There have been plenty of guys who sought the office over the years with a growing and much more open campaigning effort happening more recently. Election websites and open campaigning have become the norm. So be it, whatever, I’m honestly not concerned about that "shift" as much as I am the implications. The point is, there are candidates who are clearly and now openly “seeking the … [Read more...] about Why I am voting for Ed Litton to serve as the President of the SBC
On Rescinding Resolutions
I’m seeing a strange suggestion being floated around social media of late and it concerns me. Most recently in the form of a tweet from the Conservative Baptist Network. On December 3rd 2020 someone from the organization posted… The post states, in part, “Furthermore, we look forward expectantly to the presidents’ cooperation with us in rescinding Resolution 9…” I believe the suggestion of rescinding any resolution is a misguided one with significant challenges and unfortunate consequences. Likely well meaning, but concerning nonetheless. For those who have expressed concern … [Read more...] about On Rescinding Resolutions
My Wife, a Teacher in the Midst of COVID-19
My wife is a hero. She is the ultimate educational “utility player.” When I met her she was a young college assistant professor. Since I have known her she has served anywhere she has been needed in both public, private, home-school and college settings. She has taught high school, pre-K, middle school, college courses and across elementary school grades (she’s a science teacher by training as well as having a Master’s in Counseling). She really is amazing. The Ultimate Utility Player. This year, the year of the Novel Coronavirus-19, she will be teaching kindergarten because that is where … [Read more...] about My Wife, a Teacher in the Midst of COVID-19
The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach
First, the disclaimer. I’m on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) Leadership Council. Which by the way, and contrary to the belief of some phone calls I have received, has no authority or power at the ERLC but is a group of about 80 people who were nominated / chosen to “receive intentional investment from the ERLC and serve as ambassadors for the organization.” You can read more about the Leadership Council HERE. I suppose it should be said that I have come full circle in my appreciation for the ERLC as I once argued it should be dissolved. I no longer think it should and you … [Read more...] about The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach