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
The Blessing of a Godly Heritage
I am blessed. Not for anything I have done but because of the family into which God ordained I would be placed. I had no choice, I had no input, I was not consulted nor did I earn it in some way. But by the grace of God I was given to a family that loved Jesus and therefore loved one-another. Without perfection, to be sure, without wealth or pedigree, but not without a deep and abiding understanding of what a family is and how it should function in a Christ honoring way. Today, I am reminded how thankful I am that my mom and dad have been with us long enough to see and get to know all 5 of … [Read more...] about The Blessing of a Godly Heritage
Response to Released Paige Patterson Letter
On December 4th my local New Orleans Baptist Association of Churches (NOBA) published a response to a letter that has been publicly released 7 years after its original recipient received it. Whether or not you are inclined to think the recent leak was appropriate, the letter itself is a commentary on how many people have viewed our African American brothers and sisters over the years. As always, I am so thankful for an association of churches who will speak up for brothers and sisters who have been belittled, maligned or otherwise marginalized. It is a privilege to serve with and among … [Read more...] about Response to Released Paige Patterson Letter
An Encouraging Report from Louisiana
On May 7th 2019 Steve Horn was elected as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Since that time I cannot recount how often I have been asked by friends from within and without Louisiana what I think about the new hire and when I would share my thoughts here on Voices. However, I did not think it was fair to do such a thing until I had an opportunity to sit down with him to ask questions and express concerns I have regarding the LBC, its culture and the need for some significant changes. Unfortunately, his schedule has not yet allowed for us to meet but I am happy to … [Read more...] about An Encouraging Report from Louisiana
What’s up with this #FillTheTank Challenge from President Greear?
On August 12th our SBC President, JD Greear issued a challenge to our convention of churches. Although the genesis of this emphasis is nothing new to old-school SBC’ers, this renewed initiative might be new to the younger guys and gals involved in our cooperative effort. No doubt, from the time Adam skinned his first rabbit to fashion extra bloomers for he and Eve, the Southern Baptist Convention has had a “Baptism Sunday” chiseled onto its annual Calendar of Activities. Baptism (the mode, the methodology and the meaning) is important to us low-church Protestants in a way that not much else … [Read more...] about What’s up with this #FillTheTank Challenge from President Greear?
BCHS: Maybe the SBC’s Best-Kept-Secret… Seriously!
I promise this will be the last thing I post regarding anything about New Orleans for the foreseeable future. I’m sure those of you who are in the unfortunate circumstance of not living here might get tired of all the doting and mushiness and PDA. ;) I just want to point out an amazing ministry we have here which I believe ought to be replicated across the convention. The news itself about Baptist Community Heath Services (BCHS) is impressive but the ministry happening there is the most important thing going on. This recent report to BCHS partners speaks for itself, but please, if you … [Read more...] about BCHS: Maybe the SBC’s Best-Kept-Secret… Seriously!