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!
BREAKING: Dr. James K. Dew Elected NOBTS President (announcement with commentary)
I was surprised and appreciative to receive an invitation from the PR department of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for today’s official Press Conference announcing the election of the new President (specific thanks to Gary Myers, NOBTS Director of Communications). I attended as a correspondent from SBC Voices and as such, I decided to not only report the event itself but also share my personal feelings about this new era in the life of the SBC’s first seminary founded by the direct action of the Southern Baptist Convention. So here’s the news, this morning the trustees voted … [Read more...] about BREAKING: Dr. James K. Dew Elected NOBTS President (announcement with commentary)
BREAKING: Dr. Jamie Dew to be Nominated as NOBTS President
NOBTS Search Team Chairman, Dr. Frank Cox, has announced that Dr. James Dew of North Carolina will be presented to the full Board of Trustees as the candidate to serve as the next President of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. A special called meeting will take place Wednesday, June 5th on the campus of NOBTS at 9 am for a vote on the candidate. Dr. Dew currently serves as the Associate Professor of History of Ideas and Philosophy at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also the Dean of the undergraduate College at Southeastern … [Read more...] about BREAKING: Dr. Jamie Dew to be Nominated as NOBTS President
Dr. Steve Horn Recommended to Lead Louisiana Baptists
A Louisiana search committee has decided on the candidate they will recommend to serve as the next Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Dr. Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana will be presented to the LBC Executive Board's Administrative Committee during a special meeting slated for Thursday, April 11. If the committee confirms the nominee, he will be presented to the full Executive Board on May 7th. Dr. Horn would replace Dr. David Hankins who has announced his retirement. You can find more information at the Baptist Message. … [Read more...] about Dr. Steve Horn Recommended to Lead Louisiana Baptists
I Am Embarrassed by My State Paper, The Baptist Message
One week ago I wrote my first draft of this article, then I didn't post it because I realized I was angry and my words were not appropriate nor were they even coherent due to my frustration. Thus, I have waited until today when the hard copy of the article to which I was responding arrived at our church office (and I am in better control of my faculties ). Also, I had another title for this article but some dear friends suggested I should soften it a bit. So this is me not being angry or incendiary... The Baptist Message's "Investigation" Last week the Baptist Message (BM), the state … [Read more...] about I Am Embarrassed by My State Paper, The Baptist Message
The Man We Need in New Orleans
Recently, our esteemed Grand Poobah and Chief Pontificator around here offered a thorough and sound argument for the type of person we need serving our convention of churches in Nashville as our Executive Committee CEO. I’d like to unashamedly steal his title and repurpose it for a similar musing about the type of person I believe we need here in my home of New Orleans to serve our convention as the next President of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). Those of you who regularly read our posts at Voices might know that I am the number one fan of the work the SBC does here in … [Read more...] about The Man We Need in New Orleans