Recently a small Louisiana Baptist church began the process of seeking a pastor. Resumes were received from all over the region, and a few from as far away as Missouri, but one candidate caught the attention and interest of the search team. His resume more than impressed the search committee. He had a doctorate and was working on another overseas. He previously served declining churches who (apparently) experienced revitalization. The pastor search team had an initial conference call with the candidate and began formulating a time for a visit. Since the candidate was from a neighboring … [Read more...] about Ten Steps for Vetting Your Next Pastor (Stacy Morgan)
Rescued from Politics, Refocused in the Pulpit
There was a time in my young adult life I was very involved in politics. VERY involved. I was a pro-life lobbyist in Kentucky. I worked long and hard for Jim Bunning way back when he was a congressman (even marched with him and his precious wife Mary in the March for Life in DC). Almost took a job in Senator Mitch McConnell’s office. Had numerous friends that worked in Washington congressional offices. Was partly responsible for starting a multi-county “Young Republican” club in Eastern Kentucky. While President of that YR club, I (along with my team) organized and hosted the Young Republican … [Read more...] about Rescued from Politics, Refocused in the Pulpit
The ERLC on the Revoice Conference
I am so thankful for this iteration of the ERLC. In years past I wondered about having an arm of our cooperative work which was so intrinsically tied to politics. However, the men and women who are currently serving at the ERLC seem to deeply care about their work and they do not tie their opinions to partisan politics. I very much appreciate that (I will write more about my thoughts on that soon). Over the last few years they have taken shots, like a champ, from both sides of the political spectrum so arguably they must be doing something right. (bring on the condescending comments) I want … [Read more...] about The ERLC on the Revoice Conference
The 5 Most Important Things That Happened at #SBC18
After having a great week visiting with friends, making new ones and enduring rollercoaster air conditioning issues in the convention hall, I sat down to review the events of Tuesday and Wednesday of #SBC18 (I refused to use #SBCAM18. Let the trolls be trolls). I have put together a list of what this Louisianian thinks were the 5 most important things that happened in Dallas this past week. Feel free to agree, disagree, comment and/or share your own list. 1. The Election of J.D. Greear: Clearly, the presidential election was the most anticipated/hyped part of our annual event this year. … [Read more...] about The 5 Most Important Things That Happened at #SBC18
A List for Living ‘Lit’ (Ephesians 5:15-21): From the Voice that Matters Most
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but … [Read more...] about A List for Living ‘Lit’ (Ephesians 5:15-21): From the Voice that Matters Most
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:15-19 – Praise and Prayer
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: Ephesians 1:15-19 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,[g] would … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:15-19 – Praise and Prayer
On Racism, MLK50, and SBC Churches: An Alternative Voice from Louisiana
I have the great privilege to be a part of the network of churches that make up the New Orleans Baptist Association. We are so diverse from one another and yet there is such unity within our diversity. We have different traditions, ethnicities, broad soteriologies, differing worship styles, ecclesiological models, big churches, little churches, established churches and brand new church plants. Our "big church" pastors are just as involved with our association's work as are our "small church" pastors. All these differences and yet we love one another. We have wonderful times of fellowship with … [Read more...] about On Racism, MLK50, and SBC Churches: An Alternative Voice from Louisiana
More Inappropriate LBC Campaigning – Calling Up Disaster Relief Workers for Hemphill “Rallies”
Friends, Today, I was forwarded, by a number of people, an email that apparently went to all SBC ‘Blue Hats’ in Louisiana. I’ve actually served as a Blue Hat as well as a White Hat during Katrina (this is all Disaster Relief speak for those of you who wouldn’t know) but I didn’t personally receive this email from the LBC building. I’m not sure how to even process what I’m seeing. I think that someone at the Baptist Building in Alexandria either actually thinks we are all stupid or truly doesn't care what we think at all. Coming off the heels of the story about the inappropriateness of … [Read more...] about More Inappropriate LBC Campaigning – Calling Up Disaster Relief Workers for Hemphill “Rallies”
Hemphill Election Website Secretly Sponsored by Louisiana Baptist Convention
If I have learned anything during my time as a pastor in Louisiana it is confirmation that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely (originally from a letter by John Dalberg-Acton 1st Baron Acton to Mandell Creighton dated April 5, 1887). Please no jokes about the political irony of living here in the home state of Huey Long where “Every Man is a King.” For years I’ve wondered… what will it take for my fellow LA Pastors to see through the obfuscation, manipulation and bad stewardship which we allow to continue unchecked in Alexandria. I’m flummoxed as to what will it take … [Read more...] about Hemphill Election Website Secretly Sponsored by Louisiana Baptist Convention