Join SBC Voices at the SBC Annual meeting for the breakout seminar "Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse." Taking place on Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm in room 208 of the Convention hall, this engaging session aims to shed light on the complexities of adult sexual abuse, with a focus on clergy abuse. Attendees will gain valuable insights into this sensitive issue, learn strategies to support survivors, promote healing, and prevent future occurrences. Don't miss this informative event. Key Topics to be Covered: Defining Adult Sexual Abuse: Understanding the different forms … [Read more...] about Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse – A breakout at the SBC Annual Meeting
Response to the Sexual Abuse Task Force Report [Guest Author: Bart Barber]
We, the SBC Voices Editorial Team, repost here for your consideration Dr. Bart Barber's response to the report of the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force. For the original source, click here. For the SBC SATF documents, click here. Bart Barber May 25, 2022 For Immediate Release I have now read the complete text and the appendices of the May 15, 2022, document from Guidepost Solutions entitled, “Report of the Independent Investigation: The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee’s Response to Sexual Abuse Allegations and an Audit of the Procedures and Actions of the Credentials … [Read more...] about Response to the Sexual Abuse Task Force Report [Guest Author: Bart Barber]
What Messengers Should Know About the Conservative Baptist Network’s Plans for #SBC21
The SBC functions as a bottom-up convention of churches. It is often said that the headquarters of the SBC is in the local church. We say this for good reason. It is true. Between our annual meetings, our entities and their trustees carry out the will of the Messengers, who represent the churches. Whenever you have people involved, processes in place, and decisions being made, you have politics, which is not necessarily a problem. In part, it is just the way groups of people navigate collective decision-making. Thus, it is no surprise that the SBC, for many years, has operated with a … [Read more...] about What Messengers Should Know About the Conservative Baptist Network’s Plans for #SBC21
A week of edification, encouragement, and affirmation.
This is the winter of our discontent, our division, our depression, our discouragement. It need not be. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, Therefore … [Read more...] about A week of edification, encouragement, and affirmation.
Our Response to the SBC Executive Committee’s Statement
Earlier this week, we published How the Conservative Baptist Network took control of the Executive Committee. Yesterday the Executive Committee officers released a statement disputing its interpretation of the facts. Since that statement was released in Baptist Press, there have been calls on social media for SBC Voices to remove the article and issue an apology. After reading the statement from the Executive Committee, we stand by the concerns stated in our article and others we've published. Some have said that the Executive Committee statement proves the article is untrue. The Executive … [Read more...] about Our Response to the SBC Executive Committee’s Statement
ERLC Responds Powerfully to Mike Stone and EC Task Force
In a statement just posted at ERLC.com, the ERLC trustees address the actions taken by the SBC Executive Committee during Tuesday's meeting. Full Text Below: Letter from the ERLC Executive Committee Feb 20, 2020 Dear Chairman Stone and Members of the Executive Committee, As convictional and grateful Southern Baptists, we would like to thank every member of the Executive Committee for their service to the Southern Baptist Convention. Our convention is indebted to all who take time to do the unglamorous but vital work of serving on our various boards and … [Read more...] about ERLC Responds Powerfully to Mike Stone and EC Task Force
One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
Note to readers: This analysis is from Jon Canler who says, "I often read the SBC Voices blog, but I don't comment. I did notice your question about SWBTS finances, a question I've been interested in since I was made aware of allegations of a significant borrowing of restricted funds for unrestricted use. I'm a graduate of SBTS; however, two of my pastors who have been a massive influence in my life are SWBTS grads. I want to see this SBC institution, from which my life has significantly been influenced for Christ, thrive in all respects; hence, my concern personally, not to mention my concern … [Read more...] about One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
NAAF President Dr. Marshal L. Ausberry, Sr. Responds to SBTS Report on Slavery & Racism
As President of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, I commend Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler’s commissioning the study and releasing the internal report on the history of slavery and racism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is clear leadership akin to the men of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV) 32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...) Dr. Mohler clearly understands the times and knows what to do! I am sure that Dr. Mohler … [Read more...] about NAAF President Dr. Marshal L. Ausberry, Sr. Responds to SBTS Report on Slavery & Racism
Washington Post: Allegation Patterson Urged Student Victim Not to Report Sexual Assault
The Washington Post has just released a story with disturbing allegations against Dr. Paige Patterson. Patterson is accused of pressuring a rape victim not to report the rape during his tenure at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can read the story at the Washington Post. The article was released during the time SWBTS trustees were in closed meeting. Comments are closed. … [Read more...] about Washington Post: Allegation Patterson Urged Student Victim Not to Report Sexual Assault
When Apologies Don’t Mean Much… And When They Do
Because of the grace of Jesus, we are invited to forgive over and over again. 70 times 7. We are invited and enabled to forgive even before someone apologizes. We can even forgive if they never apologize. We can forgive not because of who the other person is or what they have done, but because of who Jesus is and what He has done in forgiving us. When we do wrong, we are to apologize and we are to apologize when we have caused pain, hurt, and loss. We are to try to make amends and to make things right. An apology doesn't take away what happened, but it does show that we agree that offense has … [Read more...] about When Apologies Don’t Mean Much… And When They Do