I began attending the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1999 in Atlanta. That first year, I was a newly appointed church planter with virtually no money. My wife graciously said I could attend…if I could do it for $100. So, between the free luncheons, gracious older pastors who chose to feed me, and three nights in the International Youth Hostel, I made my way to Atlanta to my first Convention. Since that time, I have missed only two meetings due to a seminary deadline and the birth of my third child. I have found attendance at the annual meeting to be an important part of … [Read more...] about Reflections on SBC 2011 – One more SBC Voice
Thoughts on GCR Component #2 — NAMB Refocus
The GCR Task force has been prayerfully at work. As we have asked it to do, the task force has presented a preliminary report of recommendations it will bring to the Southern Baptist Convention when it gathers in Orlando a few short months from now. In this post, I will focus my intention on component #2 concerning the refocus and restructuring of the North American Mission Board. While I am in general agreement with the intent of the proposal, I have some questions and concerns about the net effect of voting for it. I share these thoughts to inform our discussion as together we prepare to … [Read more...] about Thoughts on GCR Component #2 — NAMB Refocus
An Important Issue for the GCR Task Force: More Dollars for International Missions
As our readers should now be aware, following a decisive vote at the annual Convention meeting, SBC president Johnny Hunt has appointed a Great Commission Task force to study how Southern Baptists can work "more faithfully and effectively together in serving Christ through the Great Commission." That task force will begin meeting next month. Of the number of particular issues that can be subsumed under such a study, one is of great interest and importance to me. While it is up to individual churches to put into practice many of the axioms in the GCR document, this issue addresses a … [Read more...] about An Important Issue for the GCR Task Force: More Dollars for International Missions
In case you missed David Platt’s sermon…
There's been a lot of buzz about David Platt's sermon at the SBC pastor's conference (and rightly so!). Many would like to hear the sermon but, unfortunately, the streaming videos at sbcannualmeeting.com are not yet available and they don't know anyone who bought the tape. So, for those who want to hear the sermon and can't wait, here's a link to a slightly longer version of the same sermon preached by Platt at Southern Seminary chapel 2007. Enjoy! http://www.sbts.edu/resources/chapel/fall-2007/message-3/ Blessings, Todd … [Read more...] about In case you missed David Platt’s sermon…
Baptist Disagreements — Things to Avoid
In the previous post, Todd Burus asked a question concerning the response to Calvinism among some in the SBC. The post has generated a number of comments that are helpful in understanding the issue. Of course, Calvinism is only one among many issues present in the SBC today. Similar issues, even some that came up at the annual meeting last week, include Baptist identity, alien immersion, alcohol, separation, cooperative missions, who can take communion, neo-Landmarkism, church growth methodology, contextualization, the list could go on… Having read much about doctrinal controversies in … [Read more...] about Baptist Disagreements — Things to Avoid
Why you should attend the SBC annual meeting
With the annual meeting next week and the number of pastors who are not going to attend because they think it's a waste of time, I thought I would share why I encourage fellow pastors and concerned laymen to attend the Southern Baptist Convention. Here are what I believe are four compelling reasons to attend: 1. If you want to be part of the decision making process, you have to be involved. If you are involved, you ARE part of that process. Real decisions are made at the Southern Baptist Convention - decisions that affect the direction of the Convention, how cooperative resources are used, … [Read more...] about Why you should attend the SBC annual meeting