Editor's Statement: Todd and I (Dave) consulted on the construction of this post and I was the one who personally verified the information about the conversation that took place that caused all of the controversy. We would like to clarify that the purpose of this post was to ask the question as to how to address the issue of whether the election of a minority president would actually cause a donor problem. Todd was careful to express his admiration for Dr. Kelley and did not lay the charge of racism at his feet, though some have falsely accused him of such. I was told that the … [Read more...] about Reflections on Counting the Cost of Pursuing Unity (with Editor’s Statement)
Adam Greenway to lead Southwestern Seminary
Reports came out this morning that Billy Graham School Dean, Adam Greenway, will be nominated to serve as the next president of Southwestern Seminary to be elected at a special meeting of the SWBTS board, Feb 26-27. You can read the press release here. I affirm the work of the search committee and I believe Dr. Greenway will make an excellent president at Southwestern. The Baptist Press article notes several qualities about Dr. Greenway that led the committee in selecting him. The search committee describes Greenway as “a man of impeccable character who demonstrates kindness and humility in … [Read more...] about Adam Greenway to lead Southwestern Seminary
“Abuse of Faith” – A report on Sexual Abuse in SBC churches: How should we Baptists (and we Christians) respond to this report?
Update: Since the posting of this blog on Saturday, the Houston Chronicle report has now been released. You may access the article here. ______ Tomorrow, an investigative article will be released in the Houston Chronicle that will tell the story of hundreds of persons who have been sexually abused in SBC churches. Even before I know the content of the article, I have a few suggestions about how we as Baptist pastors and members should respond to it. 1. Listen. Hear the voices of the persons in this report and let the story have it’s effect. Digest it, listen to the stories, … [Read more...] about “Abuse of Faith” – A report on Sexual Abuse in SBC churches: How should we Baptists (and we Christians) respond to this report?
A Good Step: SBC President Names Diverse Resolutions Committee
A few hours ago, Baptist Press reported that the Resolutions Committee for #SBC19 has been named by SBC President, J.D. Greear. Last week it was reported that the chair of that committee would be Curtis Woods of Kentucky. Now, the rest of the committee has been named. It will not go unnoticed that this resolutions committee is one of the most diverse committees we’ve seen and includes members from a wide spectrum of SBC life. It also should not go unnoticed that the people selected for this committee are of the highest caliber and are well qualified for the task. President Greear has chosen … [Read more...] about A Good Step: SBC President Names Diverse Resolutions Committee
Choose Cooperation! – Reflection on being SBC on the local/state level
As we enter the Fall season, now is the time for Association and State Conventions to hold their annual meetings. While I enjoy engaging in Convention issues and participating on the national level, I find that the local association and state convention have been vitally important to my growth and development as a pastor and in building relationships with other pastors. Our national conversation continues to consider what is the long-term role of state conventions and local associations. The reverberations of GCR have called on us in the Midwest, where the number of SBC churches is fewer … [Read more...] about Choose Cooperation! – Reflection on being SBC on the local/state level
Giving as Witness
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1) In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes the Macedonian’s giving as an act of God’s grace. Their giving was a living witness to the grace of God in their lives. Giving is a natural expression of a life that has been changed by the gospel. True Godly giving is not of our own doing, but of the work of Christ through us. If you want to be a witness for Christ, one significant way to do that is to excel in the grace of giving. As you seek to be a witness for Christ, note the … [Read more...] about Giving as Witness
The SBC Has Not Gone Liberal
In the aftermath of our Annual Meeting and the decisive victories on so many issues facing our Convention, I heard more than one person lament to me that the SBC has gone liberal. I thought about that statement and wanted to offer my thoughts to the contrary. I do so in the hope that these brothers and sisters will join me in the hope for a bright future for our Convention and a change in their thinking about the obvious shift in our approach to politics and what that really means for the SBC. The SBC has not gone liberal. Yes, our approach to politics and to political engagement has … [Read more...] about The SBC Has Not Gone Liberal
Free Book Recommendation: Mobilize to Evangelize by Dr. Matt Queen
As a biblioholic, one of the things I look forward to in each Convention is the opportunity for free books. I am sure to pick up many volumes over the next few days of quality, helpful material on a variety of topics. Most of our readers are aware of where to get some of the best free stuff our annual SBC trade show has to offer. This morning, I want to highlight one such book so you don't miss it. I commend to you picking up Dr. Matt Queen’s new book Mobilize to Evangelize: The Pastor and Effective Congregational Evangelism. The book will be the give-away today at the Southwestern Seminary … [Read more...] about Free Book Recommendation: Mobilize to Evangelize by Dr. Matt Queen
An appeal to my brother and sister messengers
Of all that will happen over the next few days, there are many uncertainties. Who will be elected president? What resolutions will be passed? What kinds of motions will be made from the floor? What will our entity heads be asked when they open the floor for questions? How will the various secular and religious media sources cover the meeting? Will we do anything foolish that makes us look bad in front of a watching world? Will the issues and elections I care most about be decided in the way I desire? All of these questions are currently unanswerable and will have to play out over the course … [Read more...] about An appeal to my brother and sister messengers
SBC Voices: Our Views, Values, and How that Affects Our Commenting Policy
Let me start by saying that these are my words and thoughts and while I am trying to give an overview of our SBC Voices team, I am responsible for whatever follows. Still, as one of the co-editors of the blog, I wanted to comment on who we are collectively. The guys did not sign off on my remarks, but I think I am accurate here. Some of you might have experienced that your comments have not appeared on our site. Even as we allow differing views to be presented here and strive to have an open comment policy, we’ve been deleting more comments than usual these days. For one, it’s our … [Read more...] about SBC Voices: Our Views, Values, and How that Affects Our Commenting Policy