I'm a cynic, or at least I tend towards cynicism. This weekend, our association hosted a mission team from International Commission. They are currently unable to have many international mission trips because of Covid restrictions, and they decided to try their approach in North America. We were the first association in our country to host a team. The project was announced in March. We have an IC coordinator in our association, and he presented the project at our annual meeting. The cynicism was strong in this pastor. I made statements (not out loud mind you) such as "door to door witnessing … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Cynic
The Church and Politics
You might read the title and think this will be a controversial post. It is not intended to be controversial, just a summary of "Politics in the Life of a Church", a livestream event featuring Jonathan Leeman. The event was hosted by Downtown Cornerstone Church in Seattle, and if you have time to view all three sessions, they will be posted here in the coming days. The event is broken up into three sessions, and lasts about three hours. The entire presentation is worth three hours of your time. I'll start with a summary of each session, then three good observations and three negative … [Read more...] about The Church and Politics
My Visit to Southern Hills Baptist in Sioux City
I’m writing this post for two reasons. First, God instructs us in His word to be encouragers, to spur one another on to good works. I want to be an encourager. Second, our fearless leader, Dave Miller, sounded like he needs a little encouragement, judging from his last post. My family vacationed at Mt. Rushmore last week, and as we were traveling home, we attended Dave’s church in Sioux City. Every good SBC Voices writer should make a pilgrimage to Dave’s church at least once in their lifetime. We arrived and were immediately greeted by a gentleman who showed us where the hand sanitizer … [Read more...] about My Visit to Southern Hills Baptist in Sioux City
Where were we in 2010?
Where were you 10 years ago? When the calendar flipped to 2010, what were you doing? Were you serving in your current ministry? Did you have as many kids/grandkids as you have today? Who were your friends? What lessons did you learn between 2010 and 2020? Here are a few reminders of where the world was ten years ago. President Trump had often flirted with a presidential bid, but no one ever took him seriously. Osama Bin Laden was alive and well. Patrick Mahomes was in the eighth grade. There was no College Football Playoff. Dr. Paige Patterson was enjoying his position … [Read more...] about Where were we in 2010?
Week in Review: ‘Twas the Night Before Impeachment
It's time for the week in review, and since there was very little happening in our Baptist world, I give you "Twas the Night Before Impeachment." ‘Twas the night before impeachment, And all through the house, Adam Schiff could be heard Starting to grouse. The charges were written. They claimed they were fair. In hopes that the public would soon start to care. While out in his district, The homeless still slept In what ‘ere they could find Cause Schiff was inept. While Grandma needs medicine, The Democrats have been Chasing round rumors Of Trump’s … [Read more...] about Week in Review: ‘Twas the Night Before Impeachment
Week in Review: It’s all about Bowls
It’s time for the week in review. Is this the third? Or maybe it’s two. What happened this week in Southern Baptist life? There was no fussing, no cussing, no strife. Paige Patterson authored a letter, That doesn’t make him look any better. Maybe he thought no one would see How he questioned Luter’s views of inerrancy. But now there’s another stain on his legacy.. Someone should have taught him about brevity.. My daughter had to bury her fish at sea. I should’ve broke the news to her better, Maybe in a card, a tweet, or a letter. Then there’s the … [Read more...] about Week in Review: It’s all about Bowls
The Week in Review: Dave Miller’s Question and Much More Too
(This was submitted a few days ago, but in my turkey stupor, I didn't check the site or post anything). It’s the final week of November, What is there to remember? Dave Miller asked of CB Scott, “Why does Bama grapple for a playoff spot?” He thinks they’re full of rot. But little does he know, The poll results show It’s Iowa’s fault there’s still a chant of roll tide roll. On to more important matters of state. What’s happened in Baptist life as of late? Arizona Baptists raised CP giving. That’s right and holy living. A pastor in the land of America’s best, Faces … [Read more...] about The Week in Review: Dave Miller’s Question and Much More Too
A poem: The Week in Review
I've tried my hand at poetry before, but never in public, so here's my offering for those events pertaining to us Baptists this week: I woke Monday morning, rolled out of bed I looked through the haze, what had my phone said? The Twitter blew up, Chik-Fil-A is corrupt. I checked on the story, again and again, It was clear as a bell, Chik-Fil-A was in sin. Oh no and oh no what will I do? I looked and I looked to find the real scoop. Chik-Fil-A hadn’t caved. We’d all been duped. I thought it might be from The Babylon Bee, but it was straight from the Twitter of … [Read more...] about A poem: The Week in Review
Oh No, Chick-Fil-A caved. The World is Ending
The Twitter-verse was set ablaze yesterday as Chick-Fil-A anounced a redistribution of its charitable donations beginning next year. Conservative Christian leaders immediately took to social media to denounce the restaurant chain as cowards, compromisers, and cavers. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote via twitter: In August 2012, I coordinated a national Chick-Fil-A appreciation dayafter they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today Chick-Fil-A betrayed loyal customers for money. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder … [Read more...] about Oh No, Chick-Fil-A caved. The World is Ending
Ruminations and Observations from Missouri’s Annual Meeting
The Missouri Baptist Convention held its annual meeting this past Monday and Tuesday in Branson. Here a few observations and ruminations. The host city, Branson, was a great host city. There was plenty to do and the Branson Convention Center was across the street from Branson Landing and in close proximity to many eating options. I saw no long waits at any of the restaurants. I was nominated to the Missouri Baptist Historical Commission, and as a nominee, I attended the new trustee orientation. Augie Boto, now retired general counsel for the SBC Executive Committee, conducted the … [Read more...] about Ruminations and Observations from Missouri’s Annual Meeting