SWBTS has announced it must cut at least $3.5 million (about 10%) in expenses this year. The seminary is attempting to limit cuts to current employees or faculty, but "current economic trends would make this goal difficult to achieve." Two programs have already been suspended: Naylor Children's Center, a laboratory school under the direction of the school of educational ministries Oxford Study Program and all of the Traveling Scholar overseas on-site study trips Which Institution Is Next? This announcement follows similar cutbacks from Southern Seminary. I would expect to hear … [Read more...] about Southwestern Seminary $3.5 Million Shortfall
BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith
This post is inspired by a recent blog by Peter Lumpkins that details some views of B.H. Carroll on regeneration. I enjoy Peter's writing, especially when I disagree with him. This is the mark of all competent writers. But what caught my attention was this sentence: Carroll clearly rejected Founders' strange insistence upon "regeneration precedes faith" To me this didn't sound strange, but familiar. It reminded me of something I have read many times in the Baptist Faith & Message. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ … [Read more...] about BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith
The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program
Many have been guessing, including me, that the Cooperative Program is in trouble over the next few years. There is no prophecy in that statement, just sniffing the wind and thinking through some demographics. But the 2008 - 2009 global recession is already making the situation deteriorate much faster. In a recent letter from Southern Seminary, Dr. Mohler shared his concerns about their budget. In his explanation, he revealed the concerns are growing among denominational leaders. Here is a quote and I've emphasized the relevant portion. The Cooperative Program remains the mainstay of our … [Read more...] about The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program
Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
According to an lengthy email sent tonight by Dr. Mohler's office, the seminary is facing a budget shortfall of up to $3.2 million for the remainder of this academic year. The President spoke of aggressive actions to balance the Seminary's budget including: a hiring freeze on non-critical positions reductions in travel and related expenses an immediate halt on future projects that are yet to be contracted and funded Even with these cutbacks, the Seminary projects up to $1.5 million in further reductions that will be necessary over the next several months. Further meetings are … [Read more...] about Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
Video: Ed Stetzer On Why Change Is Hard In The Church
Here is a video clip from Dr. Ed Stetzer from September 2008. He is speaking at the Comeback Church Conference hosted by Hickory Grove North Campus, Charlotte, NC. In this two minute video he explains why pride is often the root of our unwillingness to change. There is a second clip from the conference where Dr. Stetzer talks about relevance in ministry context. … [Read more...] about Video: Ed Stetzer On Why Change Is Hard In The Church
Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Over the last month, some of you have asked about my editorial policy for SBC Voices. So, I want to give everyone a snapshot of what I'm thinking. It many not clear up the confusion, but it should give you some idea of what to expect. What Is Our Editorial Perspective? First, let me state plainly that I want this blog to encourage discussion and even disagreement. My intent is to be as open as possible when including voices from Southern Baptist life. Of course I will take any actions needed to preserve the integrity of the site. But in general this blog is about what people are saying, not … [Read more...] about Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Podcast With Michael Spencer
I first met I first met Michael last Spring, when he was in Louisville on Sabbatical. He's not a denominational superstar, which is one reason I wanted to do this podcast. I also appreciate the unique perspective he brings to Southern Baptist life. Michael Spencer is the campus minister at a Southern Baptist boarding school in Kentucky and known online for his blogs InternetMonk.com and Jesus Shaped Spirituality. He is a longtime Southern Baptist, having graduated fro Southern Seminary and having served in several Kentucky Baptist churches. Download Mp3: Michael Spencer Podcast Here are … [Read more...] about Podcast With Michael Spencer
Interview With Les Puryear
Les Puryear is not president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He's just an ordinary pastor who God has been using in an unusual way over the last year to encourage other ordinary pastors. Les is the kind of SBC voice that we want to amplify in the life of the denomination. >> Download Mp3 here << You can learn more about Les on his blog titled "Joining God In His Work." He also writes for SBC Impact. You can also check out the 2009 Small Church Leadership conferences. See more links at the bottom of this post. Why You Should Listen To This Podcast Although he was … [Read more...] about Interview With Les Puryear
Podcast Interview With Johnny Hunt
I was excited to learn about a new podcast for Southern Baptists being produced by the Baptist 21 blog. Their first interview is with SBC president Johnny Hunt is now online, you can listen to it here. Also, I have several original podcast in production for SBC Voices - watch for the first one later this week you can now listen to my interview with Les Puryear Listen To Other SBC Podcasts NC Baptist Insight Imonk Podcast Said at Southern Podcast achieve Founders Ministries Podcast LifeWay Research Podcasts … [Read more...] about Podcast Interview With Johnny Hunt
Are We Still Leading The Fight Against Poverty?
I am grateful for the strong tradition of social conscience among Southern Baptists. This is seen clearly in nearly every state Baptist convention, NAMB and globally in our World Hunger Fund. It's even written into our Baptist Faith & Message, in article XV The Christian and the Social Order: All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the … [Read more...] about Are We Still Leading The Fight Against Poverty?