I think we are past all the hagiographic language about the Cooperative Program, how our primary channel is the stuff of genius, God-breathed, and without which the church of Christ would be irreparably handicapped. Although few among us would say that it is no longer relevant or valuable to Southern Baptists, as we are approch […]
The Retail Baptist Pastor and his book of characters
My pastoral service was retail, not wholesale. That is, I related directly to everyone in my congregation rather than to staff or leadership only. This is retail on the scale of the median sized SBC congregation of seventy or so on Sunday morning or the average congregation of 125 or so. The vast majority of […]
Meet the new Georgia state executive: “Call me Tommy.”
State convention CEOs usually stay for a long stretch, so in my 37 years as a pastor or semi-retired pastor I’ve only been around for three changeovers of state convention leadership. Yesterday I attended one of the “listening sessions” held by the new Executive Director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, W. Thomas Hammond, Jr., […]
“Actually, I’d love to ruin the man’s ministry.”
The title is the response I’d give if I reported a case of clergy sex abuse and the church leaders cautioned me with, “You wouldn’t want to ruin the man’s ministry.” I wouldn’t? “Actually, I’d love to ruin the man’s ministry.” If you have abused a child I’d be happy if I could say the […]
How my church manages its membership roll is none of your business
In the SBC universe of churches: Some churches have a formal membership roll. Some churches don’t maintain a formal roll. Some churches use a specific book in which membership and the changes to the same are meticulously maintained. This book is a historical, permanent church document. Some churches have dispensed with a written membership book […]
Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?
I believe all we have heard was that there are “challenges.” What is being said ranges between comments like, “It’s not a big deal” to impending catastrophe. Is it not time for Southern Baptists to be better informed and that directly from the seminary? Talk to us, publicly, brethren and sistren. We’re on the same […]
Thanks, but I’ll pass on sharing wedding officiant duties with your BFF
A friend of mine said he was going to be away at a wedding recently. I presumed that he, a generation younger than me, was either a groomsman or was just attending. Nope. He was officiating. Seems some friends were going to be wed and asked him to do it. He scrounged around and had […]
So, are you SEC haters happy now?
It so unspiritual to be all that enthused about a silly game, anyway. And, anyone seen C. B.?
The Lottie Moon offering seems to be doing well…
…in the churches this year. Anecdotal evidence here but I’m hearing of healthy increases in some churches. My church did much better. This is the SBC’s oldest and best mission offering. Whatever is askew in our convention doesn’t diminish the need for a global strategy for missions where resident workers who are immersed in the […]
Some duds of 2018
I’m owning up to some of my articles that didn’t quite capture the interest of folks around here. Duds. ___________ In the dead of mid-winter last year I wrote on things admirable, deplorable, or forgettable, a compilation of well-used and ill-used vocabulary. Seems that post was altogether forgettable. Nary a comment, not even a snarky […]
Fabulous SBC Voices College Bowl Game Contest
There are sixteen bowl games left, including the championship game. I’m not counting some minor bowls not worth watching. The ones that are left, not including Auburn who isn’t going to make my list of anything, are the ones below. Heck, one of the goofball bowls cancelled their game. Go figure. ______________________________________ Saturday, Dec. 29 […]
The SBC single best moment of 2018
That would be the moment in our annual session when messenger and trustee of Southwestern Seminary, Bart Barber, said the following: I am an old-time Baptist congregationalist. My church has business meetings every month because I want us to have business meetings every month. I believe in our polity. And it is a part of […]