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William

The Retail Baptist Pastor and his book of characters

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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 SBC clergy are retail pastors, most of these single fulltime staff clergy in their church. I have nothing against the megapastors who farm out their pastoral duties to a host of assistants, sub-pastors, associates, and specialists. I understand that the gravity and energy of … [Read more...] about The Retail Baptist Pastor and his book of characters

Meet the new Georgia state executive: “Call me Tommy.”

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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., former NAMB staffer, big church pastor, former prez of the GBMB, and trustee of a bunch of significant SBC and GBMB entities. "What do we call you," one attendee asked. "Call me Tommy," he said with an avuncular and casual air.  I like him already. My state … [Read more...] about Meet the new Georgia state executive: “Call me Tommy.”

“Actually, I’d love to ruin the man’s ministry.”

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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 word and you would never serve as senior pastor or in any staff position ever again. I'd be pleased to do that deed. Unfortunately, and far too often, the response to a victim of sex abuse in a church is to caution the victim or his or her family that reporting might hurt the spiritual leader's ministry … [Read more...] about “Actually, I’d love to ruin the man’s ministry.”

How my church manages its membership roll is none of your business

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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 and rely on software. Some churches have explicit rules on how one can join the church and strictly follow them. Some churches have explicit rules on joining but are soft on following them. Some churches have a membership roll … [Read more...] about How my church manages its membership roll is none of your business

Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?

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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 side. Thanks. ________ … [Read more...] about Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?

Thanks, but I’ll pass on sharing wedding officiant duties with your BFF

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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 obtained some mail order credentials to be able to fulfill the requirements in my state for doing weddings. It surprised me to see one news outlet state that 40% of all weddings are done by a couple's friend or family member. Really? I suppose I'm severely out of touch these days with weddings. The designer … [Read more...] about Thanks, but I’ll pass on sharing wedding officiant duties with your BFF

The Lottie Moon offering seems to be doing well…

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...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 culture and speak the language share the Gospel. I think, overall, Southern Baptists understand this and give faithfully and often sacrificially. There have been years when the LMCO jumped $20 million from the previous year. Not sure where we will be when the … [Read more...] about The Lottie Moon offering seems to be doing well…

Some duds of 2018

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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 one. Want to hear crickets? Write a piece on leadership changes in state conventions. In spite of the fact that about 90% of Cooperative Program revenue flows through sixteen legacy state conventions in the south, there seems to be little interest here … [Read more...] about Some duds of 2018

Fabulous SBC Voices College Bowl Game Contest

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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 1. Orange Bowl, Alabama vs. Oklahoma 2. Cotton Bowl, Clemson vs. Notre Dame 3. Peach Bowl, Florida vs. Michigan 4. Belk Bowl, Virginia vs. South Carolina   Monday, Dec. 31  5. Military Bowl, Cincinnati vs. Virginia … [Read more...] about Fabulous SBC Voices College Bowl Game Contest