In a way, too much has been said about the recent killing of an American missionary in the Andaman islands but since John Chau was quite active in publicly recounting his travels and adventures, a recent opinion piece by Southeastern Seminary professor Scott Hildreth that was carried by Religious News Service may be appropriate and relevant. John Chau and the dangers of missionary work The RNS story is worth reading in its entirety. I'll just put a couple of salient quotes here: The death of Chau raises questions for Christians and non-Christians alike. There are ethical questions, as … [Read more...] about A sober and sensible look at the danger of missionary work
Lottie Moon is always the best choice for missions giving
While there are many worthy causes, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is clearly and always the best choice for missions giving among Southern Baptists. The offering, last year's came to $158.9 million, all directed to overseas needs. The LMCO provides over half of our International Mission Board's funding. Thank God that almost all Southern Baptist Churches continue to have a missions emphasis around Christmas and ask their members to give generously, sacrificially to the LMCO. IMB has been taking the Gospel to the nations for 173 years. Their work may be … [Read more...] about Lottie Moon is always the best choice for missions giving
One entity hire made, four to go…
IMB is the largest, oldest, and most important of our SBC entities and has a new CEO. Paul Chitwood was a good choice. My prayers for a stable and prosperous future. IMB has been around for a long time. Although the CEO is important, they don't need any Savior other than Jesus to survive and thrive. That leaves LifeWay, New Orleans and Southwestern Seminaries, and the Executive Committee still looking. I'm somewhat ambivalent about the seminaries but a leader needs some marketing savvy to increase enrollment. The CP pool of funding is not likely to grow; hence, tuition will keep the … [Read more...] about One entity hire made, four to go…
An exciting day at my state convention annual meeting
By popular demand your humble hacker and plodder blogger was in attendance at the annual meeting of the Georgia Baptist Convention yesterday. Actually, the reason for my presence was more marital command (my wife was in the choir for the event) than popular demand, but why quibble over the ultimate cause. I was there, eyes open, eyebrows raised, ears perked. The meeting was dominated by the retirement of our Executive Director, Robert White, and beginning of a new ED, Thomas Hammond. White's tenure was over a quarter century and he is an old school patrician Baptist, an indefatigible, … [Read more...] about An exciting day at my state convention annual meeting
The blogging equivalent of a church potluck supper
I had a wonderful older lady in my church whose habit was to bring rutabagas to the monthly senior luncheon. I don't like the smell of rutabagas. I don't like the taste of rutabagas. I don't like the look of rutabagas. They are virtually inedible just on the basis of the name 'rutabaga'. Why would anyone put such a thing in their mouth anyway? Well, every time the lady would say, "Here, preacher, have some rutabagas," and in a shameful display of spineless pastoral pandering, I'd answer, "Sure" and she would heap on a pile of the foul items on my plate. Under withering scrutiny, I'd eat … [Read more...] about The blogging equivalent of a church potluck supper
SBC Today gives up the ghost
The flagship blog of SBC Traditionalists, SBC Today, announced a few days ago that "for the forseeable future" they would take a "hiatus." I guess that means they gave up the ghost, although with one short post since the announcement a light pulse is felt. May it be hereby noted that this was done on the eve of Reformation Day. Someone ought point that out and I'm happy to oblige. The news was noted in no less than Baptist News Global where Bob Allen had an informative article. At least one additional popular site for Baptists made note, also. Frankly, I hated to see it partly because of … [Read more...] about SBC Today gives up the ghost
Why not rather be wronged?
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? (NIV) If ever there is a scripture passage that has been neutered it is this one concerning lawsuits among believers. One of our entities is being sued by a former state executive. There are several prominent cases where bloggers have been sued. My own church was recently surprised to be served with a lawsuit. Seems that a volunteer with the food distribution ministry, a monthy food giveaway, claimed to have tripped over a box … [Read more...] about Why not rather be wronged?
Guaranteed to give foodies the heebie jeebies
May I modestly offer my humble self as a BBQ connoisseur? Indeed, I am, though some close to me may tweak that term and say that I'm more of a BBQ consumptioneur...but what do they know? I like most any kind of BBQ pork, and even beef if offered it, with most any kind of sauce. But pork ribs are the best, which brings me to the bane of foodies: Just in time for Halloween, McDonalds has reintroduced their magnificent McRib sandwich, and... I. Love. It. Had one last night as a matter of gastronomical fact. "But that's a fast food restaurant," you sniff. Doesn't matter. In fact, … [Read more...] about Guaranteed to give foodies the heebie jeebies
Ecclesiology…can’t get any respect from Southern Baptists
I'm not the lonely pastor theologian slogging away thinking deep theological thoughts, unappreciated and in obscurity. I'm currently not lonely, not a pastor, and not a theologian and my goal was just to try and hack it on Mondays (thanks, Adrian, for that line). But I do wonder why we stalwart conservative, Bible-believing, inerrantists seem to care so little about ecclesiology. We've got elders-ad nauseum in our churches these days, a sea change from forty years ago, back when I knew everything as a seminary student. The Baptist Faith and Message Statement doesn't even contain the term … [Read more...] about Ecclesiology…can’t get any respect from Southern Baptists
Ice sculptures, chefs, sychophants, sinecures, and secrecy
I'm not running for anything so it doesn't trouble me to write that my default posture on all things SBC is cold eyed, astringent skepticism. Maybe that is unfair to the hundreds, thousands of highly committed, loyal, servants who are employed by our entities or who serve as trustees of them. Still, I think I come by it honestly. When artist Graham Sutherland was engaged to paint a portrait of the aged Winston Churchill for his eightieth borthday, the former Prime Minister asked him how he would approach his task. Sutherland said he would paint what Churchill gave him. When it was finished, … [Read more...] about Ice sculptures, chefs, sychophants, sinecures, and secrecy