One of the under-the-surface themes at the Convention this year was the increased desire among messengers to move past the issue of race and see a growing diversity in SBC involvement and leadership. Among the many positive indications of an increasing racial/ethnic diversity and unity in the Convention, I noted the following in Baltimore: Fred Luter completed his historic presidency as the first non-Anglo leader of the Southern Baptist Convention. A Korean nominee, Dennis Kim, was a serious candidate for his successor and made a strong showing garnering more than 40% of the vote. The … [Read more...] about After Baltimore: Two Recommendations for our Trustees on Increasing Diversity in the SBC
SBC Institutions & Entities
I Love Seminary!
I love seminary. I’m a non-traditional student: I have a full-time secular job and take one class per semester, usually via the internet (curse you internet fees!). Because of my work and life situation, I can get my education while serving in my church, spending time with my family, and earning a living, all without going into debt. Times are changing and educational opportunities are expansive. I told you, I love seminary. Every once in a while I’ll read an article or hear someone talk about what seminary didn’t teach them. The methods and reasons for writing such articles are varied. Some … [Read more...] about I Love Seminary!
Will Voting in Fred Luter, Jr. Matter?
By the team you read this, Fred Luter, Jr. may have already been elected as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Most Southern Baptists have prayed for years that we as a convention would atone for our regrettable past in the slave debate and both privately and publicly initiate racial reconciliation on a grand scale. Our prayers have been surely answered as we await and celebrate the presidency of Luter, a descendant of slaves. I'm also proud to say that Criswell College, the school at which I work and study, recently bestowed the honorable Doctor of Divinity on him. With … [Read more...] about Will Voting in Fred Luter, Jr. Matter?
Calvinists and The Gospel Project
I’ve been seeing a lot of criticism of Lifeway’s new curriculum, The Gospel Project, and it all revolves around Calvinism. Of course, I have yet to read a critical article from someone who actually claims to have read any of the materials that are posted online or cited them to prove their accusations. Many claims are made about the curriculum, it’s authors and editors, and Calvinists in general. I’ve identified a few of the more prominent ones: 1. Calvinists are incapable of writing with a broad appeal Judged solely from the negative comments, I’d guess that The Gospel Project is a … [Read more...] about Calvinists and The Gospel Project
Alcohol and IMB Workers
A consistent topic of discussion on blogs is the matter of alcohol use. Abstentionists, abolitionists, moderationalists, and free-will imbibers abound. It is safe to say that we lack a unified opinion on the matter. The freedom of the believer, the autonomy of the local church, and the belief in the equal indwelling of the Holy Spirit combine to create an environment in which we can choose to believe what we will on the subject. But what about people who represent the SBC and its agencies? It is one thing for a local church member to support moderate alcohol use. It is an entirely … [Read more...] about Alcohol and IMB Workers
Get To’s and Got To’s
For twenty years I did computer support in corporate America. I was privileged to work at some of the best companies in the world. I was getting paid to do what I loved. Not only that, I can think of dozens of opportunities I had to experience insanely fun things. Early in my career I was working a trade show—which in themselves were always a blast to work at—when Bill Gates walked by me. He was surrounded by brick walls in suits as he made his way across the trade show floor. That was the early 1990s, a wild time in the history of the industry; it was exciting just to see him. Looking … [Read more...] about Get To’s and Got To’s
It Ain’t About the Benjamins
The nation’s economy is in a crunch. Unemployment rates are high, gas is high, utilities are high, the dollar is falling…translate this to church and the SBC: giving is down and the Cooperative Program is down. Many churches are having to slash budgets (including mine—our budget year ends the last day of June and it looks like we are going to have a 20%+ budget shortfall). And now come the calls that we need to give more—pastors do it from the pulpit, deacons do it (I personally know of one church from my past where a different deacon is now getting up in front of the congregation each … [Read more...] about It Ain’t About the Benjamins
Autonomy of the local church?
The Arizona Southern Baptist Convention provides sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, property deeds, and other legal documents for church plants. One of the clauses in these documents is a reverter clause which transfers all the church's assets to the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention in the case that the church ceases to be a Southern Baptist Church. My own church has such a clause in their bylaws, but they are not nearly as strict as the current templates available. This language is encouraged for all churches and is required for church plants to get support from the convention. I … [Read more...] about Autonomy of the local church?
An Honor, a Privilege, an Enigma, and a Challenge
So the other day Pastor Dave here at SBCVoices emails me a username and password, and welcomes me as a Contributor to the site. I am, of course, honored and find it a great privilege. Yet there is something of an enigma to it all, like being given an honorary degree at a university I barely know. As I've mentioned before in comments on this site, I have only been a Southern Baptist for about four years. To put this in SBC terms, I can count on one hand the number of Annie Armstrong offerings I've given to...and still have a finger left over. Yet here I am, an SBC "Voice". It is ironic, … [Read more...] about An Honor, a Privilege, an Enigma, and a Challenge
Inform the People! An Open Letter to Baptist Press
Dear Baptist Press, I thank you for the good work you do. I'm going to be critical of you here, and I know that is not pleasant. I know what it is like to have your words, your ideas, your thoughts publicly derided. It does not feel good. I thank you good folks for what you do. Before I mention some things that bother me, I'd like to thank you for what you do well. You do a wonderful job of highlighting the work that is going on in Southern Baptist Churches and other entities. Your stories on churches and ministries that are reaching people and changing lives are inspiring and … [Read more...] about Inform the People! An Open Letter to Baptist Press