I grew up in the south, where there was a Southern Baptist church on seemingly every corner. I was raised in an SBC church that was a scant 1/4 mile from our house. We were part of an association that spanned a couple of counties and included dozens of churches plus our own associational church camp. I grew up in that SBC church and when I entered college I was active in BSU (I think it is called BCM now) and surrendered to the ministry and began to serve in various SBC churches. I was part of a small rural church (less than 50 members) and I was part of a large mega-church and that was … [Read more...] about Being Southern Baptist in a Northern Latitude and Attitude
SBC Institutions & Entities
Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck
There has been a large outcry at Jerry Falwell, Jr.'s decision to allow the controversial, Mormon Glenn Beck speak at Liberty University's 2010 Commencement. What hasn't gotten near as much publicity is the fact that Paige Patterson chose to speak on the same stage with Beck. I remember a major uproar over John Piper inviting Rick Warren to Desiring God 2010, but maybe that was a different situation in people's eyes than the Liberty Commencement. I think this is possibly a bigger deal considering the major theological differences between Baptists and Mormons. By major I mean that Mormons are … [Read more...] about Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck
Will the Real SBC Majority Please Stand Up?
We are in Orlando determining the direction of the SBC for many years to come. We will elect a president who will guide us for the next couple of years. That may not be our most crucial decision, but it will reveal something about who we are. We will vote on several motions. I think that our response to Dwight McKissic's motion on racism will reveal how much progress we have made in racial issues. Of course, the GCR will be the al turning point. Will we embrace the vision the Task Force has put forward or will we turn back and hold onto the status quo? But there is another question behind … [Read more...] about Will the Real SBC Majority Please Stand Up?
Liberty University, SBC of Virginia and Ergun Caner
In Ergun Caner is a real ex-Muslim, I challenged the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia to be wise stewards of God’s cooperative program resources and prayerfully consider if Liberty University is bringing God glory. I did this because I assumed that the SBC of Virginia was supporting Liberty University financially. I was wrong. Brandon Picket, Director of Media Services for SBC of Virginia has contacted me to correct my misunderstanding of the relationship between SBC of VA and Liberty University. Since 2000, Liberty University has been a ministry partner of SBC of VA, approved … [Read more...] about Liberty University, SBC of Virginia and Ergun Caner
Dr. Chapman, Dr. Rankin: Clash of the Titans
On February 10, Dr. Morris Chapman addressed the state executive directors in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and made some comments that were critical of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force interim report. On March 8, Dr. Jerry Rankin wrote a blog which was very critical of Dr. Chapman’s report. Let me say a couple of things before I address this disagreement. First, both of these men have been favorites of mine for a long time. I am in agreement with Dr. Rankin’s passion for world missions and his desire to see the SBC participate in the bigger world of world evangelization. I got into … [Read more...] about Dr. Chapman, Dr. Rankin: Clash of the Titans
“We Are Out To Change The World”
That was the theme of matriculation when my husband enrolled at Boyce Bible School (College today), in 1979. We were so excited. We sold our home, the majority of our belongings, said good-bye to family, packed up our children, and caravaned with another couple from East Hartford, Connecticut to Louisville, Kentucky. We had no solid revelation as to what the Lord was calling us to do, but we knew He wanted my husband to surrender to full-time (or part-time) ministry. We'd envisioned going back to New England to pastor. Instead, God kept us in full-time ministry in Kentucky for 23 years. … [Read more...] about “We Are Out To Change The World”
A Cooperative Opportunity
With all the recent talk about our strength in cooperation, I thought this was a timely request. I have written a couple of posts and comments here about the Dakota Baptist Convention and our spirit of cooperation. Later this month, the DBC is hosting an evangelism conference in Fargo, ND called Pulse. You can look at the DBC website for more information about us. The conference will feature some wonderful speakers and breakout sessions, but it has been modified in response to the flooding issues in the Fargo area. As many of you may know, the Fargo area has experienced record flooding … [Read more...] about A Cooperative Opportunity
An Unconventional Convention
I have been following the InternetMonk's recent posts about the Southern Baptist Convention with interest. I can identify with some of the themes that he is talking about and some of the issues, and I think some of the solutions are already in our midst as well. I would like to give you some insight from the edges of SBC life in the north. I grew up in the heart of the SBC in western Arkansas. It was in a Baptist Student Union at Westark Community College that I met my wife and was called by God to service in ministry. I served as a youth pastor in several small churches in northwest … [Read more...] about An Unconventional Convention
SEBTS’ The Gospel Comes to Life Conference
Read Nathan Finn's live blog notes: 20/20 Conference, Plenary Session V: Danny Akin 20/20 Conference, Plenary Session IV: Bill Brown 20/20 Conference, Session III: Mark Driscoll 20/20 Conference, Plenary Session II: C. J. Mahaney 20/20 Conference, Plenary Session I: Mark Driscoll I'm not sure if they will be posting audio, but watch for it here. … [Read more...] about SEBTS’ The Gospel Comes to Life Conference
When Money Is Tight The WMU Leads By Example
The Tennessean.com posted a story today about cutbacks at the Woman's Missionary Union. It was reported that they won't ask for additional donations for operating costs. Instead they are slashing personnel expense. The article mentions unpaid furlough for employees, a hiring freeze, no raises, and pension cuts. This is a strong contrast from the "bailout" mentality that is dominating our culture. It was their rationale that caught my attention. Here's the quote: Julie Walters, communications specialist at the union's headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., said the organization's priority is … [Read more...] about When Money Is Tight The WMU Leads By Example