I am keen on several things, and history is topping the list. Baptist history, military history—you name it. But nothing compares to living through history, and if you’ve ever attended a Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, you’ve experienced just that. Sometimes the history is remembered for decades. Other times, you look back and think, “Wow,” and I don’t mean that in the same way Dr. Chuck Kelley (former president of NOBTS) meant when he referenced that “ancient Hebrew expression.” I mean “wow” as in, “I can’t believe that happened,” or “What were we thinking?” No matter the moment, … [Read more...] about The Illusion of Control in the SBC (by Jonathan Raffini)
SBC Annual Meeting
The Speech I Planned to Give in Support of the Motion to Censure (by Louis Cook)
I am Louis Cook. I am a messenger sent by Oak City Baptist Church in Oak City, North Carolina. Brothers and sisters in Christ, this motion might sound unusual to many of you. Let me make clear that the purpose is not to attack or disparage. It simply calls on you, as messengers, to approve a motion of censure of these leaders who serve our Convention. Censure does not fire nor suspend someone. What it does is express our strong disapproval of a specific action. I believe that most messengers and the churches that sent us remain unaware of what was done in our name in 2022 and has remained … [Read more...] about The Speech I Planned to Give in Support of the Motion to Censure (by Louis Cook)
Can Anything Clear Come Out of Confusion? The Self-Contradiction, Omission, and Myopia of the Law Amendment (Brian Dembowczyk)
In John 1:46, Nathaniel asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I want to ask a similar question: “Can anything clear come out of confusion?” One of the consistent arguments for the Law Amendment has been that, if approved, it will bring much-needed clarity to the SBC. Here’s how sbcamendment.org puts it: This is why the amendment is so important. Amending the constitution—which carries a greater binding authority than the Baptist Faith & Message (2000)—would clearly define who is and is not part of the SBC. Such an amendment could add stability to our convention for decades, … [Read more...] about Can Anything Clear Come Out of Confusion? The Self-Contradiction, Omission, and Myopia of the Law Amendment (Brian Dembowczyk)
Reasons Complementarian Believers Can Support Women Teaching in Certain Mixed-Gender Church Contexts
There are plenty of reasons to not be on Twitter these days. But here's something you may have missed this weekend that is worth your time. Andrew Hébert posted an excellent essay arguing for supporting women teaching in some mixed-gender settings in the church. Two reasons I thought this was worth highlighting as a post for our readers: First, this is a pressing question for the SBC right now as a vocal group seems intent on limiting women's leadership roles severely. Second, my interest is in commending women to use their gifts freely and without fear within a biblical framework, which I … [Read more...] about Reasons Complementarian Believers Can Support Women Teaching in Certain Mixed-Gender Church Contexts
Jay’s Top 10 (and thank-yous) from New Orleans #SBC23
This is gonna be a long one. For the last few years I have posted a list of things I would identify as my top 10 takeaways, favorite things or memorable events from the annual meeting. This year’s list will be different than my normal post-convention review for 2 main reasons. First, I have had a peek behind the curtain into the making of the convention and it has been an eye-opener for me. I wish everyone in the convention could see what I’ve seen over the last 16+ months. Second, I had the privilege of being involved with the planning of this meeting and it has been personally satisfying … [Read more...] about Jay’s Top 10 (and thank-yous) from New Orleans #SBC23
Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse: A breakout session at the #SBC23 Annual Meeting (Video)
On Tuesday night during the SBC Annual Meeting, a breakout session sponsored by SBC Voices took place, focusing on the dynamics of adult sexual abuse. Dr. Heather Evans, an expert in the subject matter, joined forces with Chellee Taylor, a survivor of clergy abuse, and pastor and SBC Voices member, Dr. Todd Benkert, to lead the session. As part of the program, Chellee and her husband Peter were interviewed and shared their own experience of the impact of adult clergy sexual abuse. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our speakers for their valuable contributions. We would also like … [Read more...] about Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse: A breakout session at the #SBC23 Annual Meeting (Video)
Did You Know?!?
I love where I live. New Orleans is full of music, food and history. It has character and is unique in many ways. It also has great challenges and difficulties. One of the things which excited me about the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting coming here to New Orleans this year (again, sorry to my NC friends), is that those of us who live here would have the opportunity to be ambassadors for this place in a special way and shine a light on some interesting facts you might not know about this city and the surrounding area. Early on in preparing for SBC23, our Local Encouragement … [Read more...] about Did You Know?!?
Who Are We? A Question of SBC Identity. Can We Please Get This Right?
The old question is often asked, “Are we Baptist because of what we believe or because of what we do?” Some might respond with a simple, “Yes!” to that question and such a response is certainly appropriate. But I’d like to posit a more nuanced answer to that question. I am a Baptist because of what we believe. I am a SOUTHERN Baptist because of what we do. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is made up of voluntarily cooperating Baptist churches who pool their resources for the propagation of the gospel. Yes, there are beliefs involved. Baptistic beliefs, to be sure, which have … [Read more...] about Who Are We? A Question of SBC Identity. Can We Please Get This Right?
A Helpful EC Meeting “Explainer” for the events of Feb 20-21, 2023
What follows has been assembled by some folks “in the know,” regarding the events that took place at the EC meeting dated February 20-21, 2023. The attempt here is to share pertinent facts related to procedural issues, primarily. There is a bit of commentary in this explainer but for the most part, the material here is simply presented to posit factual and procedural elements to help answer a number of questions which have been offered in the intervening time. I was at the meeting in Nashville, and I find this material particularly helpful and wanted to share it with you. This article is … [Read more...] about A Helpful EC Meeting “Explainer” for the events of Feb 20-21, 2023
Your Invitation to New Orleans from our Local Association of Churches (Jack Hunter)
New Orleans is bounded on the north by Lake Pontchartrain, an estuary covering 630 square miles connected to the Gulf of Mexico by the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass, and supplied with fresh water by many different rivers, tributaries, and bayous. The Lake is good metaphor for the churches of the New Orleans Baptist Association. Our association comprises many different streams, but we are united by one heart, one hope, one identity—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our Baptist community is equal parts African American and Anglo, and we have a rapidly growing Hispanic constituency … [Read more...] about Your Invitation to New Orleans from our Local Association of Churches (Jack Hunter)