The purpose and most basic task of the SBC's Executive Committee is "to act for the convention" between our Annual Meetings. Can we pause and think together about what that means – that the EC should act for the convention? There are multiple definitions of the word "for" but only one of those really makes sense in this case. The EC is supposed to work "on behalf of" Southern Baptist messengers when the convention is not in session. Can we make a basic assumption together? If the EC's duty is to work on behalf of the convention's messengers, doesn't it follow that it shouldn't act against … [Read more...] about The SBC Deserves Better: Another Executive Committee Faceplant
SBC Annual Meeting
The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach
First, the disclaimer. I’m on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) Leadership Council. Which by the way, and contrary to the belief of some phone calls I have received, has no authority or power at the ERLC but is a group of about 80 people who were nominated / chosen to “receive intentional investment from the ERLC and serve as ambassadors for the organization.” You can read more about the Leadership Council HERE. I suppose it should be said that I have come full circle in my appreciation for the ERLC as I once argued it should be dissolved. I no longer think it should and you … [Read more...] about The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach
Matt Henslee for Pastor’s Conference President
Bart Barber announced on Twitter this morning that he intends to nominate Matt Henslee, Pastor of Mayhill Baptist Church in Mayhill, New Mexico, for President of the SBC Pastor's Conference in 2021. As pastor, he has encouraged his church to give sacrificially to the cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists to carry the Gospel to the nations. He has even put his own looks on the line by shaving his beard when Mayhill exceeded their Lottie Moon goal. I join with many others who now hope he regrows it and makes the same offer next year... That will be the Pastor's Conference held in … [Read more...] about Matt Henslee for Pastor’s Conference President
H. B. Charles to Nominate Al Mohler for SBC President at 2020 Annual Meeting
This morning H. B. Charles, pastor of Shiloh Church in Jacksonville, Florida, announced that he intends to nominate Al Mohler for SBC President during the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. Dr. Mohler, president of SBTS, had been announced as a nominee for SBC President back in 2008, but eventually withdrew his name from consideration that year due to a health issue. This is quite a bit earlier than we normally see nominations announced, so this is a little out of the ordinary in that sense. For many, Mohler seems a logical choice as he's be one of the most prominent leaders in the SBC for … [Read more...] about H. B. Charles to Nominate Al Mohler for SBC President at 2020 Annual Meeting
A Resolution from Two Years Ago that Speaks to Our Present Reality
It's not the time of year we would normally talk about resolutions. But I don't think I ever posted this two years ago when our state convention passed it. Unanimously, by the way. This was months after the 2017 SBC when we ultimately passed a resolution condemning the Alt-right. Between the SBC's actions in Phoenix (June 2017) and the November annual meeting of the SBC of Virginia, the "Unite the Right" rally was held in Charlottesville. This resolution deals with the intersection of those events. Dwight McKissic's call for the SBC to speak against the Alt-right and White Supremacist … [Read more...] about A Resolution from Two Years Ago that Speaks to Our Present Reality
Don Currence: A Picture of Grace (CJ Adkins)
It was a perfect storm and Don Currence got caught right in the middle of it last week at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. The large deliberative body meeting in that historic city took important measures to deal with the heartbreaking issue of sexual abuse which tragically exist in some of our churches (as well as in many other denominations and other institutions). This is a difficult issue to engage, particularly for us, since the roughly 47,000 SBC churches are autonomous bodies and there is no hierarchical structure that can direct any local … [Read more...] about Don Currence: A Picture of Grace (CJ Adkins)
Trevin Wax explains #SBC19 Resolution Committee’s reasoning on Resolution 9
Trevin Wax, who served on this year's Resolutions Committee, gave some thoughts yesterday on Resolution 9. There's been some criticism of that resolution, which speaks to the issues of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality. You can find the thread on Twitter here. I thought it would be helpful to compile the material here for ease of access and for future reference. This is what Trevin said: I had the privilege this year in serving on the #SBC19 Resolutions Committee under the leadership of Dr. Curtis Woods. I’ve been surprised by all the conversation surrounding Resolution #9, and I’d … [Read more...] about Trevin Wax explains #SBC19 Resolution Committee’s reasoning on Resolution 9
Well, I Didn’t Expect This @ #SBC19
During the Tuesday afternoon session of #SBC19, my wife, Rhonda, shared with me a story of an incident which happened during the voting for Registration Secretary in the BJCC Arena—that section of the Convention Labyrinth in which the meeting is held. There were two candidates, Don Currence (the current RS) and Kathy Litton (to borrow from my friend, Brent Hobbs’ bio on her: “She currently works with NAMB as director of church planter spouse development. Litton is known across the convention for her leadership and teaching among SBC women.” She is also the wife of Pastor Ed Litton). During … [Read more...] about Well, I Didn’t Expect This @ #SBC19
The Sexual Abuse Issue at the SBC Annual Meeting – Six Bad Reasons Not to Act
It’s no secret that one of the major issues we’ll be facing today and tomorrow as we convene our annual meeting is sexual abuse and how we will respond to it as a Convention. President Greear indicated last night during the ERLC panel discussion on sexual abuse that we would have numerous opportunities during our annual meeting to hear from abuse survivors, consider actions we can take at the local church level, and vote on key items meant to address the issue head-on. Rachael Denhollander also challenged us to respond in action and not just words. There seems to be a resolve on the part of … [Read more...] about The Sexual Abuse Issue at the SBC Annual Meeting – Six Bad Reasons Not to Act
#SBC19: Recording secretary election – two good choices for the SBC
Yesterday I wrote about the two elections for First and Second Vice President – Marshal Ausberry and Noe Garcia, respectively. Both nominees the only announced for those roles. The election for recording secretary is a different story. Two nominees have been announced so far. John Yeats, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention will be nominated again for a role he’s held for over 20 years. The SBC recording secretary is responsible for the record of the proceedings of the Southern Baptist Convention, training volunteers for convention business sessions and the final … [Read more...] about #SBC19: Recording secretary election – two good choices for the SBC