Having observed the recent controversies at our alma mater, Southwest Baptist University (SBU), a number of like-minded alumni have corresponded and determined it would be beneficial to provide alumni testimony and express our concerns regarding SBU. All of us had amicable relationships with our professors. Some of our professors welcomed us into their homes and treated us with genuine kindness and respect. These positive experiences notwithstanding, we are compelled by recent events to bring to light doctrinal concerns related to some of the Redford faculty and their teaching. We have read … [Read more...] about Doctrinal Concerns of Southwest Baptist University Alumni
Cooperative Program
Dr. Steve Horn Recommended to Lead Louisiana Baptists
A Louisiana search committee has decided on the candidate they will recommend to serve as the next Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Dr. Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana will be presented to the LBC Executive Board's Administrative Committee during a special meeting slated for Thursday, April 11. If the committee confirms the nominee, he will be presented to the full Executive Board on May 7th. Dr. Horn would replace Dr. David Hankins who has announced his retirement. You can find more information at the Baptist Message. … [Read more...] about Dr. Steve Horn Recommended to Lead Louisiana Baptists
I Am Embarrassed by My State Paper, The Baptist Message
One week ago I wrote my first draft of this article, then I didn't post it because I realized I was angry and my words were not appropriate nor were they even coherent due to my frustration. Thus, I have waited until today when the hard copy of the article to which I was responding arrived at our church office (and I am in better control of my faculties ). Also, I had another title for this article but some dear friends suggested I should soften it a bit. So this is me not being angry or incendiary... The Baptist Message's "Investigation" Last week the Baptist Message (BM), the state … [Read more...] about I Am Embarrassed by My State Paper, The Baptist Message
Perspectives from a Seminary Wife: Spiritual Growth, Academics, and Where the Church Falls Short (Rachel Reeves)
When it comes to involvement in ministry, church attendance, and overall biblical knowledge, I would venture to say that I would land with the majority of churchgoers, and many (specifically in the Bible Belt) would likely share numerous experiences with me. I was raised in church. My parents ensured that I attended, they were involved as leaders in a variety of ways, and they taught me to value and hold fast to my faith. They did what any good Bible-believing parent would do: they instilled in me the importance of the Church. They taught me these things, which was new territory for them, … [Read more...] about Perspectives from a Seminary Wife: Spiritual Growth, Academics, and Where the Church Falls Short (Rachel Reeves)
Greear Announces Most Diverse Ever Committee on Committees
Yesterday afternoon through Baptist Press, SBC President J.D. Greear announced his appointments for the 2019 Committee on Committees. The demographic makeup of this committee, which is reported in accordance with a 2015 Executive Committee recommendation (adopted by vote of the entire SBC), includes the following details: 34% of the committee is female, 50% of the committee is ethnic minority, and over 50% come from churches of less than 250 in attendance. The average Cooperative Program giving of the churches represented is 7.66% and the average age of committee members is 43. We are … [Read more...] about Greear Announces Most Diverse Ever Committee on Committees
The Man We Need in Nashville
We are shaped by our experiences and my year as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference opened my eyes in many ways. I saw the very best of the SBC and I saw some things that disturbed me greatly. I was blown away at the support we received from our entities as they helped a group of smaller church pastors put on what our feedback indicated was a successful conference. We also saw resistance from those who felt the conference belonged to the celebrity pastors and that by running and winning that election we had done something wrong. But from the day we found out we had won to the day we … [Read more...] about The Man We Need in Nashville
One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
Note to readers: This analysis is from Jon Canler who says, "I often read the SBC Voices blog, but I don't comment. I did notice your question about SWBTS finances, a question I've been interested in since I was made aware of allegations of a significant borrowing of restricted funds for unrestricted use. I'm a graduate of SBTS; however, two of my pastors who have been a massive influence in my life are SWBTS grads. I want to see this SBC institution, from which my life has significantly been influenced for Christ, thrive in all respects; hence, my concern personally, not to mention my concern … [Read more...] about One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
NAAF President Dr. Marshal L. Ausberry, Sr. Responds to SBTS Report on Slavery & Racism
As President of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, I commend Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler’s commissioning the study and releasing the internal report on the history of slavery and racism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is clear leadership akin to the men of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV) 32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...) Dr. Mohler clearly understands the times and knows what to do! I am sure that Dr. Mohler … [Read more...] about NAAF President Dr. Marshal L. Ausberry, Sr. Responds to SBTS Report on Slavery & Racism
Dr. David Hankins Announces Retirement
Dr. David Hankins, Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2019. This newest announcement comes in the wake of a number of other recent highly visible SBC personalities stepping aside from leadership positions for various and sundry reasons. Many people might know that Dr. Hankins and I have had our disagreements over the years but I wish he and his family nothing but the best as he transitions on to a new chapter in his life. Dr. Hankins was a faithful pastor, is a gifted speaker, and cared very much for the Southern Baptist … [Read more...] about Dr. David Hankins Announces Retirement
NOBTS Chapel and My Meeting with Dr. Kelley
Some time after Katrina (I’m not sure when. Months maybe. Those early years are a blur to me now) I arrived back to my house from a long day of helping visiting mission teams gut homes. My wife Michelle met me at the door with a big smile. It was hard to smile then and we were very busy. Well, I was very busy. Maybe too busy. But Michelle greeted me with a smile and said, “hurry in and look at what we received today.” There on the kitchen counter was probably the prettiest bouquet of flowers I’d ever seen and on the note was something like the following, Dear Michelle and Jay, We know how … [Read more...] about NOBTS Chapel and My Meeting with Dr. Kelley