SBC Issues

Just for reference, the last name of this brilliant young lady is no coincidence. So, only comments mentioning how wonderful she is will be permitted.   … [Read more...] about Bethany Miller: “I Know” (Spoken Word Poetry)

There is lots of talk lately about NAMB and Acts 29 and the power of a church planting network.  If the desire is really to move towards more of a church planting network, then I submit one basic question.  Why make it a national network?  It's clear that we plant churches different with different strategies in different places.  Things that work in Iowa don't work in Arizona.  You can't plant a church in Mississippi and Oregon with the same strategies.  We live in different areas of the country, and if nationizing doesn't work for the Federal Government, why do it with Church … [Read more...] about Is a National Network the Right Way to Go?

Congratulations to the Acts 29 Network for selecting a President in Matt Chandler who is altogether less controversial than Mark Driscoll. The issues with Mark's explicit visions, his edgy sex book, and the church discipline controversy seems to have provided a lot of baggage that this organization did not need. I am certain that these factors would not be cited by leaders as reasons for the change, but the move to Dallas and the transition in leadership can only help this organization to become more acceptable both in Southern Baptist life and in the evangelical world at large. While I have … [Read more...] about Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies

Several days ago, many of us became aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Wake Forest, NC involving criminal charges and shattered lives at Southeastern Seminary.  I want to write about something that has struck me in all of this, but I want to do so carefully and graciously.  As we comment and think about this, I think we should stick to the subject here, accountability, and try to step back from the situation that prompted these thoughts. I was riding home from class the other night with a classmate from one of my classes.  He's staggering through the material about as unsteadily as … [Read more...] about Choosing Accountability

Last time  we looked at the story of Mark, a young seminary student coming back to his home church to set them straight.  We wondered “what happened to Mark”.  Unfortunately that fictional story is all too real in many church settings. For our discussion we will be tackling the problem of angry and divisive Calvinists, but truth be told we can make Mark’s sermon topics whatever you desire. In our day and age many may be tempted to drop the C word (Calvinism) as one of those topics bearded Mark picks up. 300 years ago it may have been Arminianism. It doesn’t matter what topic you pick … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2

I have sensed conviction recently (I know, very subjective) that we needed to work to reign in the tendency for comment streams to go haywire here.  Moderation is my least favorite thing to do for two reasons.  First, it takes time which I don't have.  Second, it makes people mad.  People really get upset when a comment is deleted.  But, after a discussion with our contributors, we have decided to institute a slightly more restrictive commenting policy. It is not my desire, nor my intended practice, to delete comments because of their point-of-view.  Subjectivity is always a problem to some … [Read more...] about Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices

Our fearless editor and blogger-in-chief, Dave Miller, has been holding an extended conversation with most of the regular contributors here about blog commenting and posting and how we all interact with each other. I expect we'll see some additional posts from him about the specifics of those conversations in the days to come. It is not my intention right now to short-circuit what he has to say. Or even preview. I want to make a few observations about a blog I read last week and offer some thoughts for your consideration. You see, I sat down and read a blog that was obviously written by … [Read more...] about My, how you’ve changed

Tim Tebow may be the most polarizing figure in sports history.  Some of us love him and cheer for him.  Others disdain him, even hate him.  Everybody talks about him. And Tim gives both camps plenty of ammunition. I watched Denver games last year and cringed.  Most elite quarterbacks throw spirals that knife through the air like a missile.  Tebow's passes wobble like drunk ducks.  But in big moments, those drunk ducks seem to find a way home - into the end zone. Those who criticize Tebow have all the ammo they need to do so.  I remember one play from last year.  A Denver receiver made … [Read more...] about The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations

“What happened to Mark?” asks one of the bewildered purple-haired saints. Two years ago Podunk Baptist Church sent a bright, energetic, and humble young man off to the seminary. This little gathering of believers has for over two-centuries housed some of the dearest saints. But Mark was different. Though young and a relatively new believer he stood out because of his marked brilliance, passion, and dedication. Tears of joy mixed with sadness now watered the out-dated carpet, as Mark was sent off to learn how to be a pastor. Most of the members could still remember that cold September morning … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1

NOTE: Because of the incredible closeness of the vote, because I forgot to remind Tony to close voting yesterday, and because Todd and Paul have been SO entertaining in their shameless electioneering, the voting will continue until about 5 PM this evening (Central Daylight Time).  So, Todd can continue to rally his family members and Paul can garner more support from the animated animals that have lined up behind him until that time. We have winnowed the field down and now only four blogs remain. Our Blue Collar Blog Madness champion for 2012 will be crowned soon. Congratulations to Paul … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four