SBC Issues

I was honored to serve on a group to help a friend do a Doctoral Project on Emergent and Incumbent leaders.  It turned out to be much of a generational thing, and what happens when 2 generations, mostly boomers and busters collide.  I still talk with many of the people I was in that group with, both emergent and incumbent leaders.  As I have served in ministry, I have found that the more time passes, the more the generations become separated by differences.  Technology has changed my generation and the generation after me a great deal.  I have noticed a few things in observation, and I want to … [Read more...] about The Generation Gap

In this final installment of the series, I will (1) discuss the complications of setting a double named convention precedent, (2) expose the weaknesses of existing GCB associations, (3) articulate the limitations inherent in a functional rather than geographical name, (4) suggest that the GCB name may be linked to a GCR agenda that is itself less than unifying, and (5) take issue with the timing of this name change proposal during such a transitional period of Southern Baptist life. Following these last five reasons, I will seek to organize all twenty reasons into four general categories … [Read more...] about Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)

Battle blogging - that describes a lot of what we do, doesn't it? Battle blogging is the us vs. them, good guys and bad guys, we-have-to-win mentality.  "They" are the enemies of truth, justice and the American Way, and I am Superdave, avenger of justice, able to leap tall blogs in a single bound as I defend the Baptist world from those who would destroy it! I'm through with it. A Little Introspection You may get tired of my self-reflective blogs about blogging.  But for me, blogging a big deal.  It's not a past-time, it is a significant ministry.  So I think about it a lot.  Is … [Read more...] about Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging

There is a classic story (that probably has Jewish roots) about a new bride that is cooking her first big dinner for her husband.  She decides to go with a recipe that has stood the test of time; a roast that was passed down to her by her mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother.  Part of the recipe called for cutting off the ends of the roast.  The husband, is astonished by this.  He asks, “why in the world do you cut off the ends of the roast?  That is the best part!”.  Her reply is simple, “That’s the way my mom always made it”. There is a classic story (that probably Later on … [Read more...] about Review of Trained in the Fear of God

Respectful audacity. That particular phrase is not one that springs to mind when pondering prayer.  Perhaps it should be something we consider. In Exodus 33, we can read an account of Moses' boldness.  Moses had previously ascended the mountain to receive God's laws.  Back at the base, the people grew impatient and crafted for themselves a golden idol.  Moses returned and disciplined the people severely.  He moved his tent outside of camp and spent time there communing with God. Starting in verse 12, Moses begins to beg for God to teach him.  He says, "Please, if I've been good … [Read more...] about Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer

I was watching coverage of the trade yesterday between the Broncos and the Jets.  A nearly unknown quarterback (Tim something) was traded to the Jersey Jets for draft picks, in a move reminiscent of the Romans sending innocent Christians to the Coliseum to battle wild beasts.  Tebow has been the subject of more debate than any other player I can remember.  Supporters have accused John Elway and John Fox of conspiring against Tebow, possibly for reasons of faith.  Tim is an outspoken Christian (an understatement), which endeared him to some and annoyed others (even some Christians). But what … [Read more...] about Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?

I was at a conference a while ago and heard Josh Hunt speak and teach about Sunday School growth. In that conference he made a statement that has really stuck with me. He said “every day I get up, I think 'yes, this is that abundant life'”. He was referring to John 10:10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I have had to ask myself each day, am I living the abundant life? When I wake up each day, do I feel like I am really living and I am focused and living in Christ? I admit, I get grumpy. I get moody, and I focus way … [Read more...] about Is This the Abundant Life?

I have discovered that it is so much easier to be a Pharisee than a disciple.  You can probably relate, but many of you would never admit it (that was tongue and cheek, don't get mad).  You see, a Pharisee makes rules and then expects everyone to abide by them.  A disciple hears the rules of the Master, lives by them and encourages others to live by them.  They encourage others to "follow me as I follow Christ".  The difference seems to be how we approach people. We like to beat folks into submission sometimes, don't we?  We have some standards and ideas, and most of them are good.  The … [Read more...] about Try to be a little more supportive

There are sixteen blogs left in our Blue Collar Blog Madness: That's SWEET! Congratulations to those who made it through to round 2.  Actually, the voting was so close - a lot of blogs came within a vote or two (or three) of making the second round. It's been a great tournament so far. In this round, you only get to vote for one blog.  You don't get to vote more than once, but you can certainly encourage your friends to vote!  Hope you get into the spirit of things. Voting will be open all week, ending sometime Sunday. Here are your sixteen round 2 blogs... Golden Gate … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Round Two – SWEET Sixteen!