SBC Issues

Landrum Holmes made his way home with a heavy heart. As a missionary in Chefoo, China he was used to hardship and difficulties. But this time something weighed even heavier than usual. As he opened the door and greeted his wife he began to tell her of the death of a fellow missionary. "If I thought I should die and leave you alone," he said, "leave you to go all that long way back by yourself, I should find it hard to say 'Thy will be done.'" His brave wife's quick and encouraging reply was, "Landrum, I would not go back; I would stay here and work." His face shone with deep joy. "If you feel … [Read more...] about Baptists You Should Know, Sallie Holmes

Editor's note (Todd Benkert): I've encouraged more ideas on how to address sexual abuse -- particularly the problem of serial abusers who go from church to church. Here is one such idea. Feel free to discuss the merits of Tim's idea in the comment section, but I applaud such efforts at creative thinking on the issue.    Tragic stories of sexual abuse have come to light during the past year. These horrific sins have created a movement among Southern Baptists to do more to protect our congregations.  The convention strongly believes in Scriptural inerrancy.  Everyone universally … [Read more...] about Safeguarding Our Churches Against Sexual Abuse (A guest post by Tim Overton)

I recently read an article about an Oklahoma pastor who is retiring after serving in the same church for 60 years. And let me just begin by saying that this is the kind of pastor that deserves the platform though he would probably never ask for it. So often, we platform the personalities that are the most visible, those pastors who have the largest churches, who have published the most books, who speak regularly on the conference circuit. It would seem we have missed the mark. Our measures of ministry success reflect all of the values and metrics of the world and none of the values of God, who … [Read more...] about On Pastoral Tenure as Covenant (Phillip Powers)

By now it’s not news to readers of Voices that the President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee has resigned. He has reminded us repeatedly of his fiduciary duties to the SBC, and in his resignation letter explained that he can no longer carry out those duties after the October 5th EC vote to waive attorney-client privilege relative to the Sexual Abuse Task Force investigation. You may have also read Rod Martin’s letter of resignation from the EC, in which he writes that “the SBC is in grave danger” due to the EC vote to waive privilege. Floyd believes the SBC is in “uncertain, unknown, … [Read more...] about How Executive Committee Leaders Failed in Their Fiduciary Duties Long Before October 5th (Benjamin Wright)

Paul Chitwood spoke at our church this morning. Excellent. I'm all in for IMB, whatever else is going on around the SBC. IMB and NAMB are having record offerings, a measure of what Southern Baptists think they are worth among our churches. Let's keep it that way. I'm still supportive of our general giving plan, the venerable Cooperative Program, but my practice has always been to put the Lottie Moon offering, 100% going to overseas missions, at the top of my and my church's giving priorities. ____________ Photo: A silver haired beauty, Dr. Chitwood, on old codger with coffee. … [Read more...] about Thank God for lack of drama at our most important entity: IMB

Last night Ronnie Floyd announced his resignation as president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee. You can read the Baptist Press article here. The article contains the full text of Floyd's resignation letter to EC trustees and Southern Baptists. Floyd attributed his resignation to “decisions made on Tuesday afternoon, October 5, in response to the 2021 Convention," which he said, "now place our missionary enterprise as Southern Baptists into uncertain, unknown, unprecedented and uncharted waters." EC Chairman Rolland Slade said of Floyd's resignation, “I am saddened by his … [Read more...] about Ronnie Floyd did what he had to do

In our dual approach to funding denominational causes, cooperative and societal, the bulk of missions money comes through the two offerings dedicated to international and North American missions. Those would be the two named offerings: Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. They are both at record levels reflecting the true interests and goals of Southern Baptist individuals, churches, and denominational workers. LMCO exceeds goal...! The total for 2020-2021 was $177.6 million. Great news. [One note, I am told that the sum includes overseas giving through an IMB sponsored and promoted … [Read more...] about If churches are SBC headquarters, then look to see what HQ is doing on international and North American missions