SBC Issues

NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry."   It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: Were Paul’s Views Scripture or Opinion?

It has been nearly a week since the Task Force reported its findings to the Executive Committee of the SBC and it is safe to say a lively discussion has ensued.  Several people have commented here that the issue of the name change is not that significant and that we should be talking about other things. That may be so, but there is no question that there has been a great deal of interest generated here on the topic.  In terms of page views, Tuesday was our busiest day ever, last week was our busiest week ever, and February is already our busiest month ever even though it is only the 27th of … [Read more...] about The “GCB” Debate: An Apology, a Plea, an Aspiration

I realized this morning during Sunday School that I had a very small split in my trousers.  I thought I was good to go. After our second service (where I stood at the front with my back to the crowd the whole time) I realized my pants were split pretty much all the way.  I'm not sure how much of myself I exposed to my congregation this morning, but I don't think even Lydia or Rick are looking for that type of transparency in leadership. I really wish I'd worn the Spiderman suit.   … [Read more...] about Can You Help Me – I May Get Fired

Howell Scott, in the comment stream on Rick Patrick's article, "Informal Descriptor or Officially Approved Optional Replacement Name"used SBC Bylaws section 19 as proof that Bryant Wright's appointment of the Name Change Task Force was inappropriate. I would like to take a moment and address the specific issues that Howell raised. I am not a lawyer, nor some kind of constitutional expert, but I do believe that Howell's interpretation is faulty here.  He is using a section of the bylaws that has nothing to do with this task force and using faulty reasoning to condemn the task force … [Read more...] about Did the Task Force Violate SBC Bylaws?

                          Is this: Joe Blackmon? David Worley? Dave Miller? I'll never tell!   … [Read more...] about Identify that Superhero…

Since 1845 our Southern Baptist ship has sailed without the banner of an informal descriptor. Now that we are being asked to choose whether or not to adopt one, we must consider: "What exactly is an informal descriptor?" 1. It is not merely a nickname. Nicknames are given by people who just start using them and then see if they stick. Nobody ever votes on a nickname. If this were only a nickname, then any church who wanted to use it could do so already. There is no nickname police to stop the Pastor of some Journey Church somewhere from saying, "Hey, everybody, we partner together with … [Read more...] about Informal Descriptor or Officially Approved Optional Replacement Name?

Let me start this with a of honesty.  I chose the word "like" instead of "love" for a reason.  I don't love this solution.  In my perfect world, we'd be voting to actually change the name of our convention to "Great Commission Baptists" instead of just adding it as a designation.  Like Dr. Paige Patterson, I've wanted to see our regionally-focused name replaced for a long time.  But the Task Force determined (and from what I have seen, rightly so) that a name change would cost so much and be so legally difficult that whatever benefits might come from it were not worth it.  So, we are going to … [Read more...] about Why I Like “Great Commission Baptists”

My friend Raymond Dix is an African-American, Baptist pastor in a neighboring community. I asked him to read and respond to my post on "color-blindness", knowing that he would disagree with me on some key points. I offer his careful critique with his permission to further this needed discussion. Blessings, Todd ___________ A Critical Analysis of Todd Benkert’s “A Color-Blind Denomination?” By a Black Baptist Pastor   Raymond C. Dix Jr. Berean Fellowship Baptist Church Gary, IN Let me begin this analysis by stating two of the most important facts found in my … [Read more...] about A critique of “A Color-Blind Denomination”