SBC Issues

With reference to our present Southern Baptist denominational controversy, there has been more than enough talk of "wackadoodles" and "bogeymen." I am not interested in characterizing pejoratively those who disagree with me by calling them names. I now reject the notion that the existence of a full-scale Southern Baptist takeover or "quiet revolution" is in any way a conspiratorial idea, a stretch or a lark. It is not a conspiracy. It is a reality. My earlier post simply asked the question, "Are we being reformed?" In developing my article, I wasted far too many words disclaiming conspiracy … [Read more...] about Who Is Reforming Us?

Chris, a frequent commenter here at SBC Voice, blogs at "Seek the Holy."  We appreciate this post. No matter who you are or what you do, people have certain expectations for how you should fulfill your office. Whether you are a corporate executive, a mail room clerk, a state senator, a librarian, or a general lackey, someone somewhere is ready to tell you what you should be doing in that position. This is especially true for those holding the position of pastor in a church. It doesn’t take long to identify many of the expectations people have of their pastors. Those expectations generally … [Read more...] about The Pastor’s Duty (by Chris Roberts)

I saw an interesting article at Trevin Wax's site "Kingdom People" called "Looking for a Church? 3 Suggestions." It discusses (watch Dave state the obvious) how to find a biblical church.  In the article, he uses three words that I would like to apply to the future of the SBC.  He mentions three "orthos" - words that describe a genuine church.  Orthodoxy. Orthopraxy.  Orthokardia. A church must be orthodox in doctrine - Bible-believing and faithful to the fundamental doctrines of the faith, especially those that relate to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. A church must have orthopraxy … [Read more...] about Is Orthodoxy Enough? The Future of the SBC

1)  What happened to two spaces after a period?  That's what I was taught back in good old days, but now it seems no one likes two spaces anymore.  What's up? 2)  Should I capitalize divine pronouns?  I was taught that as respect to God.  But even modern language Bibles don't do it.  What's up? These are weighty issues which I hope we can discuss in a calm and rational way! … [Read more...] about Two Crucial Theological Issues We Need to Discuss

Few details have been revealed and perhaps that is best.  But Phil Robert's 11 year tenure at MWBTS is done.  Baptist Press reports two sources of questioning and conflict between Roberts and the Board of Trustees.  First, there have been some questions about how seminary resources have been used.  Strangely, the second reason is one of the same that was invoked when Dr. Mark Coppenger was released from the seminary - verbal abuse of seminary staff.  I have no specifics of these charges, just the fact that Baptist Press is reporting these as issues. It's a sad day for Midwestern Baptist … [Read more...] about Phil Roberts Has Resigned at Midwestern Seminary

Recently, Dr. Fred Luter made the much anticipated announcement that he would allow himself to be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. With this announcement, Luter is poised to become the first African American to head our denomination. The day Southern Baptists elect our first black SBC president will be an important moment for the history and future of our Convention. The election of an African American president will be a capstone for a series of strong statements of our Convention about our attitude toward race and our understanding of the gospel’s implications … [Read more...] about A Black President for the SBC

This was originally publish at Joel Rainey's blog "Themelios." I appreciate his willingness to share it with us. About 13 years ago, Pastor Trey Rhodes was sitting in a meeting of other pastors who were considering the sponsorship of a new church. The local Baptist Association had called this meeting to discuss "concerns" that several of the pastors had relative to this new church proposal. Church planting wasn't nearly as "cool" back then as it is now, and in fact was held in high suspicion in several segments of my denomination. In particular, these guys were concerned about the theology, … [Read more...] about When “Friendly Fire” Isn’t So Friendly (by Joel Rainey)

I was working on a post this morning, and then Ed went and posted an article at Between the Times that said what I was trying to say, but did it so much better.  Sometimes I hate that guy - saying it first and saying it better!  His post is called "The Baptist Bogeyman."  I encourage you to read it.  However, the fact that someone else has already said it (and perhaps better than I could) never stops a blogger from saying it again, right? So, I put my other article on hold and I want to make some observations about what the Rev. Dr Stetzer said. We have had a parade of bogeymen in the … [Read more...] about I’m Furious at Ed Stetzer! (Well, Sort of…)