Over the last several years, quite a few young Southern Seminary grads have come to serve churches in Iowa. In fact, I'll let you in on a little secret. We have a joke up here about the Southern Seminary "conspiracy" to take over the Iowa Baptist Convention (like we would be a high priority for a "takeover"). When I see two of the young SBTS grads sitting together, I will ask them if this is an official conspiracy meeting. They will usually tell me that it is. My problem is this: I'm not really sure if I am part of the conspiracy or not. I've always considered myself a Calvinist, but … [Read more...] about Am I a Calvinist? You Make the Call!
SBC Issues
Combating the Culture of Secrecy in the SBC: Trust the People!
A Story Several years ago, my church in Cedar Rapids ran into a problem. We had a treasurer who jumped into the deep end and found she couldn't swim. She went bizarre, then packed up and left the church. We had some pretty knowledgeable folks on our finance team who tried to figure out what on earth was going on with her accounting system, but we simply could not make heads or tails of it. For several months, we went to our monthly business meetings with a financial statement that was more of a best-guess than an actual statement. Every month I stood before the people and said, "Look, … [Read more...] about Combating the Culture of Secrecy in the SBC: Trust the People!
Miller Time: My Blogging Agenda
Keith Olbermann is not my favorite commentator - not by a long-shot. But his recent suspension (and reinstatement) by MSNBC made little sense. He was suspended "indefinitely" (which turned out to be two days) for giving donations to Democratic congressional candidates. Really? I'm shocked! Olbermann makes no pretense of objectivity. He is a liberal Democrat and everyone knows it. He does not provide information, but analysis from a liberal perspective. Was MSNBC surprised that Olbermann supported liberal candidates? Olbermann is the left wing's Sean Hannity. Obviously, I agree … [Read more...] about Miller Time: My Blogging Agenda
CB Scott’s NEW Sports Playground: Let’s Talk Sports
CB just let me know that the comment stream closed on the Sports Playground thread. I think there is a time-limit on comments. So, here's the NEW Sports Playground. Let's remember the rules 1) NO discussion of baseball until AFTER the Yankees sign Jeter, Rivera and Cliff Lee. 2) Insulting BAMA is not only permitted, but encouraged. 3) There is one phrase that is simply NOT permitted. I will not type it, because I am a man of the cloth. But it rhymes with "Goomer Schmooner". Verboten. So, lets' talk sports. … [Read more...] about CB Scott’s NEW Sports Playground: Let’s Talk Sports
Drop the Cymbal Before the World Goes Deaf
All I ever needed to know in life I learned on the treadmill with my earphones on. Not really. But . . . I have learned some things in the afternoon cross-connection between Glenn Beck and Oprah Winfrey, switching between them when commercials come on, their wisdom delivered directly through my earphones in the midst of an adrenaline rush while I try to burn off about 400 calories before the programs end. I'm a captive audience, taking in the technology and the glitz . . . and the messages of the hosts and guests, all carefully edited and sharpened to a point. Got me. What I've … [Read more...] about Drop the Cymbal Before the World Goes Deaf
A Great Commission Suggestion: Pink Slip the ERLC
NOTE: Dishonest and unscrupulous bloggers, such as those at Pulpit and Pen, continue to use this post without integrity and possibly illegally. As I said in this post, I was willing to be convinced. I was. The ERLC serves the Body of Christ well, despite the lies of the lying liars who lie, such as the author of the post that twisted and deceptively used this post. Since unscrupulous bloggers like JD and those at Pulpit and Pen refuse to repent of their sin or remove their post, I thought I might warn anyone who is deceived by them. They lie. They lack integrity. It isn't personal, … [Read more...] about A Great Commission Suggestion: Pink Slip the ERLC
Barack Clinton or Barack Bush?
I'm tired of fighting about national politics and looking forward to returning to fighting about Baptist politics. Before that happens, I'd like to make one observation. Right now, the President is giving his post-election speech. In this speech and in the days that lie ahead, President Obama will show us whether he is more like President Clinton or President Bush. President Clinton suffered a similar mid-term massacre in 1994. He saw that the American people did not like his politics and he changed with the times. He moved to the right. When the new Republican congress reformed … [Read more...] about Barack Clinton or Barack Bush?
A Political Playground
I may not be a genius, but I'm not stupid either. I know we have trouble keeping our discussions focused. So, I'm going to open a Political Playground here, as I did with the Sports playground and the CR Playground. If you want to talk Politics today or tomorrow, have at it. No profanity. No sexually explicit references. But other than that, this is a PLAYGROUND - almost free speech. In that spirit, let me say that I heard something sad today. I hear that the government may have to place the DONKEY on the endangered species list! … [Read more...] about A Political Playground
I’m Voting Tomorrow, But I Preached the Bible Yesterday
There is a growing divergence of opinion about how churches should handle politics. I find myself in agreement with both sides to a certain extent. On the One Hand... The church should never be distracted from its main work; making the gospel of Christ known in this world. Some churches have become, essentially, local branches of the Republican or Democrat parties. They talk politics from the pulpit and organize politically in the pews. They assume that their political positions are theological imperatives. To vary from political orthodoxy is seen as an indication of theological … [Read more...] about I’m Voting Tomorrow, But I Preached the Bible Yesterday
Who Really Needs to Come Out of the Closet?
I stumbled, fell and cried out but my brother shied away And I found myself alone in silence, wishing he would stay. He quickly turned the corner, as if he hadn't realized, I'd turned and looked to him in pain, with pleading tear-filled eyes. I saw my brother stumble so I quickly looked away. I'll ask him how he's doing on perhaps a better day. I heard my brother crying but I quickly realized He'd not be wanting me to see the tears that filled his eyes. So we're just keeping distance till again it all seems right And saying a little prayer or two before turning in at night. No reason … [Read more...] about Who Really Needs to Come Out of the Closet?