At 10a.m. I thought chaos would rule the day. At 3p.m. I was even more sure of it. But by 11p.m., in a room full of cheerful brethren and exhausted, honorable leaders, I was more firm in my Southern Baptist devotion than ever. This was the first day of the 2009 SBC Annual Meeting. The day started with two motions: one in favor of the infamous Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) and one against (in so many words) Acts 29 and Mark Driscoll. An interesting start. As one SBC Tweeter (Alvin Reid) put it, "Will we be about the world evangelism or witch hunts?" For the next several hours it … [Read more...] about Celebration from Chaos- Day 1 of the SBC Annual Meeting
SBC Issues
Great Commission Resurgence passes overwhelmingly!
So, what now? Can the convention finally go beyond the Conservative Resurgence? Can we be gospel, mission and word, centered from top to bottom? We shall see... … [Read more...] about Great Commission Resurgence passes overwhelmingly!
Has Chicken Little Come To Roost?
Recently a few Southern Baptist writers have begun writing to offer the opinion that in contrast to the preponderance of statistical evidence, the Southern Baptist Convention is in fact not in decline. Evidently the decline in baptisms, convention attendance and CP giving can all be explained if we’ll just listen well enough. What makes these opinions so newsworthy is that they stand in significant contrast to a mountain of statistical evidence that is being offered across our convention, and even outside our convention. It appears that they would instead have us to believe that those positing … [Read more...] about Has Chicken Little Come To Roost?
An Identified Baptist that believes we need a Great Commission Resurgence
Let me first come out and say that I have signed the Great Commission Resurgence. Maybe, I need to clarify even more, I signed the GCR without "caveats." At the same time, if there were indeed some document stating a renewed emphasis on our Baptist distinctives I would sign that as well. I caught myself yesterday thinking, "Well shoot, I like Bart Barber and Timmy Brister. I like being Baptist and I like the Great Commission." Then I started to contemplate the supposed "competing" views within the Southern Baptist Convention, the GCR and Baptist Identity. Soon after I started thinking … [Read more...] about An Identified Baptist that believes we need a Great Commission Resurgence
Why you should attend the SBC annual meeting
With the annual meeting next week and the number of pastors who are not going to attend because they think it's a waste of time, I thought I would share why I encourage fellow pastors and concerned laymen to attend the Southern Baptist Convention. Here are what I believe are four compelling reasons to attend: 1. If you want to be part of the decision making process, you have to be involved. If you are involved, you ARE part of that process. Real decisions are made at the Southern Baptist Convention - decisions that affect the direction of the Convention, how cooperative resources are used, … [Read more...] about Why you should attend the SBC annual meeting
Passing the Gospel Torch- A Clarification from Ezra 3
A week or so ago I made a comment about the "older generation" needing to "pass off the torch to the younger generation and go quietly into the night." Needless to say, this didn't set well with everyone. Therefore, I want to try briefly to clarify this statement and also attempt to add some ideas into the mix as we head to next weeks convention meeting in Louisville. First, I want to lead with the positive. I fully affirm what Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 5.1. As such I should be more careful in using phrases that do not convey the appropriate respect to the older men. Paul makes no … [Read more...] about Passing the Gospel Torch- A Clarification from Ezra 3
Trevin Wax Interviews Danny Akin
Trevin Wax has done it again. This four part interview with Dr. Danny Akin should be required to get in the door at the SBC this summer. It's not, but I might make a motion to that effect. So, you can get a jump by reading it now. Danny Akin Interviewed By Trevin Wax A Vision for Missionary Theologians: Interview with Dr. Danny Akin (Part 1) Turning around the SBC: An Interview with Dr. Danny Akin (2) Great Commission Resurgence: An Interview with Dr. Danny Akin (3) SBC Calvinism and Evangelical Cooperation: An Interview with Dr. Danny Akin (4) … [Read more...] about Trevin Wax Interviews Danny Akin
Denominational Reform The Odysseus Way (Why I’m Undecided About The GCR)
Undecided. That is as much as I can say about the GCR. I've read the blogs, heard the podcasts, and asked around - but I still don't really get it. Let's just say I'm coming to Louisville with a lot of questions marks. At face value, the GCR statement says some good things. About 90% of it would get a nod from any Southern Baptist. No SBCers are going to argue against the Bible, Jesus, and the Great Commandments. It's like preaching a hard point in your sermon. You get the people moving in your direction. You get the AMEN corner warmed up. Then at the decisive moment, you throw in … [Read more...] about Denominational Reform The Odysseus Way (Why I’m Undecided About The GCR)
Is Post-Christianity All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
Anyone who has spent much time around Christian literature and the work of the church knows that there is a great propensity to develop terms which receive pop culture status in certain circles. Words like 'emerging', 'organic', and 'purpose-driven'. Another term which is quickly climbing this later, even into the secular realm, is 'post-Christian'. Blog posts and magazine articles and books are all coming out with 'post-Christian' emblazoned into their heading. Yet the danger that always comes with such sexy phrases is the distinct possibility that they will be used so widely as to end up … [Read more...] about Is Post-Christianity All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
If You Had To Choose: Advance 09 or the SBC Annual Meeting?
Timing matters . . . especially when trying to pull in young mission-minded pastors. These are the guys who attend events for encouragement and learning rather than career advancement. These are guys who see the local church as the focus of God's work, rather than denominational reform. I'm not anti-SBC, I'm just wondering how people would choose between attending the Advance 09 or the LoveLoud SBC annual meeting. Any thoughts? Update: You can listen to Advance 09 on the Desiring God blog. … [Read more...] about If You Had To Choose: Advance 09 or the SBC Annual Meeting?