SBC Issues

I made the following motion during the first introduction of new motions in the Tuesday morning session. Here is the full text.     My name is Todd Benkert, Messenger from Oak Creek Community Church in Mishawaka, Indiana I move to request the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission to hire an outside organization to oversee an audit and assessment of sexual abuse within the SBC. The organization shall be authorized to receive and assess, over the next three years, both reports of sexual abuse and allegations of mishandling abuse, from voluntarily participating … [Read more...] about Standing with Survivors: Motion for an audit and assessment of sexual abuse in the SBC

The Executive Committee is meant to be a coordinating and enabling group but in the last couple of years they have lost sight of their purpose.  Gradually,  they are seeking to take more of control over other entities. Instead of doing what they are supposed to do, they are gradually seeking to become the ruling elders of the SBC. That is NOT acceptable. Their Business and Financial Plan changes things in ways that need to be rejected, especially in this tumultuous time when the messengers may be asking for multiple investigations of the EC. It is not time to give this dysfunctional … [Read more...] about An Appeal: Reject the Executive Committee’s Business and Financial Plan

We will act on resolutions today in distinction to previous years. The full report is out and available online.. There are 10 resolutions. Resolution 1: on Baptist unity and our public witness. Resolution 2: On the sufficiency of Scripture for race and racial reconciliation (This loosely addresses the CRT issue, though not directly.) Resolution 3: On taxpayer complicity in abortion and the Hyde Amendment. Resolution 4: On the Equality Act Resolution 5: On abuse and pastoral qualifications. Resolution 6: On sole membership Resolution 7: On Christian … [Read more...] about And Now…It Begins! Resolutions Report

I got into an elevator at the convention hall. All was well until a bunch of people squeezed in after me. ”Anybody in here have germs? I asked, to the slight embarrassment of my wonderful wife. A lady opposite jerked her thumb at her husband, “He does,” she said. I wasn’t trying to start anything but it’s like a sardine factory here. Not a mask in sight but I did see a couple on the floor. I don’t know how long the Moon Pies will hold out in the exhibit hall but if everyone took four like I did, maybe not long. Two chocolate and two vanilla. Wanted to share if necessary. I … [Read more...] about Whatever happened to social distancing #SBC21?

As is normal, the Executive Committee is meeting today and they seem engaged in the task of reminding us just how badly change is needed there. Ronnie Floyd has been regaling them with how wonderful "we are" and they have been taking actions that say the opposite. Jared Wellman brought a motion to expand the investigation to include Rachael Denhollander'd suggested alterations. It was defeated. It becomes increasingly suspicious that Ronnie is seeking to use his investigation to avoid a real investigation. Rumors have been swirling about actions the CBN-controlled faction will seek to … [Read more...] about The EC Is Reminding Us Why Change Is Needed