SBC Issues

LifeWay Research is constantly releasing new data and helpful insights. But the most interesting part of their latest study was the purpose of the research. This new study was "conducted on behalf of the SBC's Executive Committee." I would like to address the purpose of this research. Here is the stated purpose of the XComm in their official description. The Executive Committee initiated the survey of all Southern Baptist churches to collect data that would provide an empirical baseline of our churches’ thoughts, feelings and perceptions about the Cooperative Program and stewardship, and to … [Read more...] about Marketing The Cooperative Program

Many have been guessing, including me, that the Cooperative Program is in trouble over the next few years. There is no prophecy in that statement, just sniffing the wind and thinking through some demographics. But the 2008 - 2009 global recession is already making the situation deteriorate much faster. In a recent letter from Southern Seminary, Dr. Mohler shared his concerns about their budget. In his explanation, he revealed the concerns are growing among denominational leaders. Here is a quote and I've emphasized the relevant portion. The Cooperative Program remains the mainstay of our … [Read more...] about The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program

I love the Southern Baptist Convention.  I am a Southern Baptist by conviction.  Theologically and missions wise I feel that the Southern Baptist Convention is the strongest.  I love the influence that the SBC has, but could our name be hurting our influence?  Could the name 'Southern Baptist Convention' actually be holding our convention back? Yes..  You might be a little surprised by my answer, but I think that it is true.  I was born in Nebraska and I talk to a lot of people from there.  I also served in Indiana for awhile and spoke with many people up there.  The church in Indiana was … [Read more...] about Should We Change Our Name?

It's hard to believe. Amid turkey-dinner plans, anticipated shopping trips, and gaily decorated stores, stands a group of folks who aren't excited. The turkey sounds dry, the shopping trips stagnant, and the season's "ho-ho-ho" greets a spirit of inaudible sighs of heaviness. That's right. Many folks do not take pleasure in the approaching holidays. A variety of reasons come to mind: expenses, booking flights, flights canceling, and dysfunctional families. I could write several posts on each of the lists that pop into my mind today. But today I want to focus on one. Grief. Do you … [Read more...] about THE GRIEF OF HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Dear Pastor, Let me first clarify that this letter is for Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors in general. I am well aware that what you are about to read does not include all pastors – at least not in totality. I also write this from the perspective of having been a pastor myself and therefore include myself as an addressee. I look around the SBC and see, hear, and read about how the SBC is in decline. Resolutions come out saying regenerate membership must be our focus. Conferences are convened that decry the faults of various theological models of soteriology. Mission boards … [Read more...] about Open Letter to All Pastors of Churches in the SBC

...are you the cause? I was reading Ephesians and it said, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption.” Eph. 4:30. Preceding that verse there is a list of things that are quite offensive to the Holy Spirit: foul or polluting language, evil words, unwholesome or worthless talk. In fact, it states that our conversation be “only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a … [Read more...] about WHEN GOD GRIEVES…