In recent years some pastors have abandoned the invitation at the conclusion of the sermon. I’m sure they have various reasons for this; however, the primary reason seems to be equating invitations with “easy believism.” I realize that invitations have been abused and misused over the years; but so have sermons, and we still preach sermons. Properly done, invitations are still necessary and helpful. Why do I still believe in and extend invitations when I preach? Invitations Are Biblical The Apostle Peter gave an invitation on the day of Pentecost: “And with many other words he bore … [Read more...] about Preacher, Give an Invitation!
The Heritage of SWBTS Continues
Yesterday the Board of Trustees of SWBTS elected Dr. Adam W. Greenway as the ninth president of the seminary (See coverage in Baptist Press here). The reception of the news has been overwhelmingly positive both across the campus and across the convention. There have, however, been a few expressions of concern. I write today to address them briefly. Although worded in different ways (Southern takeover, Mohler takeover, Calvinistic takeover, etc.), the expressions of concern yield themselves, I believe to analysis that distills them into two basic loci of angst: First, does Greenway's … [Read more...] about The Heritage of SWBTS Continues
JD Greear Was Right to Name Churches
There has been a lot of discussion over the last few days about whether JD Greear was right to call the names of specific churches during his recent address to the Executive Committee. The manuscript for Greear's entire speech has been published here at SBC Voices. Here's the relevant portion of the speech: In media reports over the last week, churches who are currently in cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention were alleged to have displayed a wanton disregard for the seriousness of abuse. In some cases, they were alleged to have directly acted in a manner that was … [Read more...] about JD Greear Was Right to Name Churches
Greenway is Ninth President of Southwestern
Dr. Adam Greenway has been unanimously elected the ninth president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, according to a release on the SWBTS website. He was also elected as a professor of evangelism and apologetics. In addition to Greenway, the board named Randy L. Stinson as provost and vice president for academic administration, also unanimously. They affirmed the work of Dr. Jeffrey Bingham during the time he was interim president, an affirmation I would strongly affirm. I have spoken to many from the seminary who tell of the work he has done in providing stability and a positive … [Read more...] about Greenway is Ninth President of Southwestern
J.D. Greear’s Address to SBC Executive Committee Last Monday Night, 2/18/19
Members of the Executive Committee and fellow Southern Baptists, I hope you guys are doing great. It’s been a nice, quiet season for me, so I’m just grateful to be here. When I got nominated to be SBC President, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I told a lot of people that in some ways I felt like the proverbial dog that had caught the school bus--spent all that time barking, “now what?” I knew there was a lot I needed to learn, and only a fool jumps forward in confidence when he should sit back, examine and learn. I’m reminded of the story of a small plane carrying 4 people … [Read more...] about J.D. Greear’s Address to SBC Executive Committee Last Monday Night, 2/18/19
Another Aspect to the Sexual abuse Crisis
I've avoided giving my two cents about the Houston Chronicle article and its ensuing effects on our convention because I had nothing new to add to the conversation. Our leaders, and entities, the bylaws working group notwithstanding, have responded well. I have something to add to the conversation, something not being discussed. I'd like to begin with this question: are we setting our young ministers up for failure by giving them youth ministry positions? When I served in my first full-time position, the church went through three youth ministers in my four years. I was on staff … [Read more...] about Another Aspect to the Sexual abuse Crisis
Bylaws Workgroup Statement Charts Course for Return to 20th Century
It may be the fastest decision a Baptist committee has ever reached. A workgroup within the SBC Executive Committee has assured us that most of the churches named in the Houston Chronicle’s sexual abuse exposé do not warrant any further investigation. Late Saturday, the bylaws workgroup released a statement through Baptist Press. Both the content and the spirit of the statement are at serious odds with what we saw last week from the Executive Committee meeting. Last week we saw leadership, particularly from SBC President J.D. Greear, that showed determination to move us forward in … [Read more...] about Bylaws Workgroup Statement Charts Course for Return to 20th Century
Autonomy is still the reality and rule in Southern Baptist life
Nothing in the past two weeks has changed these facts of SBC life and polity: The SBC (and I use "SBC" in the broad sense of the entire universe of churches, entities, committees, boards, organizations, and institutions) ordains no clergy. Only churches who voluntarily cooperate with Southern Baptist organizations ordain ministers. Neither does "the SBC" hire, supervise, and fire local church clergy. No body in the broader SBC - not associations, state conventions, the national convention or Executive Committee - puts clergy in churches or transfers them from church … [Read more...] about Autonomy is still the reality and rule in Southern Baptist life
Cliches – What Would We Say without Them?
What would preachers, politicians, and sports writers have to say without clichés? According to my American Heritage Dictionary, a cliche is “a trite or overused expression or idea.” Of course, there is truth in clichés. If there was no truth, we would not use them. Still, some are used so much that wise preachers would do well to avoid them. At least, you should. When I use them, that’s different. I’ve compiled a short list of preacher clichés, and I hope our readers will add to my list. Here are some that I’ve heard (or used). Every head bowed and every eye closed. If no one … [Read more...] about Cliches – What Would We Say without Them?
‘God’s Man’
The Executive Committee Presidential Search Team announced Tuesday that they have found "God's candidate" to lead the Southern Baptist Convention's administrative entity. The announcement comes nearly eleven months after the position of EC President was vacated by Frank Page. I have no doubt that the search team has rightly prayed and sought God's guidance throughout the process. They are, therefore, convinced that they have found the right person to lead the EC. EC Chairman Mike Stone said, "God was guiding us." I am thankful that they experienced the guidance of the Lord throughout the … [Read more...] about ‘God’s Man’