Note to readers: This analysis is from Jon Canler who says, "I often read the SBC Voices blog, but I don't comment. I did notice your question about SWBTS finances, a question I've been interested in since I was made aware of allegations of a significant borrowing of restricted funds for unrestricted use. I'm a graduate of SBTS; however, two of my pastors who have been a massive influence in my life are SWBTS grads. I want to see this SBC institution, from which my life has significantly been influenced for Christ, thrive in all respects; hence, my concern personally, not to mention my concern … [Read more...] about One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
Should a Pastor Ever Retire?
Recently, someone asked me if I was retired. The question flummoxed (a word for William’s list) me somewhat. That’s because I am partially retired. These days I’m receiving Social Security payments as well as withdrawals on my Guidestone account. The IMB made me an Emeritus Missionary, and Mid-America Seminary named me a Professor Emeritus. So, by those measures, I am retired. Yet, I still go on international mission trips, and I still teach some for Mid-America Baptist Seminary. Beyond that, our church has graciously provided me with an office, and I serve in various ways in our church. I … [Read more...] about Should a Pastor Ever Retire?
Sunday Is a “Super Blood Wolf Moon” – Ugh!
As a moderately dispensational premillennialist, I groan a little every time there is some kind of celestial wonder such as is supposed to come our way Sunday night - a Super Blood Wolf Moon. Two things happen that irritate me - and as someone who six weeks out from surgery, is not healing well, still has a lot of pain, and feels tired and grumpy all the time, I don't need this kind of irritation. Eschatology wingnuts come out of the woodwork telling us about the powerful portent of this sign, and of the next, and of the next, and of the goings on in Israel and in the Middle East and … [Read more...] about Sunday Is a “Super Blood Wolf Moon” – Ugh!
Encourage Your Wife to Serve Where She Feels Led (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 4)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the previous posts and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. Part 2: Pray for people and let them know that you’re praying for them. Part 3: Discipleship is easy, yet hard. In this post, we’ll consider Lesson #4: Encourage your wife to serve in the church where she feels led and gifted, and then protect her choices. I’m cheating a little on this lesson—I’ve been a pastor far longer than I’ve been married. But then again, … [Read more...] about Encourage Your Wife to Serve Where She Feels Led (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 4)
SBC of Virginia Young Pastors Summit
Adam Blosser and I were able to attend the Young Pastors Summit today at the SBC of Virginia office near Richmond, Virginia. I've attended this meeting every year since 2014. The fellowship and networking is always refreshing. SBC of Virginia leadership does a good job of a putting together a quality program too. I know we had Tom Elliff a few years ago. Kevin Ezell joined us by video conference one year. This year Clyde Meador of the IMB was with us and Thom Rainer spoke by video conference as well. The Young Pastors Summit is a helpful event that affords pastors the opportunity to … [Read more...] about SBC of Virginia Young Pastors Summit
No, Heaven Does Not Have a Wall Around It
I’ve seen it posted many times on Facebook, the meme shared that reads, sometimes in varying forms: Heaven has a wall, gates, and a strict immigration policy; hell has open borders. Think about that. It’s a simple way to try to defend a certain political view on border security. The problem is, it’s both untrue and misconstrues scripture. And as if the meme weren’t enough, a politically vocal pastor stated in a nation interview recently: “The Bible says even Heaven itself is going to have a wall around it. Not everybody is going to be allowed in.” So, let’s start with a simple fact: Nowhere … [Read more...] about No, Heaven Does Not Have a Wall Around It
Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?
I believe all we have heard was that there are "challenges." What is being said ranges between comments like, "It's not a big deal" to impending catastrophe. Is it not time for Southern Baptists to be better informed and that directly from the seminary? Talk to us, publicly, brethren and sistren. We're on the same side. Thanks. ________ … [Read more...] about Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?
Discipleship is Easy and Hard (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 3)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the first lesson and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. Part 2: Pray for people and let them know that you’re praying for them. In this post, we’ll consider Lesson #3: Discipleship is easy yet hard because you have to constantly battle mission drift. Before I became a pastor, I had been involved in two churches. One lacked much of a discipleship culture and the other was a discipleship machine. It was in the latter … [Read more...] about Discipleship is Easy and Hard (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 3)
Whoa, who saw that coming?
Whoa, who saw that one coming? Nick Saban’s teams do not catch a beatdown very often. The Alabama fans didn’t see it coming. They moaned and wailed every time Clemson scored, and sounded like they were on the Titanic. (People dying from hypothermia is not funny, but the sounds emanating from my television were akin to the sounds from James Cameron’s epic) Dabo Swinney didn't see it coming. Did you see his face at the post game interview? Guy looked like he just won the powerball jackpot. Dabo Swinney expressed his love for Jesus Christ and his belief in the sovereignty of God over his … [Read more...] about Whoa, who saw that coming?
The Complicated Calling of a Pastor
Today my husband Chad and I drove across the wide open spaces of our part of Texas, sometimes chatting amiably, sometimes watching the scenery go by in silence. He spent time listening to speculation about his beloved Dallas Cowboys on sports radio while I dozed in the passenger seat. And at one point we spent a few minutes thinking and talking about our life and the interesting turns it has taken through the years. We never knew that we would wind up here, twenty years into our marriage, happily answering God’s call in our little town. Yet, here we are. God has been so gracious to bring us … [Read more...] about The Complicated Calling of a Pastor