I'd just like to jump in alongside Dave's series on criticizing the SBC and offer some niche thoughts, fresh and relevant, perhaps. I'd entitle this one: "How to express directly to trustees your criticism of their actions or to deliver to trustees your opinion about an unresolved matter presently before a board of trustees." Before proceeding, let me say this: What follows are in no way whatsoever a set of "rules" to follow for communicating with trustees. If you are a member of a Southern Baptist church, you can communicate with trustees any way you like. There are no rules. And it may be … [Read more...] about Criticism and the SBC—Unsequenced, Unexpected Part (Different Author)
BREAKING NEWS: SBTS Releases Report on Slavery and Racism in Its History
Dr. Albert Mohler and SBTS have just released a groundbreaking document called "Report on Slavery and Racism in the History of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary." I gave it a quick perusal, so I am not going to offer much analysis at this time, other than to say that this kind of honest appraisal of our history is needed among Southern Baptists. A PDF of the full report is available here. The report begins with a letter from Dr. Mohler with an overview and explanation. It is helpful and is copied here inn full. Dear Friends: We are living in an age of historical reckoning. … [Read more...] about BREAKING NEWS: SBTS Releases Report on Slavery and Racism in Its History
Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
The Forth Worth Star Telegram has published a four part series detailing a culture of sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist Network. The series was written by Sara Smith. She reported on the Paige Patterson situation earlier this year, and, from my research, has been a leading journalist in exposing abuse in religious institutions and denominations. If you have time, go read the series. It is scary. The Star Telegram interviewed over 200 people who were subjected to all kinds of abuse including rape, intimidation, and underage sex. The perpetrators, in most cases, … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
Criticism and the SBC: Part 1 – Criticizing God’s Way
We always struggle with how to criticize the SBC and its leaders. Many of them, frankly, don't like it much and we don't enjoy doing it. Giving criticism will always put you in the crosshairs for others' criticism (or the silent treatment, or...). We have often found ourselves playing defense against the outrageous and inaccurate criticisms lodged against the SBC and its leaders by angry Baptists with an ax to grind. Now, the tectonic plates have shifted and we are in a position to speak critical words about things we see in the SBC. The SBC Voices team is made up of loyal, supportive, … [Read more...] about Criticism and the SBC: Part 1 – Criticizing God’s Way
John Allen Chau–An Introspective Look
John Allen Chau was martyred while trying to bring the gospel to the Sentinelese people sometime between November 16 and November 19. There have been numerous stories written about Chau’s martyrdom. Baptist Press wrote this story if you’re not familiar with Chau’s death. I’d like to take an introspective look at Chau’s martyrdom. Instead of asking questions about his methodology, we should examine our hearts. Here are five questions: Are we willing to be martyred for Christ? That’s the obvious question, but it’s a tough question. Every believer should answer in the … [Read more...] about John Allen Chau–An Introspective Look
What I Learned When My Position Was Mocked
It was my favorite class. At least for the first half of the semester. I loved the passion with which the professor destroyed the arguments of opponents. His words helped to deepen my faith and my convictions. And I appreciated his humor and wit. He had a special way of pointing out the ignorance of those who disagreed with us theologically. Then I became a them instead of an us. The class wasn’t as fun anymore. His wit wasn’t humorous it was biting. His arguments weren’t air tight they seemed over confident, silly, and as if they weren’t presenting my side in the best light. He didn’t … [Read more...] about What I Learned When My Position Was Mocked
STOP Complaining about Pulpit and Pen – BLOCK Them!
It happened again a couple of days ago. Shock. Outrage. Twitter lit up because the men at Pulpit and Pen said something outrageous, racist, sexist, and homophobic. Honestly, who could have seen that coming? I am not going to repeat what they said. The shameful rhetoric would even rile some who share JD Hall's views. But it was not shocking that P&P did something like this. Shameful, unChristian, vicious attacks are the stock in trade of JD Hall and Seth Dunn and have been for years. There is no evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit or even the desire to display such - just the will to … [Read more...] about STOP Complaining about Pulpit and Pen – BLOCK Them!
The Forgotten Theology of Rights & Revolution (Ken Hamrick)
Was the American Revolution a sinful undertaking? Were the “unalienable rights” written about in the Declaration of Independence not really “endowed by [our] Creator?” It seems to me that the Evangelical church may be forgetting the theological basis upon which our independent nation was established. Triablogue featured a linked video of an interview of John MacArthur by Ben Shapiro, in which Rev. MacArthur denied that Christians ought ever to be involved in revolutions. Shapiro asks, (at 17:04), “…So, early on, you mentioned that you weren’t sure that the American Revolution is in … [Read more...] about The Forgotten Theology of Rights & Revolution (Ken Hamrick)
What Makes a Great Pastor?
My wife and I are members of the Central Baptist Church in Crandall, Texas (Dallas area). I’ve told everyone who will listen that our pastor, Charles Wilson, is the best pastor I’ve ever known. (Disclaimer: I have not had the opportunity to observe Dave Miller and William Thornton in action.) Charles Wilson is not the best preacher I’ve heard (that is Adrian Rogers), but Brother Charlie does a great job. This prompted me to think about the question—What makes a great pastor? So, in this essay, I’ll try to answer that question. I’ll write about what makes a great preacher in a separate … [Read more...] about What Makes a Great Pastor?
Top SBC news of 2018
The year's not over but it's still time to review the top SBC news items for 2018. If stuff happens in December other than all the brethren and sistren stuffing themselves with Christmas fare, I'll do an update. This year saw more newsworthy items in the SBC than for many years past. The election of a next generation president: J. D. Greear. The SBC presidential election was hotly contested. It shouldn't have been but this is our system, our practice, and our preference. Sadly, the election between two outstanding men was framed as a contest between cooperative and societal … [Read more...] about Top SBC news of 2018