I talked to a friend a few days ago, and our conversation turned toward his pastor. His pastor is a mess, and not your typical everyone's a sinner mess, but a dangerous mess. I immediately thought of Andrew Stocklein, the California pastor who took his life a few weeks ago. Two years ago, I struggled through a bout of situational depression. I didn't want to get out of bed, and I wasn't excited about anything. I remember feeling like everyone would be better off if I just left. There were some other mitigating factors to this season of my life, but after several visits to the … [Read more...] about Thoughts on Depression Among Pastors
IMB missions strategy and why I’m not much interested in boutique missions
I had a conversation this week with an individual who enthusiastically promoted their personal mission organization. Although I wasn't much interested, I listened politely but moved on to other subjects as soon as possible. Curious, I did some checking and found that there was indeed such an organization that recently registered as a corporation in my state but with no financial statements on file. Impressive. Whatever happened to the simple fact that believers were always on mission everywhere and that groups of believers, churches, gathered together to do God's work? What would a church … [Read more...] about IMB missions strategy and why I’m not much interested in boutique missions
Why I Cannot and Will Not Sign the “Social Justice and the Gospel Statement” (by Ryan Burton King)
This article originally appeared at Ryan Burton King's website and is crossposted here with permission. We're thankful for Ryan's thorough and strong response to the statement released yesterday. Throughout history, Christians have banded together to examine and respond to various crises, real or perceived. Creeds from the days of the Church Fathers, and confessions from the time of the Reformation are joined by petitions and tracts from the Puritan era into our own, local church confessions, associational, conventional, and denominational resolutions, and parachurch statements from a … [Read more...] about Why I Cannot and Will Not Sign the “Social Justice and the Gospel Statement” (by Ryan Burton King)
When should the pastor retire?
I'm several years on the downhill side of retirement from being the pastor (OK, the 'senior,' 'lead,' 'head,' or 'big dawg,' pastor) of a Southern Baptist Church. I've thought about retirement in a concrete way for about 15 years now, starting about a decade before I pulled the trigger, resigned my church, and retired. My state convention (and probably all the others) has retirement planning seminars starting at age 50. I attended several. Hey, they were free and I learned a lot. These are some of the best things my state convention does. Since I am reading that the average age of … [Read more...] about When should the pastor retire?
Breaking News: Dangerous Bill AB2943 Dies in the Cal. Statehouse at the 12th Hour (Greg Davidson)
Amazing things can happen when we all pull together. Recently I published an article on Voices about a dangerous bill AB2943 (See my previous article) that ultimately passed overwhelmingly in the California State Assembly and Senate, and needed only perfunctory approval in its final version by both houses. This law, backed by the LGBTQ, would have imprisoned pastors, and heavenly fined pastors for selling books, or hosting paid speakers that referenced God’s redeeming love and freedom from the sin of homosexuality. In these dark days, we were facing in California, I made an appeal for anyone … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Dangerous Bill AB2943 Dies in the Cal. Statehouse at the 12th Hour (Greg Davidson)
Reflections on Dr. Kelley’s Message
Dr. Kelley preached a chapel message recently that has raised the hackles of many in the SBC. Before I raise objections to the message let me give a few words of affirmation about the ministry of Dr. Kelley at NOBTS. I had not had much involvement with NOBTS until recently when I was elected president of the 2017 Pastors' Conference and the Caskey Center became our partner and major sponsor. Dr. Kelley was gracious to us and we have nothing but the highest respect and appreciation for the school and its president. Dr. Kelley has been a man of honor, decency, and integrity. To my … [Read more...] about Reflections on Dr. Kelley’s Message
The Truths that Dr. MacArthur’s Social Justice Series Won’t Change – Part 2 (by Terrence Jones)
This article was originally posted at Terrence Jones' blog, Live for Him or Die Trying. Please Forgive Me Let me take a moment to ask forgiveness for a statement that I cannot verify. In my first post I said, “No matter how they try to change the subject…” It infers that the timing of the social justice series is a diversion from the WASC report. It’s an unnecessary and unverifiable leap. I wish I had never used that phrase. It has caused some to dismiss the entire post, which is unfortunate. I ask forgiveness from Dr. MacArthur, Grace to You, and all others who may have been offended by … [Read more...] about The Truths that Dr. MacArthur’s Social Justice Series Won’t Change – Part 2 (by Terrence Jones)
How to track clergy sex abusers
One of the chief complaints about Southern Baptists and clergy sex abuse is that clergy against whom there are accusations of abuse are able to relocate without consequence where they may repeat the abuse in a different church. Clearly, this is a problem. Is there a solution? The Greenville (SC) News has a very helpful story on the prominent case in that state which involved a top South Carolina Baptist Convention leader: How to track sex allegations in churches? A survivor says schools have the answer. Oddly, the article's online headline leaves out the word "may" ("A survivor says … [Read more...] about How to track clergy sex abusers
Mystery Solved with Messiah Jesus (Amy Downey)
By now many of us have read the tragic news of the Southern California pastor who committed suicide due to an overwhelming sense of depression and loneliness. My heart weeps for his young wife and children who can never truly understand why, his church that is reeling from the sense of loss and confusion, and even this young man who saw death as less painful than the ache that was in his soul at the moment. Contrary to many, his action was not an act of selfishness but of desperation. His act was one of crying out for help but no one heard his cry. No one knew his desperation. No one knew his … [Read more...] about Mystery Solved with Messiah Jesus (Amy Downey)
Dealing with the Issue of Divisiveness In Our Convention (Greg Davidson)
Sorry, I forgot to credit Greg Davidson with this post. I deleted all the comments, which mostly seemed to be chastising GREG for my mistake. Now, feel free to start commenting on the post. I, like many, appreciate the loving Christ-like, Spirit-filled attitude of most in our Southern Baptist Convention. Most of us are committed to keeping the main thing the main thing. Yet, there are two small groups that have emerged in the SBC who are polarizing in their attitudes; and distracting some from their main mission. There is a small group on one side that I would refer to as out-of-balance … [Read more...] about Dealing with the Issue of Divisiveness In Our Convention (Greg Davidson)