I am so thankful for this iteration of the ERLC. In years past I wondered about having an arm of our cooperative work which was so intrinsically tied to politics. However, the men and women who are currently serving at the ERLC seem to deeply care about their work and they do not tie their opinions to partisan politics. I very much appreciate that (I will write more about my thoughts on that soon). Over the last few years they have taken shots, like a champ, from both sides of the political spectrum so arguably they must be doing something right. (bring on the condescending comments) I want … [Read more...] about The ERLC on the Revoice Conference
Why Dave Ramsey Was Not a Waste of Time at the SBC
My wife and I made sure we made it back into the convention hall Tuesday afternoon to hear Dave Ramsey speak. When we came in, he had already begun speaking. I was excited to hear him. I'm always excited to hear Dave speak; I'll admit I see him as a bit of a hero. My wife and I are Dave Ramsey fans and as soon as we get our house paid off, we're going to Nashville to do our debt-free scream. My kids even have the introduction to his radio show memorized. I was disappointed to hear grumbling in my section, and then murmurings afterward about his appearance. There were those who thought … [Read more...] about Why Dave Ramsey Was Not a Waste of Time at the SBC
Unity, Division, the Past, and the Future of the SBC
When we seek unity at the SBC, we often come at it from the wrong perspective. We seek to downplay our differences, as if we all walk hand in hand, one in mind and spirit. We seek to suppress the voices of dissent and keep them from speaking their minds. We demand that those of different cultures and preferences conform to our ways. We accuse those who challenge, question, or criticize of being divisive and of threatening unity. This is a gross misunderstanding of biblical unity and actually tends to lead to greater anger and division. People feel bullied, pressured … [Read more...] about Unity, Division, the Past, and the Future of the SBC
Locked Compartments (Ann Hibbard)
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ann, and I am a compartmentalized woman. I have a variety of titles, jobs, responsibilities, all of which I often need to keep individualized and separate. Even if some of my responsibilities overlap, typically each job must hold its own space on the schedule. The lines between them cannot be allowed to blur lest I fail to honor my responsibilities in one or the other. For many years, I have seen this compartmentalism as necessary for functionality, organization, balance, and excellence. And this viewpoint has, indeed, proven useful. I have seen … [Read more...] about Locked Compartments (Ann Hibbard)
Lament, Power, and the Future of the SBC
Less than a month ago, my dad dropped dead of a heart attack. This was shocking, unexpected, and disorienting for our family. As much as we wanted to pretend it didn’t happen or distract ourselves with other things, we have been helped through the process by talking about it, expressing our emotional responses, and letting each family member grieve in his or her own way. We knew we were going in the right direction when my 3-year-old said, “I miss Grandpa. I feel sad. Grandpa was a pilot. Grandpa died. He’s dead now.” Perhaps because the loss of my dad was so fresh on my heart, I was hoping … [Read more...] about Lament, Power, and the Future of the SBC
Thoughts on J.D. Greear’s Comments on Homosexuality
I was once asked to officiate a wedding for a young couple that had been attending our church. The young man had waited for me outside the building and he was very nervous. I knew the couple had been living together, and when he asked, I looked into his face and said, "I don't normally marry couples who are living together. That's against what God's Word says, so we'll have to talk about that." I'll never forget that conversation. I was right. However, I did a poor job of loving my neighbor. I loved being right more than I loved that young man, and it cost me the opportunity to influence … [Read more...] about Thoughts on J.D. Greear’s Comments on Homosexuality
Lost in #SBC18 Noise: Evangelism Task Force Report and Recommendations
My how we SBCers do love the 'National Blue Ribbon Task Force' approach to addressing seemingly intractable, long-running problems in the SBC chief of which is the steadily declining baptism total. Steve Gaines appointed and the Convention approved last year such a group, the Evangelism Task Force. Baptist Press reported on it with a couple of stories: Evangelism Task Force Releases Report, Recommendations 'All of us' must evangelize, SBC agrees with task force The ETF produced a report that included a section on "affirmations" and "denials" about evangelism. Naturally, soteriology … [Read more...] about Lost in #SBC18 Noise: Evangelism Task Force Report and Recommendations
The World Needs More Foster Dads
With our journey into foster care, I’ve stepped into the social media pond of foster parenting to find resources and make connections with others on the journey. One thing I’ve noticed is that there are a whole lot more foster moms on social media than foster dads. We could assume that these moms are simply more media-engaged than their counterparts. Yet, it’s been my experience that many of these are single foster moms or ladies who lament that their husbands aren’t more engaged. In my face to face experiences, I’ve found the latter to be far from universally true, but you still hear the … [Read more...] about The World Needs More Foster Dads
Yes, Resolutions Do Matter
Leading up to the SBC annual meeting every year, much is made of the resolutions that are being submitted. Many of these resolutions are posted online for all to see even as they are being submitted to the resolutions committee. With this comes the inevitable pontificators stating how resolutions really do not mean anything at all. So what’s the point? On one hand, it is true that SBC resolutions are non-binding. As you surely know, resolutions are considerably different than motions offered on the floor during the meeting itself. SBC churches are not bound in any way by the resolutions … [Read more...] about Yes, Resolutions Do Matter
Past the Pulpit Wars
I've had the privilege of getting to share a bit of my hopes and dreams on this blog for a short time now. I have loved the connection, camaraderie, and joint hearts for Jesus and how He fleshes out His church through the SBC. As I have watched many of the women express gratitude for the new wind of conversation and even gotten to speak with several new friends who are faithfully serving within the SBC, there has been a repeated emphasis on how women are not to hold the position of senior pastor. Respectfully, the women that I have recently collaborated with, along with the heart and … [Read more...] about Past the Pulpit Wars