Often, we get advanced warning about big events but yesterday's decision came as a complete shock to us here. I knew that the trustees had received a report on the Washington Post article during their meeting and decided to wait until they were able to get all the facts before acting on it, but I had no idea that the action would come this quickly and this decisively. In the last year the two icons of the Conservative Resurgence, Judge Pressler and Dr. Patterson, have taken hits to their reputations and legacies. I would have never believed that the tenure of Dr. Patterson would end with an … [Read more...] about Thoughts on the Removal Of Dr. Paige Patterson
Reflections the Day After Patterson’s Removal
Last night Southwestern Seminary released a statement that caught most of us completely off guard. The Executive Committee of the trustee board, a smaller group of the trustees, unanimously decided to terminate Dr. Paige Patterson effective immediately. Only a week ago the full trustee board had met in a long, likely contentious meeting that resulted in his removal from the role of president of the seminary, but with a visible continuing role on campus as President Emeritus, Theologian in Residence, living quarters, and continued salary. There was little focus on the executive board meeting … [Read more...] about Reflections the Day After Patterson’s Removal
A List for Living ‘Lit’ (Ephesians 5:15-21): From the Voice that Matters Most
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but … [Read more...] about A List for Living ‘Lit’ (Ephesians 5:15-21): From the Voice that Matters Most
Breaking: Paige Patterson Has Been Terminated Immediately from SWBTS
A statement has just been released by the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Seminary that Dr. Paige Patterson has been immediately terminated as a result of the information concerning the handling of the sexual abuse allegation at Southeastern. All of the previous benefits granted to Dr. Patterson have been revoked. The full statement can also be found on the SWBTS website. During the May 30, 2018, Executive Committee meeting of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) Board of Trustees, new information confirmed this morning was presented regarding the handling of an … [Read more...] about Breaking: Paige Patterson Has Been Terminated Immediately from SWBTS
Can you jettison “DOM” for “AMS” in our Baptist lingo?
Our annual sweatfest, the SBC Annual Meeting, is only a couple of weeks off. With the Greear/Hemphill presidential contest and the Patterson messes having consumed all the pre-convention publicity, you could be forgiven for forgetting that other things will take place. One of these is the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) which meets in Dallas a couple of days prior to the annual meeting. This year the SBCAL, as a part of their year-long study A fresh look at the time-honored work of associations within SBC life, will recommend a name change for what most of us … [Read more...] about Can you jettison “DOM” for “AMS” in our Baptist lingo?
Toilet Paper & the SBC President (by Jacki C. King)
“Can you pick up toilet paper on the floor in the bathroom?” This was one of the first questions I got in my very first interview as a young and arrogant Bible School student from my future boss. I thought he would come at me with what my view of women in ministry was, my eschatological views, or what places I would be leading within the specific ministry I was being hired under, but instead he impressed two things in that interview; one that he was looking for a servant leader. Someone who would pick up toilet paper and hold open doors. The second he said, “You need to constantly be aware of … [Read more...] about Toilet Paper & the SBC President (by Jacki C. King)
Christ will Shine on You (Ephesians 5:6-14): From the Voice that Matters Most
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Ephesians 5:6-14 (NIV): 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of … [Read more...] about Christ will Shine on You (Ephesians 5:6-14): From the Voice that Matters Most
Dr. Jason Allen’s Resolution on “On Affirming the Dignity of Women and the Holiness of Ministers”
Dr. Jason K. Allen, President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, has released a resolution which he has submitted for consideration at the SBC Annual Meeting. It is signed by entity heads, by President Steve Gaines, by both presidential candidates, by past SBC presidents, many of our state executives (I did not check to see how many did or did not sign), and by many mega metro pastors. The resolution is printed below in full. Dr. Allen's commentary on the resolution can be found at his website and is well worth reading. This resolution is well-written and much-needed. As the … [Read more...] about Dr. Jason Allen’s Resolution on “On Affirming the Dignity of Women and the Holiness of Ministers”
At the Crossroads: An Endorsement of J.D. Greear (by Michael Cooper)
In a time of change within the culture and the church at large it is imperative to look for a leader who will set the example of maximum Gospel engagement. Closer to home the Southern Baptist Convention is at a crossroads, seeking to push back lostness while struggling to find its identity. This is why I believe #SBC18 in Dallas is so important. The churches of the Southern Baptist Convention have an opportunity to establish an identity as a disciple-making and gospel-proclaiming unit. This is why I'll be raising my ballot for Pastor J.D. Greear on Tuesday afternoon. So why am I voting for … [Read more...] about At the Crossroads: An Endorsement of J.D. Greear (by Michael Cooper)
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 5:1-5
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: Ephesians 5:1-5: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 5:1-5