It's been a little quiet around here since Tuesday evening. We closed comments temporarily and thought it was best to allow things to settle some before jumping back into the conversation. A lot has happened on social media and these articles have been widely shared. I think all three are really helpful in thinking through and absorbing what has transpired over the last month and especially this week. Each one is well worth your time. The Wrath of God Poured Out — The Humiliation of the Southern Baptist Convention by Al Mother. Available at Mohler's website and Christianity … [Read more...] about What Is Happening in the SBC: Helpful Thoughts & Reflections
D.A. Horton on Patterson and SWBTS
D.A. Horton is the lead pastor at Reach Fellowship in Long Beach, CA. His is a voice we need to hear. Read the whole thread. Dear #SBC18, I’m deeply grieved how power & privilege inside our convention are used to build walls of self-preservation & systemic protection. This results in allowing an erring person to avoid confessing wrongdoings which = the removal of bearing fruits of repentance. (1) — D.A. Horton (@da_horton) May 24, 2018 When we shield someone w/ repeated public offenses from confession of wrongdoing, it not only allows them remain ensnared perhaps in the … [Read more...] about D.A. Horton on Patterson and SWBTS
Lord, Send a Revival, and Let It Begin…
Things are a mess in the SBC right now, aren't they? I don't think I have to argue that. The convention held its breath for 13 hours yesterday while the trustees of SWBTS debated the future of Dr. Paige Patterson as president. Their decision is a matter of debate throughout the SBC and few are fully satisfied. I am an old-fashioned old-fogey and I believe in the "trust the trustees" mantra. They did not reach the decision I'd have wished for but they had information I do not and I am willing to yield to their wisdom. Social media is a hot mess. The hostility, the crassness, the profane … [Read more...] about Lord, Send a Revival, and Let It Begin…
Paige Patterson Has Been Made President Emeritus of SWBTS – Effective Immediately
We have received word that Dr. Paige Patterson has been transitioned to the president emeritus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, effective immediately, after a lengthy Board of Trustees meeting today. Jeffrey Bingham is Interim President. Baptist Press has more detail. We realize that this decision will bring about a wide range of reactions, from joy to anger. We feel it is best to let the information come out fully in the next day or so before we begin to add opinion to these facts. Comments are closed for now. God bless Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. … [Read more...] about Paige Patterson Has Been Made President Emeritus of SWBTS – Effective Immediately
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 4:7-10
Passage: Ephesians 4:7-10 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. 9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he[c] also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. Devotional: Ephesians 4:7-10 is our passage for today. Let's take it part by part. First, Ephesians 4:7 talks about the grace given to each of us. The thing we … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 4:7-10
Email to SEBTS Students on Washington Post Story [Full Text]
This afternoon, SEBTS released this email to seminary students to address the steps they have taken and are taking as a result of information that's recently come to light in today's Washington Post story. Dear SEBTS Students: Today an article was released in the Washington Post that mentions Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The focus of the article is the handling of a rape accusation that involved two students in 2003. The event took place under a previous administration. I was only recently made aware of this event. Since being made aware of the event, I have asked our … [Read more...] about Email to SEBTS Students on Washington Post Story [Full Text]
Washington Post: Allegation Patterson Urged Student Victim Not to Report Sexual Assault
The Washington Post has just released a story with disturbing allegations against Dr. Paige Patterson. Patterson is accused of pressuring a rape victim not to report the rape during his tenure at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can read the story at the Washington Post. The article was released during the time SWBTS trustees were in closed meeting. Comments are closed. … [Read more...] about Washington Post: Allegation Patterson Urged Student Victim Not to Report Sexual Assault
Pray for the Trustees of SWBTS
The Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary are meeting today in a special session to deal with the very public issues that have been discussed recently about Dr. Paige Patterson and the future of the seminary. I am sure each of us has an opinion about these things but ultimately the men and women entrusted with that responsibility will make it. I would ask you to pray for them, that God would grant them wisdom to do what is best for the seminary, the SBC, and the Kingdom. Note: we have decided that comments on Paige Patterson/SWBTS topics might be counterproductive today. … [Read more...] about Pray for the Trustees of SWBTS
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 4:1-6 Walk Worthy of This Calling
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: 4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 4:1-6 Walk Worthy of This Calling
Possible Outcomes of Tuesday’s SWBTS Trustee Meeting
Tomorrow the full trustee board of Southwestern Seminary will meet to discuss what action, if any, will be taken in light of the recent controversy surrounding the seminary’s president, Dr. Paige Patterson. No one knows what to expect. The Baptist Press story linked above indicates that Patterson himself requested the meeting. The trustees’ decision will likely have deep and far-reaching consequences regardless of what conclusion is reached. Opinions on this issue have been strong, and no doubt will continue to be. My purpose here isn’t to argue the merits of one choice over the other, but … [Read more...] about Possible Outcomes of Tuesday’s SWBTS Trustee Meeting