My son and I went to a community wide service the other day. This began an interesting conversation about the difference between denominations. I tried as best as I could to explain to him all of the different distinctives which both unite us and separate us. Part of our discussion centered around why we’ve been given the name Baptists. This led to an interesting discussion about why I believe in credobaptism (believer’s baptism) and not paedobaptism (infant baptism). While I hold a good many things in common with my Presbyterian brothers and sisters, I remain a Baptist by conviction. And … [Read more...] about How a Presbyterian Principle Reinforces My Baptist Conviction
BGCT and BGAV both respond to CBF Illumination Report
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship recently updated their hiring policy based on a "two-part recommendation from the Illumination Project Committee, which has been working over the past 18 months to explore how Cooperative Baptists can strengthen their unity in the face of different beliefs and practices in matters of human sexuality." Here's the text of the updated policy: CBF employees serve as co-laborers with the Holy Spirit in God’s mission, striving to be Christ-like, innovative, authentic, globally focused, committed to hearing and respecting diverse perspectives and to pursuing … [Read more...] about BGCT and BGAV both respond to CBF Illumination Report
Be a light in the NICU
Unexpected tragedy strikes -- that's just life sometimes. As I write these words, it is fresh from the experience of holding my 1-week-old baby girl in the NICU. And I must say, it was a pretty odd place to be. The emotional roller coaster of thankfulness for a new baby but also fear and uncertainty as she is hooked up to multiple wires and tubes has a way of making even the most confident adult feel rattled. In your community right now, there are multiple families at a neonatal intensive care unit. The smallest things can make the biggest difference to a family. Here are a few fresh … [Read more...] about Be a light in the NICU
Consecration – Making an active choice to follow the Lord
Joshua 3:5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Moses had died. The generation that fled from Egypt had passed. Now, after 40 years in the wilderness, the people of Israel had a new leader and a new promise from God. As they stood on the banks of the Jordan, ready to enter the promised land, Joshua commanded the people to “consecrate” themselves. They were to prepare themselves for what God would do in them and through them. God was about to stop up the Jordan river so that the people would walk across on dry ground – a … [Read more...] about Consecration – Making an active choice to follow the Lord
Basic Church Documents
When I teach church planting, I always talk to the students about basic church documents. A new church needs some basic documents that provide it with a good, solid foundation. Older churches need these foundational documents, also. Ok, what are they? All churches need a statement of faith, a church covenant, and a constitution and by-laws. Why so? Statement of Faith Churches should be certain of their beliefs, and they should be able to point prospective members to a statement of faith. A statement of faith will guide the preachers and teachers in the church as to what … [Read more...] about Basic Church Documents
Breaking: Small Group of Southern Baptists Now Opposed to the Cooperative Program
For almost 100 years now, the Cooperative Program has been the primary funding mechanism of the Southern Baptist Convention. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised. Tens of thousands of missionaries have been fully funded as they risked their lives to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Tens of thousands of churches have been planted across North America. And millions of people have heard the gospel as a result of the cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists. The impact of the Cooperative Program over the last 100 years of Southern Baptist life will only be fully known in … [Read more...] about Breaking: Small Group of Southern Baptists Now Opposed to the Cooperative Program
A Tribute to Billy Graham
Yesterday we learned that Billy Graham had passed away at age ninety-nine. He was one of us, a Southern Baptist. He was ordained by a Southern Baptist church in Florida in 1939, and he was a member at First Baptist Church of Dallas. When I heard of his passing, immediately, I thought of Genesis 25:8, which says of Abraham: “Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years…” (NKJV). Truly, Billy Graham died at a “good old age,” and his years were full of fruitful service to the Lord. In this post I’ll not repeat the biographies you can find on any news … [Read more...] about A Tribute to Billy Graham
Weigh In: The Most Memorable Pastors’ Conference Sermons
I’ve been attending the SBC Pastor’s Conference and Annual Meeting since 1999. Every year I've been encouraged and strengthened by the messages. I'm looking forward to Dallas and what looks to be a great lineup of preachers. As I anticipate another great pastor's conference, I thought I'd share some of the highlights for me from past years. (Note: Interpret the title as the most memorable sermons to Todd. In the comments, I'd love to hear what sermons have been memorable to you.) These are a few sermons that have made a lasting impact: James McDonald, June 12 2016, … [Read more...] about Weigh In: The Most Memorable Pastors’ Conference Sermons
2018 Pastor’s Conference Lineup Announced
Last May I expressed my excitement on this blog that H.B. Charles would be nominated to serve as the President of the 2018 SBC Pastor's Conference. Then at the annual meeting in Phoenix last year, Pastor Charles was unanimously elected to serve as the first African American president of the SBC Pastor's Conference. I have been looking forward to the conference, and last week the lineup of speakers was announced on Pastor Charles' blog. The Speakers for the 2018 SBC Pastor’s Conference Bryan Carter | Concord Church | Dallas, Texas Charlie Dates | Progressive Baptist Church | Chicago, … [Read more...] about 2018 Pastor’s Conference Lineup Announced
Here’s the list showing the long line of Calvinistic SBC presidents
It's looking, sadly, like some in the SBC will be consumed by a hot denominational war over the SBC presidency. A few colleagues have objected to the martial terminology. While I think it is a good fit, in consideration of the sensitivities of the most militant participants, I'll call it a clerical collar ecclesiastical conflict. That's the kind where folks in suits smile at you and offer syrupy Christian fellowship platitudes from behind their howitzers. Since, according to some, our denomination faces a critical moment, a crucial election, the first such of year-after-year-after-year … [Read more...] about Here’s the list showing the long line of Calvinistic SBC presidents