SBC Voices

The 21st Century IMB

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I've been to IMB headquarters in Richmond just once, some years ago for a couple of days. I came away with the view that all of the people there were highly committed and very fine servants of SBC churches but also that the organization had a distinct subculture, somewhat mysterious with more than a modicum of inscrutibility. Individual IMB workers have always been congenial and helpful but over the decades I had the impression that the organization was not much for openness and transparency although not so in any deliberate, recalcitrant, or nefarious manner. It stands to reason that the … [Read more...] about The 21st Century IMB

The New Progressive Agenda

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You may have heard that some among our Southern Baptist Convention are intent on bearing false witness against Russell Moore and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.  Dr. Moore is accused of pushing a progressive agenda at the ERLC.  He must be stopped, it is argued. Well, the ERLC has just released their 2018 Legislative Agenda.  If this is the new progressive agenda, then sign me up!  I am hoping that someone with contacts to Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi can pass it along to them so they will know what things to work toward in 2018.  I'm not sure they know that they are supposed … [Read more...] about The New Progressive Agenda

Ken Hemphill to Be Nominated as SBC President

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Baptist Press is reporting that Dr. Ken Hemphill, former president of Southwestern Seminary, will be nominated for the office of president of the SBC.  He has served as a pastor and in other denominational roles. The Baptist Press article can be found here. He is the second announced candidate. North Carolina pastor JD Greear's candidacy was announced a few days ago. … [Read more...] about Ken Hemphill to Be Nominated as SBC President

The Church Needs More (and Fewer) Rachael Denhollanders

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I follow the women's gymnastics team every four years when the Olympics take place. I don't know if I'd ever heard of Rachael Denhollander until a couple of weeks ago when her victim impact statement against uber-pervert Larry Nassar went viral. Now a 33-year-old lawyer, she spoke powerfully to condemn Nasser's actions in abusing what now totals at least 265 teenage girls while also clearly presenting the gospel. She is credited as being the first person to take a public stand against abuse and was the driving force behind bringing this doctor to justice and ending his reign of terror. We … [Read more...] about The Church Needs More (and Fewer) Rachael Denhollanders

SBC President Steve Gaines Is Doing the Right Thing

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In the heat of the moment in St. Louis in 2016, Steve Gaines made a statement about nominating JD Greear at the Dallas convention in 2018. When JD's announcement came a couple of days ago, it was observed that Ken Whitten and not Steve Gaines was going to make the nomination. Some speculated that perhaps Dr. Gaines was reneging on his commitment (whatever that was) or in some way betraying JD Greear. There is an article in the Biblical Recorder (BRnow.org) that explains this. After careful consideration, Gaines and Greear have come to the opinion that it was not a good idea for the sitting … [Read more...] about SBC President Steve Gaines Is Doing the Right Thing

A disturbance in the SBC alternate universe

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J. D. Greear, to the surprise of no sentient person, will be nominated for SBC president this June in clammy Dallas. What I thought was a great moment in 2016 between Steve Gaines and him has already been recounted here and still appreciated by most of us I believe even if it has been  discounted if not forgotten by those who populate the SBC's alternate universe. Greear's candidacy has predictably created a disturbance in that universe. It was expected, especially after the declaration of, ahem, "non-war" war in the form of another Conservative Resurgence-like protracted, … [Read more...] about A disturbance in the SBC alternate universe

BREAKING NEWS: Second Presidential Candidate Rumors Emerge

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My hopes that JD Greear would cruise to election in Dallas this summer were dashed today when I read a Twitter and Facebook exchange dominated by the estimable Drs. Bart Barber and Nathan Finn promoting an alternate candidate for SBC President. Evidently, Bart is planning to nominate...Chuck Norris for SBC President. The following reasons, given by the Barber/Finn Coalition for Norris, explain the reasons for the candidacy. Chuck Norris casts the ballot of the convention with a roundhouse kick. (Rev. Dr. Barber) Chuck Norris doesn't serve on committees. He is a committee of one. … [Read more...] about BREAKING NEWS: Second Presidential Candidate Rumors Emerge

When JD Greear Became My Hero

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Some of my buddies were upset at JD when he withdrew - they wanted to take the fight to the mattresses at St. Louis. This was one of the truly great acts of a man of God in recent convention history. After having a slight lead on the first ballot and trailing slightly on the second ballot, JD withdrew before the third ballot because, as he said, the SBC would not be served by a 51-49 division - whoever won. It is now 2 years later, and some are grousing that JD has no right to be elected. Of course not. No one has a right to the office. But who could we elect that is a better man than … [Read more...] about When JD Greear Became My Hero

BREAKING NEWS: Ken Whitten will nominate JD Greear as SBC President in Dallas

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The Biblical Recorder article is now out. In what qualifies as "no big surprise" to anyone, JD Greear will be nominated in Dallas for the office of president of the Southern Baptist Convention. While no one has a right to election, JD won the hearts of many of us when he stepped aside to avoid what likely would have been a divisive third ballot at the St. Louis Annual Meeting. The Biblical Recorder (my favorite state paper) broke this story and is promising complete coverage soon. Check their site. Here is one man's hope that there will be NO DRAMA in Dallas and that JD Greear will be … [Read more...] about BREAKING NEWS: Ken Whitten will nominate JD Greear as SBC President in Dallas