My simple opinion: “No.” Seems like just last year we were agonizing over the fact that no one wanted to attend the annual meeting any more. Attendance was down. Interest was flagging. God has a sense of humor and the SBC provides plenty of occasions for a good laugh. We’ve had this covered for 175 […]
Will the Free Exercise Clause Catch the Coronavirus?
Our constitutional right to religious liberty stands on two legs. One of them, the “Establishment Clause,” is the opening phrase of the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The other leg, the “Free Exercise Clause,” follows with, “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Because of the Establishment Clause, you […]
The SBC Annual Meeting Has Been Cancelled
Baptist Press has just released a statement informing us that the SBC annual meeting in Orlando has been canceled. The EC voted 77-0 to take this action. This has been expected for a couple of weeks but is now final. Key information: 1. The elected officers will continue for another year. J.D. Greear remains president […]
Mourning What You Cannot Replace, Longing For What Cannot be Taken Away
And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. –Matthew 24:31 I don’t think I’ve ever felt this verse as I should. I’ve always focused on the sounds of the trumpet and I’ve missed […]
I’m going to church online today…
…if you don’t mind a very loose use of the word “church.” I’m not going anywhere and watching a streamed service isn’t church, since I’m an unapologetic recalcitrant ecclesiastic who will never believe that church can be done without assembly of the saints. But, by necessity and for a few weeks, I’ll listen in and […]
An SBC Voices Forum: How’s It Going, Televangelists?
I am in the “studio” this Sunday morning – except it is Saturday and I’m going to confused all week. I got up early like I do on Sunday, got dressed up like I do on Sunday (as all respectable pastors do!), came into the church to finalize my sermon and preach it, like I […]
WELL, WE FINALLY DID IT [Mark Terry]
We finally did it; we canceled our Sunday school and worship service for this Sunday. This was a difficult decision for our staff, especially us old guys. Our senior pastor is 69, and I (the teaching pastor) am 70. We were reluctant, really resistant, to cancel services. We have not had a reported case of […]
Scriptures and Prayers for Uncertain Times
A reminder of God’s greatness: Say among the nations: “The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken. He judges the peoples fairly.” Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. ~ Psalm 96:10-11 Father, you are the great, awesome, and mighty […]
If Your Local Church Disappeared Would You Notice?
I have heard a similar question asked to gauge our missional impact on our community. If your local church suddenly disappeared would the community notice? Would they feel the impact of you leaving? If the answer to that is “no” then it likely won’t be long until you actually do close the doors to your church. But […]
BREAKING USELESS INFO: Hunkered down in my survival domicile…watching stuff.
I know one guy who has an actual survival bunker – underground with a year’s supply of food and water. I don’t think he has made the transition yet. I know a couple of people who have been big on accumulating guns and ammo, like dozens of guns and thousands of rounds of ammo. If […]
BREAKING USEFUL INFO: Lifeway Generosity
No, I’m not just praising Lifeway as being generous. Rather, this information from Lifeway’s Lifeway Generosity unit about free setups for online giving as a COVID-19 response and help for the church. Follow the tweet to get the info. Multiple threads in this tweet. Pastors & Churches trying to figure out online giving…@LifeWay […]
I had the flu, and compared to this coronavirus it’s… (or: a plea for wisdom and a defense of social distancing)
A few weeks ago, I had the flu. For sixteen years, I have faithfully received flu shots and every year they worked until this year. By best recollection, I hadn’t had the flu in at least 20 years. It was miserable. I hated it. I had forgotten how much worse it is than a cold. […]