When the suggestion was made by one of the preaching professors at SWBTS to dress in “gangsta rap garb,” while brandishing a pistol and displaying gang signs—someone on the preaching faculty should have gently pushed back. Immediately and intuitively the inherent pitfalls in that idea should have been recognized by at least one of those Professors. No matter how noble the stated reasons given for such a photo-op might have appeared on the surface, the primary reason for not posing for and publishing the photo should have been obvious: Rationalizing and defending the optics of middle age to … [Read more...] about The Absence of a Diverse Faculty at SWBTS Created & Enlarged the Current Cultural Chasm
Pastor – Why You Need Space To Breathe
* This post was shared by our friend Steve Austin, he's an Author, Speaker, & Coach. Click here to join his free 7 day self-care challenge. Four years ago, I was a youth pastor, sign language interpreter, wedding photographer, radio host, husband, and father. In that order. Long days and nights were the norm. I worked in a school full-time, had after-school activities, a radio show two nights a week, and church activities Wednesday night and all day Sunday. Even Saturdays were consumed with photoshoots and youth group activities. People wondered how I kept so many plates spinning. In my … [Read more...] about Pastor – Why You Need Space To Breathe
SBC PC: A Video Interview with Jose Abella
This year’s SBC Pastor’s Conference is June 11-12 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will feature 12 preachers who all come from average-size SBC churches. They will be preaching through the book of Philippians over the course of the two day conference. As you know, the speakers for the conference met at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for a colloquium back in February. The speakers gathered to get to know one another and study Philippians with Dr. David Allen and other preaching faculty members from SWBTS and NOBTS. I had the privilege of attending the colloquium, and one … [Read more...] about SBC PC: A Video Interview with Jose Abella
Was Timothy the First Blustery Blogger?
It is almost time for the SBC, at which it is normal for speakers to make derogatory remarks about bloggers. It always gets me a little angry and defensive when they do, but the fact is that we have, through the years, earned our bad reputation, haven't we? It is easy to say that it's just a few of those bad eggs out there, the extreme blogs that traffic in derogation and character assassination, but if we are honest, most of us have more than a few moments in blogging (often in commenting) that we would like to have back. I give discernment bloggers a hard time, but I know that I have the … [Read more...] about Was Timothy the First Blustery Blogger?
BP Reports Prestonwood to Continue CP Giving
This afternoon Baptist Press reported that Prestonwood Baptist Church would resume their Cooperative Program giving. The article specifies their giving will be without designation, meaning there will be no redirection of funds away from any specific entities. This is a welcome resolution to an issue that had gone mostly quiet since Russell Moore and ERLC trustees released their 'Seeking Unity' statement more than a month ago. "After a time of prayerful evaluation, Prestonwood is renewing our commitment to Southern Baptist missions by giving to the Cooperative Program without designation," … [Read more...] about BP Reports Prestonwood to Continue CP Giving
Of Course Evangelism is a Spiritual Gift
Every so often I hear someone make the statement that evangelism is not a spiritual gift. Usually this is said in an effort to keep Christians from thinking that they are off the hook when it comes to sharing their faith just because they do not feel particularly gifted in evangelism. The intention is good. Lots of Christians either really believe that it is someone else's job to do evangelism, or they just don't care that they are neglecting their job. The Bible is clear. We are all called to evangelize. Jesus did not place any limitations on The Great Commission. He spoke directly … [Read more...] about Of Course Evangelism is a Spiritual Gift
“Called?” Then you’re more likely to experience burnout.
The article had the headline, Beware work that's your 'calling.' The subheading was, You could be prime for burnout, risks to health. OK, that gets my attention. See if you think these quotes make sense: Churches need to help staff temper their passion and "deal constructively" with challenges inherent in their work. Lay leadership needs to be alert to their staff members having an overwhelming sense of defeat or emotional toll that their work exacts... Church staff need encouragement and reminders of the little victories along the way. Prospective church staff need realistic information … [Read more...] about “Called?” Then you’re more likely to experience burnout.
Real Numbers: SBC In Free-Fall Compared to Southern Population, But Green Shoots Are Everywhere
We need a Southern Missiology combined with faith in Christ and manifesting in personal sacrifice for the sake of the gospel and the people among us. We all know about the flatlining and then declining numbers of the SBC related to baptisms, church membership, and worship attendance. We've talked about them for years, heard Ed Stetzer's warnings years ago ("facts are our friends"), and we've seen it with our own eyes. While SBC megachurches are still doing well numbers wise, there continues to be consolidation going on, churches struggling, and many churches in steep decline. With the new … [Read more...] about Real Numbers: SBC In Free-Fall Compared to Southern Population, But Green Shoots Are Everywhere
SBC PC: A Video Interview with Nathan Rose
This year’s SBC Pastor’s Conference is June 11-12 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will feature 12 preachers who all come from average-size SBC churches. They will be preaching through the book of Philippians over the course of the two day conference. As you know, the speakers for the conference met at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for a colloquium back in February. The speakers gathered to get to know one another and study Philippians with Dr. David Allen and other preaching faculty members from SWBTS and NOBTS. I had the privilege of attending the colloquium, and one … [Read more...] about SBC PC: A Video Interview with Nathan Rose
SBCPC Scholarship Recipients (Round 1)
Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2017 SBC Pastors' Conference Scholarship. Each of these 30 recipients will receive $1,000 for travel and other expenses to attend all sessions of the SBC Pastors' Conference and SBC Annual Meeting. These recipients pastor average-sized SBC churches and wouldn't be able to attend without these scholarship funds. About 30% of our applicants are church planters. Several are from outside traditional SBC states. We love having this opportunity to bless small church pastors. We want to thank early donors who have helped make these scholarships … [Read more...] about SBCPC Scholarship Recipients (Round 1)