A Video Message from SBC Abuse Survivors from Citygate Films on Vimeo. … [Read more...] about A video message from SBC Abuse Survivors
Sexual Abuse Reform Resource List for Anaheim
The following is a list of suggested resources in preparation for the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim. This page will be updated as we become aware of additional helpful material. *** A Video Message from SBC Abuse Survivors *** https://sbcvoices.com/a-video-message-from-sbc-abuse-survivors/ Core Documents The Gaines Motion to form the SATF and investigation https://sbcvoices.com/motion-to-investigate-the-sbc-executive-committee-full-text/ The Guidepost Report https://www.sataskforce.net/s/Guidepost-Solutions-Independent-Investigation-Report___.pdf The … [Read more...] about Sexual Abuse Reform Resource List for Anaheim
We Need a NEW BIBLICAL RESURGENCE
Though I’ve heard it asserted a hundred times, I do not think the SBC needs a “New Conservative Resurgence.” Liberalism is not making a comeback in our convention. It just isn’t so. We are a convention of men and women who believe the Bible. We have some varying viewpoints on issues, but we share a belief that the Bible is free of errors and is the absolute standard of truth. We are complementarians who believe the pastoral role is reserved for men. Yes, there are differences of opinion on the fine points of that stance. May a woman ever ascend the pulpit? Does the restriction include all … [Read more...] about We Need a NEW BIBLICAL RESURGENCE
A Devastatingly Deficient Defense: The Sad Response to my “Conflict of Interest” Motion From the Executive Committee
In just a few days the Executive Committee (EC) will present their annual report to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and at least a portion of that report will be embarrassing for them. The official EC response to my motion regarding a possible conflict of interest related to the previous SBC law firm has been published… and it is utterly laughable. The Background I offered the first motion to be brought to the floor of the SBC last year in Nashville regarding what I, and some others, believed to be an apparent conflict of interest concerning our convention’s legal counsel. … [Read more...] about A Devastatingly Deficient Defense: The Sad Response to my “Conflict of Interest” Motion From the Executive Committee
A More Trauma-Informed Ministry [Guest Author: David Hughes]
The Southern Baptist Convention is in, as my pastor described it, a season of sifting. After the Houston Chronicle broke the news of hundreds of sex abuse cases involving clergy and ministry workers of various kinds, the messengers of the SBC sent a clear message: we want truth. Soon sex abuse cover-up (and abuse in general) was a key battleground in the social conflict engulfing evangelicalism and the SBC. After several skirmishes and the SBC skipping a year due to the pandemic, the messengers once again sent a clear message in 2021 with the establishment of the Sex Abuse Task Force. We want … [Read more...] about A More Trauma-Informed Ministry [Guest Author: David Hughes]
Thoughts about Guidepost and the SBC SATF [Guest Author: Marshall Blalock]
[[Marshall has agreed to allow SBC Voices to repost his Twitter thread regarding his thoughts on the SBC SATF and the recent controversy regarding GuidePost Solutions.]] If anyone was looking for an excuse not to deal with sexual abuse and mistreatment of survivors within the SBC, Guidepost Solutions provided the perfect cover yesterday with their “pride” month tweet. I was both disappointed and stunned. A couple of thoughts about this: Guidepost is a multinational secular company that specializes in corporate investigations. They are not a Christian company although they routinely work … [Read more...] about Thoughts about Guidepost and the SBC SATF [Guest Author: Marshall Blalock]
Overlooked: SATF “challenges” for state conventions
Try not to yawn. This isn't as controversial and contentious as the database or survivor fund (delayed until next year) but may be more helpful in addressing the sex abuse issue. The Sex Abuse Task Force issued five "challenges" to state conventions. State conventions are in a better position to handle many issues with churches because (a) they are closer to them, and (b) there are actual evaluations of churches before they are allowed to be a part of the state convention. No church has to affiliate with a state convention but almost all do. Here are the things the SATF requests of the … [Read more...] about Overlooked: SATF “challenges” for state conventions
The Invisible Enemy Killing Your Congregation
Pastor, what if I told you there was a mostly unseen enemy that is harming your flock and potentially hijacking your ministry to them? — In the late 1800s it was a massive gamble to get surgery. Many would survive the initial procedure but would contract a deadly infection from the surgery that would lead to their demise. It was so bad that at one point they considered outlawing surgery altogether. What was happening? While not nearly as efficient as our laser procedures in the 21st century, 19th-century surgery was not as archaic as you might imagine. They knew how to effectively … [Read more...] about The Invisible Enemy Killing Your Congregation
Upcoming Event for Virginia Pastors & Messengers: Zoom Call with Rachael Denhollander, Monday, 2:30pm EDT
Virginia SBC Messengers Meeting with Rachael Denhollander Pastors Adam Blosser and Brent Hobbs are hosting a Zoom meeting with SBC Sex Abuse Task Force advisor Rachael Denhollander for pastors and church leaders, and those serving as SBC messengers. The meeting is an opportunity to hear more information about the recommendations from the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force that will be presented at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, CA. You can read about the recommendations here. You will have an opportunity to hear from Rachael and ask questions you may have about the recommendations. Please … [Read more...] about Upcoming Event for Virginia Pastors & Messengers: Zoom Call with Rachael Denhollander, Monday, 2:30pm EDT
Richmond, we have a problem (Christopher Cole)
“What are you doing listening to that?” I was 15 in the fall of 1984, in my second year at a missionary kid (MK) dormitory and blissfully naïve of my offense. My mistake was playing a cassette of American folk and children’s songs sung by “Uncle Mac.” My interrogator was one of my MK “cousins”, though in truth we were more like siblings since we’d all known each other in a tightly compressed community of missionary “aunts”, “uncles” and cousins since we were babies. Mac’s smooth North Carolina accented voice sang Appalachian mountain music accompanied by his skillful autoharp playing in the … [Read more...] about Richmond, we have a problem (Christopher Cole)