The leadership here at Voices has asked if I would regularly post two or three prayer requests from our IMB missionaries. Prayers for IMB is not sponsored by the International Mission Board. The explanation of this ministry can be found in this post. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I’ll include two or three paragraphs of […]
Above Reproach: A Study of the Ordination Practices of SBC Churches (Jason A. Lowe)
Note: This post provides an overview of the SBC Ordination Practices Report. You can download the full report here. “An overseer must be above reproach…” 1 Timothy 3:2 Southern Baptists, we have a problem. Actually, we have multiple problems brought to light by a recent investigation by The Houston Chronicle, which uncovered a horrific litany of sexual abuse […]
Our new Executive Committee leader and Great Commission Giving
Savvy Southern Baptists, and that includes all who read, comment, or post here at Voices, know about Great Commission Giving, the new metric created by the Great Commission Resurgence group nine years ago. GCG is supposed to be giving by a church “to any Baptist association, state convention, and to the causes of the Southern […]
“Yeah, It’s Worth It” – Why I Stick with the SBC
I visited my mom and dad in Florida last week to celebrate the old guy’s 90th birthday and as was to be expected, dad and I had some late night chats. We talked about the greatest sports team in the history of sports – the New York Yankees. We talked about family, about grandkids. We […]
The Oklahoma Baptist Foundation wants your money…and other interesting SBC news you may not have heard
I think all major state conventions have a foundation that does estate planning, manages funds, makes church loans and offers investment options. The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma would be happy to have your money even if you are not in Oklahoma. They’ve even launched a new brand, WatersEdge Ministry Services to be more appealing to […]
After-Sermon Comments
Over the years I’ve served one church as pastor and ten churches as interim pastor. Besides that, I’ve served as a supply preacher or missionary speaker at countless churches. At many churches after the service, the preacher stands at the main exit and speaks to the folks as they leave. Many feel compelled to say […]
888 hours to Birmingham
If I walked, that might be how long it would take me if I survived rural Alabama in the summer. But there are only 888 hours to the beloved and celebrated SBC Annual Meeting in Birmingham. Here are some things we’re looking for: Re-election of J. D. Greear. Should be no problem and no opposition. […]
The Cooperative Program is in a long time funk
No surprise about that; nothing new, nothing different. Latest CP figures released by the Executive Committee have this as a headline: Nat’l CP 2.67% over YTD budget projection Savvy CP watchers will appreciate that the 2018-2019 Cooperative Program Allocation Budget was a conservative budget and that the Executive Committee has sufficient revenues to meet the […]
The country music star
When Evelyn showed up at church one Sunday morning, I didn’t have to ask the regular members about the new lady whose appearance was striking and a bit bizarre. “Oh, that’s just Evelyn,” I was told. “She’s a country music star.” Evelyn turned heads. You almost couldn’t look away. She was dressed outlandishly, rather gaudily. […]
Practical Considerations for Deaf Work in the SBC
This the third in an accidental trilogy of articles. The first addressed the difficulties Deaf churches face when considering becoming SBC members. While Deaf and hearing churches share the same kingdom goals, values and priorities do not always match, and Deaf churches are relatively powerless to affect any sort of change in the relationship. The […]
Dr. Walter Strickland of SEBTS Details His Academic & Theological Interaction with James Cone
Today Dr. Walter Strickland posted an article giving context to statements reported by the New York Times last week. Dr. Strickland was elected First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention two years ago and has served at Southeastern Seminary for 6 years, currently as Associate Vice President for Kingdom Diversity and Assistant Professor of […]
Wanted: competent, godly, SBC women
Recent comments by some SBC leaders have acknowledged that “competent” and “godly” women would be acceptable for leadership in some areas. The particular quotes mentioned LifeWay and the SBC presidency. One might consider that it has always been maintained that most church attendees are women and that most church workers are women. I’m speculating that […]