SBC Voices

Notice the French? I'm nearly 600 days into my Duolingo French! Impressive, right? During the discussion as to whether we should go to Anaheim, I noticed another "Grumpy Old Man" moment I wanted to vent about. A (likely perfectly nice) young pastor said that we should ONLY have SBC conventions in the DEEP SOUTH because that is where most of our churches are and that it would be cheapest. As someone who spent 32 years pastoring in Iowa and the last almost 4 in Nebraska, I say, GET OFF MY LAWN! The SBC needs to expand outside the SEC-territory base, and one way to do that is to … [Read more...] about GET OFF MY LAWN: Part DEUX

There are a couple of things I don't like about SBC Orlando, and it has nothing to do with the massive amount of walking I've had to do. I'm going to turn 70 next year, so that's just a problem for me! It's life for us old codgers. I have a couple of serious gripes about the process. The thing about the SBC is that it's a 10,000-person business meeting, and it's going to be messy. I get frustrated with some of the silly motions people make, but it's one of the things that makes us unique. Any person can get up and brave the echo that makes them sound like a drunk and make any motion they … [Read more...] about Get Off My Lawn: A Grumpy Old Man’s SBC Complaints

It feels like old-time Conservative Resurgence power politics at the SBC Orlando. I attended most of the conventions from 1979 through the decisive election that settled the victory of conservatives about 12 years later. There were certain things that happened. The conservative candidate always had a prominent place at the Pastors' Conference. Lo and behold, Willy Rice was given a speaking slot at this year's PC. It was pretty clear that this was an orchestrated attempt by the denominational power structure to promote his candidacy. Josh Powell is also conservative, but one side insists … [Read more...] about A Return to Old-Time Southern Baptist Power Politics

If you see Tiffany, and she's not hard to spot, give her a word of encouragement and support. Tiffany has a unique hairstyle, unlike any preacher's wife I know. Bright pink. She made a motion Tuesday to establish a ministry to support pastors wives. It was one of the ones sent into outer darkness by the messengers. Before that, though, she was the subject of some online trolling by people claiming to be pastors, because of her appearance. If you see her, why not thank her for her concern for pastors wives, and let her know she is welcome among us. I chatted with her and Larry on … [Read more...] about Point of Personal Privilege: Encourage Tiffany Helms, Okay?

This batch was a little less ordered than the morning sessions. Still no motion to disband the ERLC though we did get the obligatory motion for remote voting, which will go nowhere. Gregory Mathis moved to end online preregistration Monday night at 11:59 AM. Jared Long was our only 2x motioner. He asked for a written explanation on entity alcohol policy. Josh Abitay(sp?) made a request of the EC, but I can't read my own handwriting! Michael Clary moved that employees of entities and their spouses be prohibited from serving as trustees. Michael Scheider requested a review of … [Read more...] about Miscellaneous Motions – Part Deux

I have been coming to conventions since 1979, though I certainly haven't attended them all, and we did something today that I didn't know we could do. Several of the motions were automatically referred but grouping of about 5 of them were up for a vote. Ben Cole recommended that we NOT refer them to the EC. We overwhelmingly voted not to refer them. Then, by the motion of the same Mr. Cole we sent the motions into parliamentary limbo. They had a term that I do not remember. I have never seen this happen before. Ever. I suspect it will happen again. Often. … [Read more...] about Who Knew? Dismissing Motions into Oblivion

In the Recording Secretary election: Jonathan Greer received 1875 votes for 24.27%. George Schroeder received 2957 votes for 37.79%. Travis Kerns received 2944 votes for 37.70%. The runoff was has taken place. Probably announced in the morning. … [Read more...] about Recording Secretary Runoff

The motion to suspend the rules to schedule Mohler's motion passed by an overwhelming majority. I saw people that I know are against the motion vote to schedule the motion for a vote. It will be dealt with tomorrow morning at 8:45 AM. … [Read more...] about Mohler Motion is Schedule by an Overwhelming Vote

11,613 registered messengers 9063 votes Josh Powell received 3821 votes for 42.16% Willy Rice received 5217 votes for 57.56%. Willy Rice is president. … [Read more...] about Willy Rice wins the 2026 President Election

Tyler Armstrong nominated Jonathan Greer. Great speech. Focused on the need to include small church pastors as leaders. Dean Inserra nominated George Schroeder and was typically lively and funny. George has a background as a journalist. Denny Burk nominated Travis Kerns and focused on his denominational service. Wouldn't be surprised if there's a runoff but I have no idea who makes it. … [Read more...] about Recording Secretary Nominations