While this post might seem to be a counterpoint to Rick Patrick's recent article (first in a series) concerning the CP, it was actually published on February 28 at William's site, the SBC Plodder. The second post in Rick's series is due to post Monday. The SBC as we know it would not exist without our venerable and beloved Cooperative Program. Without it, there would certainly be a Southern Baptist Convention. It just wouldn't look like what we see today. Alas, our flagship denominational giving program is in this slow, steady, relentless decline. As a percentage of offering plate … [Read more...] about The Cooperative Program we have…not the one we had or dream about. (by William Thornton)
It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming (and Passion Week Open Forum)
Not sure how, but this video, posted over a year ago, has gotten 300 views today. It's still great. Enjoy. This is SM Lockridge's (not Tony Campolo) great message on the Cross and Easter. One of our regular contributors suggested that we have an open forum where we could share thoughts/ideas/reflections on Good Friday and Easter. Excellent idea. Rather than adding another post, let's just open the comments on this post for any thoughts you have about the Cross and the Resurrection. … [Read more...] about It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming (and Passion Week Open Forum)
The forward looking hope of Good Friday and Easter (a meditation)
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the leaders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. ~ Matthew 16:21 Anticipation. When you read through the story of the Bible, one of the things that makes it gospel or good news is a forward looking expectation of better things that will come, even if for the moment they look worse. There is a longing for something greater, something better that hopes beyond the ultimate veil in life which we call death. In realizing our mortality, we are … [Read more...] about The forward looking hope of Good Friday and Easter (a meditation)
He Lives within My Heart? (by Adam Blosser)
Adam Blosser is pastor of Drakes Branch Baptist Church in Drakes Branch, Virginia, and blogs at ONE True Joy, where this article appeared on Monday. Today, I sent out a tweet and a Facebook status about a popular song that is sung in many churches, including my own, this time of year. I like the song. I have fond memories of singing it standing by my grandmother's side at Buckingham Baptist Church. Grandma could be heard singing "He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way" as she moved through the house or went for a walk outside. The song I am referring to is "He … [Read more...] about He Lives within My Heart? (by Adam Blosser)
How Your Marriage Can Teach People About Easter
You likely know the story: God caused a “deep sleep” to fall on Adam and then took one of his ribs and fashioned Eve out of it (Genesis 2:21-22). There is an incredible typology embedded into this event about the true message of Easter. The sleep in which Adam enters is well described as a metaphorical death. Adam didn’t physically die, but his “deep sleep” made it appear as if he did. It was symbolic of it. The idea, therefore, is that Eve was able, and only able, to live because Adam, in a sense, died. His “deep sleep” foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus on our behalf. Christ died … [Read more...] about How Your Marriage Can Teach People About Easter
You Might be a Small Church pastor If…
1) You open each service with “These are my deacons, I am who they say I am, I can do what they say I can do…” 2) At least three times a week someone says to you “I noticed your car was at your house.” 3) The phrase “But we’re a loving church” is the church’s unofficial motto. 4) When someone in your church has their picture in the paper it will be pinned to the bulletin board. 5) You have two revivals a year. The Pastor gets to pick the speaker for one and the deacons get to pick the speaker for the other. 6) You have more deacons than widows. 7) You have more deacons than … [Read more...] about You Might be a Small Church pastor If…
Some things I’ve learned in ten years of being a pastor…
May 8, 2014 will mark 10 years to the day that I first started pastoring a church (the tiny, almost middle of nowhere Conway Community Church near South Boston, IN—the more I reflect back, especially when it came to my preaching, the more I feel sorry for those poor congregants!). I will actually be celebrating that mark (along with my birthday and Mother’s Day) on the campus of the International Bible College of Zambia. I can live with that… Anyway…reflecting back over the past decade, I wanted to share some things I’ve learned along the way, in no particular order: First, I have … [Read more...] about Some things I’ve learned in ten years of being a pastor…
Pick a Number and Fix the Cooperative Program, Part One of Three
The magician says, “Pick a number—any number," before identifying it and astonishing the crowd. Like the Cooperative Program itself, the trick is simple, marvelous and works like magic, but only if someone bravely decisive truly does pick a number, and lately, any Southern Baptist doing so has drawn heavy rounds of not so friendly fire. When it comes to Cooperative Program funding, Southern Baptists need a little magic. The average church percentage of budget receipts forwarded through our Cooperative Program channels has decreased from over 10% twenty years ago to about 5.6% today. Our … [Read more...] about Pick a Number and Fix the Cooperative Program, Part One of Three
Do you know these men??
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers As we recently viewed the first five ecumenical councils from a distance, I want to take a closer look at some influential men from that time. The men that lived during the time of the Council of Nicaea through the late 400’s are referred to as the Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers. These men maintained the consistency of doctrine that was set in place at the council in 325. As I have discussed before, we ought to view them through the lens of God’s sovereignty. Each one contributed to the church a thought or work that added mightily. This list will not be … [Read more...] about Do you know these men??
Pastors and Discontent: Should It Really Be Like This?
I read an article today by Matt Boswell from Redemption Church, called, "10 Things Pastors Hate to Admit Publicly." I had two distinctive reactions when I read the post. Wow! How did he get inside my head? No Way! It shouldn't be this way when you are privileged to serve Jesus Christ as a leader of the church. Is this kind of insecurity, frustration, anger and even dismay a necessary part of ministry? Boswell makes 10 points. I'm not going to copy the entire post here - not sure what the ethics of that are, but it annoys me when I see articles from Voices copied in toto on other … [Read more...] about Pastors and Discontent: Should It Really Be Like This?