In Part One, I explained that despite its worthy intentions, the One Percent Challenge does not satisfy the test of a specific and measurable goal, advocating that Southern Baptists pick a number high enough to meet our ministry obligations and promote it so our churches might measure themselves against it and determine if they are paying their fair share. I also dismissed the notion that setting such a true target (rather than a minor directional change) would in any way violate the autonomy of any local church. In Part Two, I separated Cooperative Program goals from leadership requirements … [Read more...] about Pick A Number and Fix the Cooperative Program, Part Three
A Generation of Hams
The flood has subsided and Noah—not to be confused with Russell Crowe—becomes a man of the soil. As part of this he planted a vineyard and one day decided to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He got a bit tipsy and somehow wound up naked in his tent. The details of what happens next are sketchy. And that is actually the point. Moses, our author, does the exact opposite of Noah’s youngest son, Ham. Ham is not ashamed to look upon the nakedness of his father. In fact he goes and gets his two brothers–conceivably to bring them in on this shameful event. Ham exposes Noah. Moses doesn’t give us … [Read more...] about A Generation of Hams
Pick a Number and Fix the Cooperative Program, Part Two of Three
In Part One, I explained that despite its worthy intentions, the One Percent Challenge does not satisfy the test of a specific and measurable goal, advocating that Southern Baptists pick a number high enough to meet our ministry obligations and promote it so our churches might measure themselves against it and determine if they are paying their fair share. I also dismissed the notion that setting such a true target (rather than a minor directional change) would in any way violate the autonomy of any local church. In Part Two, I separate Cooperative Program giving goals from leadership … [Read more...] about Pick a Number and Fix the Cooperative Program, Part Two of Three
Response to Nathan Finn, Part 3: What Makes a Traditionalist Traditional? (by Eric Hankins)
Nathan Finn structures his essay on the Traditional Statement (TS) around two questions he puts to his “Traditionalist friends”: “What makes Traditionalists traditional?” and “Who are the New Calvinists and what have they done?” My final two posts in this series will attempt to answer those questions. Before I offer my response to the first question, let me make a few brief remarks about the answer Finn gives to it, which is, essentially: “There is nothing significantly ‘traditional’ about Traditionalists.” Finn’s argument against the name boils down to these two assertions: (1) Calvinism … [Read more...] about Response to Nathan Finn, Part 3: What Makes a Traditionalist Traditional? (by Eric Hankins)
The Cooperative Program we have…not the one we had or dream about. (by William Thornton)
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…