SBC Voices

I asked a question on Alan Cross' excellent post of a couple of days ago - whether the current statistical malaise of the SBC was unique to us, or whether it more of a general problem in evangelicalism as a whole. I got my answer today from an expert on such issues, and it was one that I didn't like. The SBC has a real problem. Evangelicalism as a whole in America is fairly stable, even growing (though defining that term is pretty difficult). Other evangelical denominations are seeing growth. The SBC is at the beginning of a real, significant and scary statistical decline. If this trend is … [Read more...] about SBC, We Have a Problem

First of all, let me define my terms. I'm glad that people who are not able to attend the Annual Meeting of the SBC are able to live stream the proceedings and share their opinions on blogs and tweets and Facebook - that is great. But there has been a big push in recent years to decentralize the SBC, either by having regional sites or by allowing people to be messengers and participate from their homes and offices via computer. I can understand why people say that. It costs a lot of money to attend the convention and offsite participation would allow more people to be a part. If we simply … [Read more...] about Why I Would NOT Support Online Participation at the SBC

This was originally posted at Alan's site, Downshore Drift. SBC In Free Fall? How Far Will the Decline Go and Why Aren't We Talking About This? 5.5% decline in baptisms from 2011 to 2012 making this the worst year for baptisms since 1948. We now require 50 members of SBC churches to see 1 baptism per year. There are 105,000 less members than the year before. 188,000 less in worship attendance. We now have less than 16 million members and less than 6 million in worship. We have all known that the 16 million number is false and has been for some time. It might legitimately be half that. … [Read more...] about SBC In Real Statistical Decline Now. What’s Next (by Alan Cross)

I have received word that Bart Barber is going to be nominated by Pastor Steve Gaines as First Vice President of the SBC next week in Houston. I heartily and enthusiastically endorse Bart for that position and think that if he gets elected in spite of my endorsement, he will do an excellent job. But I have to be honest - he really annoys me, for two specific reasons. 1) When I agree with him, I often find myself thinking I wish I'd said it the way he did. 2) When I disagree with him, he is even more annoying, because he argues with unique perspectives and insight that is frustratingly … [Read more...] about Bart Barber to Be Nominated as First VP!

I hate talking about Calvinism on this blog. I hate it. For about 6 months, I pretty much banned it, with a few slip ups that I usually regretted. When the Calvinism committee issued its report, one of the things they called for was constructive engagement. Calvinists and non-Calvinists (including Traditionalists) need to talk to one another, calmly, biblically and graciously. So, I opened the door. And, of course, foodfights ensued! So, with much fear and trepidation, I am going to enter into the fray and try to add a perspective on the subject. I am committed to seeking to build unity … [Read more...] about Maintaining Unity: What Calvinists Must Do!

Louis, a frequent commenter on this and other blogs has given us part 2 in his series, "Two Thing I Hope Do Not Happen at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston, 2013."  Here is a link to Part 1, about Guidestone's decision to sell products beyond previous boundaries. The second matter that I am concerned about is how the SBC responds to the Boy Scouts. I am sure that several resolutions may be floating around already.  I have not read them. Who knows what may be presented on the floor of the Convention. It is no surprise to anyone that the Boy Scouts made a … [Read more...] about What I Hope the SBC in Houston Does NOT Do: Part 2 – Bash the Boy Scouts (by Louis)

Of course, if you want something more full-featured, you can download the 2013 SBC App. But personally, although I was initially very excited about last year's SBC App, I found it to be a bit too obtrusive, constantly alerting me about things that did not merit an interruption in my opinion. So, I've entered into my iCal application all of the significant published details of this year's Annual Meeting and I've shared that calendar on iCloud publicly. This year's Pastors Conference has chosen not to give much in the way of a detailed itinerary on their web site (they give the start times of … [Read more...] about A Simple Online Calendar Feed for SBC 2013 Houston

What is your role at LifeWay? My role is to serve as a catalyst for the advancement of God’s Word, specifically through the recent English translation called the Holman Christian Standard Bible (or HCSB). I have the privilege of working on the Bible and Reference team at LifeWay for the stewardship of this important translation, and I have the joy also of working with ministry leaders, laity, and consumers in general to understand the HCSB's distinctives. Why should people be interested in the HCSB—what are its distinctives? Let me suggest two reasons, broadly speaking: accuracy and … [Read more...] about The Holman Christian Standard Bible: An Interview with Micah Carter

I’ll just come out and say it. Scripture can be really confusing. Not only is it confusing because I’m a Western-whitey that speaks English instead of Greek and I live in an age when a Camel is a cigarette instead of a ride to town or an uncomfortable shirt; but it is also confusing because Scripture is just flat out difficult. Hence thousands of years of disagreement over the sacred text. Part of this is because each side of an argument usually has a litany of valid Scriptures to back up their point. And that’s actually a good thing. Here is what I mean… I picture biblical truth like … [Read more...] about Don’t Go There Man