You work every day of your life with families as a minister. Ministry is your calling. Your entire livelihood or an important portion of your livelihood comes to you from a local church. You love God, your spouse, your children, and the flock to which God has assigned you as a shepherd. You take your ministry seriously. You have made a private and public commitment to be a minister in accord with the biblical exhortations of 1Peter 5:1-4. You hunger and thirst after righteousness and seek to lead the membership of the local church you serve to do the same. Thus far, God has blessed your … [Read more...] about What Would You Do? (by CB Scott)
Trying to Live Out the Calvinism Committee Statement
"Encouraging" is the best word I can find to describe the aftermath of the SBC Calvinism Study Committee. So encouraging, in fact, that I am emboldened to try something risky. One way to pursue a sort of "unity-lite" is to put aside soteriological discussions as off-limits. I regret that this approach has, for too much of our recent history, been the most reliable one and has probably corresponded pretty closely to the best outcome we could achieve. A more robust unity, however, occurs when we are able to discuss even our differences and to emerge from that completed conversation as friends … [Read more...] about Trying to Live Out the Calvinism Committee Statement
Will the Houston Spirit Last?
If anything marked the Houston SBC of 2013, it was a desire for unity and the hope that we can out some of the tension and division if recent years behind us. The Calvinism Advisory Committee report set the tone, Written by Dr. Mohler, Dr Dockery and Dr. Eric Hankins, and unanimously approved by the committee, the document calls on us to put our differences in gospel perspective, treat one another with honor and partner for the sake if the Great Commission. Our president, Fred Luter, also set a peaceful tone, by convention theme, by his words, and by his demeanor. It helped that there … [Read more...] about Will the Houston Spirit Last?
IMB and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 2012 – 2013
A recent letter from IMB president Tom Elliff announced the close of the 2012-2013 Lottie Moon Offering period. Some totals: A total of $149,276,303.72 in Lottie Moon Christmas Offering receipts. A $2.44m increase over last year, making this the third largest LMCO offering. A 1.67% increase in giving since last year. The comment of the day came later. He said, "In an unsettled financial year, and with joblessness still a major factor impacting our economy, the offering this year is a testimony that missions is still in the SBC DNA." I'd like to offer a few thoughts from a … [Read more...] about IMB and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 2012 – 2013
Resolutions: Part 2
Where is.part 1? I tapped it out on my droid, and it disappeared. More later, perhaps. This was the most drama this convention has seen. Resolution 7 on the CP. Amended to include tithing. … [Read more...] about Resolutions: Part 2
Bloggers Gathering
There will be a gathering of bloggers after thus morning's session. Meet at noon (or so) at the Truett McConnell booth - at the far end of the display area (near the Israel booth). I am not sure exactly who is in charge, but it will be a good time. Come and join us. … [Read more...] about Bloggers Gathering
Resolutions
There has been NO drama so far. More of a big group hug. The resolutions committee report could change that. The committee worked over 40 hours the last few days to prepare 12 resolutions. 1) on appreciation. … [Read more...] about Resolutions
The Southern Report
The agenda has been advanced (because no motions have made it to the floor) and the Southern Seminary report is next. Some have thought this might be a time of contention. There has pretty much been none to this point. With the peaceful tone of this convention, I doubt it. We'll see. Notes: Mohler is reflecting on his 20 years as SBTS pres. Hitting the CR hard - rescued the seminary to produce godly leaders for the SBC. Twenty years ago, he promised to: *Stand uncompromising on the confessions of faith. He is not backing down from the Abstract. *To train and educate pastors and … [Read more...] about The Southern Report
Elections: Part 2
Congratulations, Jared! Jared received 66% of the vote and is the next 2nd VP. Jared Moore was being nominated as I walked in the building. Now, Bob Pearle is nominating Don Cass, a pastor and former state ministry leader in New Mexico and Texas. The vote was taken and results will come back soon. Registration is at 5066, unbelievably low for a Texas convention. What will happen in Baltimore next year? … [Read more...] about Elections: Part 2
Elections
Note: Bart Barber was elected without opposition as 1VP of the SBC. As expected, Fred Luter, Jr was reelected for a second term, without opposition. In a few minutes, the election for 1 VP will take place. At this moment, I am not aware of any opposition to Bart's candidacy. We will see. Jared Moore faces a more formidable opponent early in the Wednesday morning session, a retired SBCT evangelism leader. I will post updates as they come. … [Read more...] about Elections