A few years ago I remember coming across the recommendation on social media that Christians would do well to (re-)read Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail each year on the holiday set aside to honor MLK. I’ve taken that recommendation each of the last several years, and am happy to recommend you do […]
A Few Comments about SWBTS’s Finances
I’m not supposed to speak about matters presently before the board of trustees, so I’m going to limit my remarks to a few observations about how being a trustee works and the nuts and bolts of how we relate to the Southern Baptists who have placed us into office. Some trustees are blabbermouths and some […]
Miscellaneous Tidbits from this Week
I’m trying to write at least one post per week. I know it’s not required, but it’s a habit I want to cultivate, and I’m appreciative of the group here at voices for allowing me to post some of my miscellaneous ramblings. I started writing this post earlier this week and was finding myself bereft […]
Love God Supremely; Love Others Deeply (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 5)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the previous posts and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. Part 2: Pray for people and let them know that you’re praying for them. Part 3: […]
One SBC pastor’s candid look at SWBTS’ financial challenges
Note to readers: This analysis is from Jon Canler who says, “I often read the SBC Voices blog, but I don’t comment. I did notice your question about SWBTS finances, a question I’ve been interested in since I was made aware of allegations of a significant borrowing of restricted funds for unrestricted use. I’m a graduate of SBTS; however, two […]
Should a Pastor Ever Retire?
Recently, someone asked me if I was retired. The question flummoxed (a word for William’s list) me somewhat. That’s because I am partially retired. These days I’m receiving Social Security payments as well as withdrawals on my Guidestone account. The IMB made me an Emeritus Missionary, and Mid-America Seminary named me a Professor Emeritus. So, […]
Sunday Is a “Super Blood Wolf Moon” – Ugh!
As a moderately dispensational premillennialist, I groan a little every time there is some kind of celestial wonder such as is supposed to come our way Sunday night – a Super Blood Wolf Moon. Two things happen that irritate me – and as someone who six weeks out from surgery, is not healing well, still […]
Encourage Your Wife to Serve Where She Feels Led (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 4)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the previous posts and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. Part 2: Pray for people and let them know that you’re praying for them. Part 3: […]
SBC of Virginia Young Pastors Summit
Adam Blosser and I were able to attend the Young Pastors Summit today at the SBC of Virginia office near Richmond, Virginia. I’ve attended this meeting every year since 2014. The fellowship and networking is always refreshing. SBC of Virginia leadership does a good job of a putting together a quality program too. I know […]
No, Heaven Does Not Have a Wall Around It
I’ve seen it posted many times on Facebook, the meme shared that reads, sometimes in varying forms: Heaven has a wall, gates, and a strict immigration policy; hell has open borders. Think about that. It’s a simple way to try to defend a certain political view on border security. The problem is, it’s both untrue […]
Would SWBTS kindly inform Southern Baptists of the seriousness of your financial “challenges”?
I believe all we have heard was that there are “challenges.” What is being said ranges between comments like, “It’s not a big deal” to impending catastrophe. Is it not time for Southern Baptists to be better informed and that directly from the seminary? Talk to us, publicly, brethren and sistren. We’re on the same […]
Discipleship is Easy and Hard (What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 3)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the first lesson and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. Part 2: Pray for people and let them know that you’re praying for them. In this […]