SBC Voices

Baptists Love Task Forces!

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At the 2023 meeting in New Orleans, one common thing that came up over and over was proposals for a task force/committee. There were several calls, proposals, submissions, motions, and more about creating task forces. They were to study the BFM, study the seminaries, study the mission board, and study all sorts of things. A couple were approved from the floor as Baptist Press reported: The convention also approved the appointment of a task force to study the impact of the Great Commission Resurgence recommendations adopted in 2009 and a task force to study how the Convention should regard … [Read more...] about Baptists Love Task Forces!

On Pastoral Ministry and Job Titles (Phillip Powers)

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Language really is a funny thing, because so often how words are used determines what they mean regardless of their actual definition. Or to put it another way, meaning is dictated by connotation more than by actual denotation. This is especially so when it comes to current discussions in the Southern Baptist Convention about who can and cannot serve as pastor. Over the past several decades, the titles and types of pastors on church staffs all across this country have proliferated exponentially. We now have Senior Pastors, Lead Pastors, Teaching Pastors, Executive Pastors, Assistant … [Read more...] about On Pastoral Ministry and Job Titles (Phillip Powers)

Jay’s Top 10 (and thank-yous) from New Orleans #SBC23

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This is gonna be a long one. For the last few years I have posted a list of things I would identify as my top 10 takeaways, favorite things or memorable events from the annual meeting. This year’s list will be different than my normal post-convention review for 2 main reasons. First, I have had a peek behind the curtain into the making of the convention and it has been an eye-opener for me. I wish everyone in the convention could see what I’ve seen over the last 16+ months. Second, I had the privilege of being involved with the planning of this meeting and it has been personally satisfying … [Read more...] about Jay’s Top 10 (and thank-yous) from New Orleans #SBC23

Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse: A breakout session at the #SBC23 Annual Meeting (Video)

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On Tuesday night during the SBC Annual Meeting, a breakout session sponsored by SBC Voices took place, focusing on the dynamics of adult sexual abuse. Dr. Heather Evans, an expert in the subject matter, joined forces with Chellee Taylor, a survivor of clergy abuse, and pastor and SBC Voices member, Dr. Todd Benkert, to lead the session. As part of the program, Chellee and her husband Peter were interviewed and shared their own experience of the impact of adult clergy sexual abuse. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our speakers for their valuable contributions. We would also like … [Read more...] about Understanding Adult Sexual Abuse: A breakout session at the #SBC23 Annual Meeting (Video)

We CANNOT Back Off or Back Down in Facing Sexual Abuse

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Listening to Chellee Taylor last night at the SBC Voices breakout session on Adult Sexual Abuse in Churches, put together by Todd Benkert, I was reminded of how important this subject is. I sat as she told her horrifying story of abuse in an SBC megachurch, as one of her pastors groomed and then abused her in ways that are horrendous. I read the full story online while she talked. Then, her husband (I think his name was Peter) got up to speak and he said something that I've heard other survivors say. He said that the abuse, as awful as it was, wasn't the worst part of their trauma. It … [Read more...] about We CANNOT Back Off or Back Down in Facing Sexual Abuse

Definitive Ballot Results (and It WAS the DAY to Vote for JAY!)

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Our buddy Jay Adkins was elected overwhelmingly on the first ballot to be First Vice President of the SBC. There were 12,715 messengers registered, and 3782 voting at the end of the day. Jay received 2343 votes, for 63.27% of the votes. Dusty Deevers, the surprise candidate, received 784 votes, for 20.73%. Gevan Spinney received 581 votes, or 15.52%. We, here at SBC Voices, are thrilled for our brother Jay! The results of the ballot votes to uphold the rulings of the EC to dismiss three churches from being considered as in friendly cooperation from the SBC were also announced, … [Read more...] about Definitive Ballot Results (and It WAS the DAY to Vote for JAY!)

Three Church Appeals

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Three churches appealed to the convention to appeal the EC action that found them not in friendly cooperation with the SBC. 1. Fern Creek church has a woman pastor. She had 3 minutes to speak and was delightful. She is conservative, a gospel-preaching, right-wing pastor. She believes what we believe except for the idea that women should not be pastors. You couldn't help but like her. The EC assigned Al Mohler to respond and he brought nuclear weapons theologically. It wasn't much of a battle. She was funny, sweet, a truly nice woman,  but I am guessing her appeal fails 85 to 15 … [Read more...] about Three Church Appeals

Election 2023: Nominating Speeches

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I realize that what I am about to say is going to anger people, but it's an observation many have made in the seconds after the nomination speeches. I've never seen such a difference in tone and spirit in the two nominating speeches for president. Jarrett Stevens (was that the right name?) gave an upbeat, positive, and hopeful nominating speech for Dr. Bart Barber, talking about the wonderful job Bart has done as president of the convention this year, how he has earned second term with his good work, his faithful service as a pastor at First Baptist, Farmersville. It was joyful, hopeful, … [Read more...] about Election 2023: Nominating Speeches