Scott Gordon mentioned this video in the comments. But I thought you might like to see it. It shows a little bit about who he is and how he came to be selected by the Search Team. … [Read more...] about From MBTS: An Introductory Video about Jason Allen
Two Lists Worth Reading
I perused two blog posts today - both were lists. Both were worth reading and devoting some time to. The first was from Ron Edmondson and the post was called "7 of my biggest frustrations as a leader." He mentioned pettiness, selfishness, rudeness, narrow-mindedness, stubbornness, unforgiveness and recklessness. These are also evident in large supply in the blogging world (as are just about every form of fleshly behavior). But what is most chilling is how often I see them in me. But the prize for "he stopped preaching and started meddling" goes to Joe Thorn, who wrote, "25 Marks of … [Read more...] about Two Lists Worth Reading
Doing Funerals without Burying the Truth
I have the unique opportunity, when I preside at a funeral, to do genuine, powerful and evangelistic ministry. It is also a time in which I can be tempted to compromise truth, to curry favor with people instead of God, to unintentionally promote heresy and squander this unique opportunity. One Sunday afternoon a while back I sat at my desk working on my evening sermon when the phone rang. One of our members had finally succumbed after a six month battle with brain cancer. I headed outside into the dreary Iowa dusk to go and visit with this family for a few brief moments. As I drove … [Read more...] about Doing Funerals without Burying the Truth
What are “GRACE Cards”?
One of our evangelism strategies as a church is to use “GRACE” cards. “What is a GRACE card”, you ask? I’m glad you asked. Let me explain. The concept behind a GRACE card is to bless our community. Really the concept is to put words behind random acts of kindness. Our church family is encouraged to take a GRACE card and to bless somebody throughout the week. It can be as simple as buying a book of stamps or leaving quarters in a laundry machine. Some like to purchase meals for the people behind them at a fast-food chain. When you do this you simply leave a GRACE card. A GRACE … [Read more...] about What are “GRACE Cards”?
Dr. Jason Allen Has Been Elected as the President of MBTS
Here is the Baptist Press article. I am sure that more information will trickle out in the days ahead, but the vote, reported by BP, was 29-2. Seems like the Trustees were as impressed with Dr. Allen as the search committee was. … [Read more...] about Dr. Jason Allen Has Been Elected as the President of MBTS
How will you respond (to the MWBTS Trustees)?
The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees meets Monday, October 15. From all of the information available ahead of time, they will be discussing electing Jason Allen as President of the Seminary. We have been discussing his election potential around SBC blogs since his name came to light as the candidate from their search committee. (Or was that a team? I can never keep up.) Admittedly, I'm writing this before the meeting and so have no idea how it will actually turn out. I would say that the smart money is on the Trustees voting to proceed with Dr. Allen in the … [Read more...] about How will you respond (to the MWBTS Trustees)?
We’ve Been Asking the Wrong Question! (by Ricky Kirk)
Ricky Kirk blogs at Panta ta Ethne. I was listening to Pastor Mark Sparks, youth pastor for Journey Youth Ministries at Tri-State Worship Center last night. He mentioned something that served to be a missing piece of the puzzle I've been working on this last 18 months. In beginning the initial exploration stages of planting a missional community, I have read much about engaging culture, reaching neighbors, and building long-term discipling relationships. Part of that is examining my tendency in relationship building as well as listening to the stories of others. Here's what I have stumbled … [Read more...] about We’ve Been Asking the Wrong Question! (by Ricky Kirk)
Shamefully Transparent
When does being a good role model require that we admit our sins? Stephanie and I work hard to present the best possible Christian model for our people group to see and emulate. We make sure we are gracious as possible, as forgiving as we can be. We take very seriously our responsibility to be "the only Bible people might ever read." We strive for holiness and purity. In short, we are the best Christians we can be both for God and for the sake of those who are observing us. We've always been willing to admit our mistakes to the people here. If we react badly to something, we … [Read more...] about Shamefully Transparent
Do Hard Things, the Easy Way: Concerns about the Changes at World Changers (by Bryant Laird)
Bryant Laird serves as the Family & Student Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Cayce, SC. He previously worked at the North American Mission Board and was in charge of recruiting, hiring and training Summer Staff for the ministries of World Changers and PowerPlant from 2006-2011. Bryant also served at First Baptist Church Yazoo City, MS as Minister to Students from 2002-2006 and has a history with World Changers that includes time as a participant (1991-1995), Summer Staffer (1996, 1998-2000), Coordinator (2001-2005) and Group Leader (2003, 2005, 2012). Bryant is married to Olivia, … [Read more...] about Do Hard Things, the Easy Way: Concerns about the Changes at World Changers (by Bryant Laird)
Gospel-Driven Leadership Conference (25% Discount) (from Tim Brister)
In three weeks, there is a great training opportunity for church leaders across the Southeast taking place at the PLNTD Nashville Conference. On Nov. 2-3, Ed Stetzer and Trevin Wax will be leading a weekend focused on cultivating gospel-driven leadership in the local church. There is no shortage of leadership books and resources today, and the same is becoming true for gospel-centered theology. However, the connection between gospel-driven theology and church leadership is relatively new, and this conference hopes to forward the conversation by focusing on how the gospel shapes the leader as … [Read more...] about Gospel-Driven Leadership Conference (25% Discount) (from Tim Brister)