This article is an update and clarification of Dwight McKissic's earlier article. Under the caption, “Preachers telling Blacks not to vote is sinful,” Bob Ray Sanders published an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, September 18, 2012, that led persons who could identify me by description—not by name—to believe that I instructed my congregation not to vote. That is absolutely and unequivocally not true. I’ve never and will never tell my congregation, how to vote or not to vote. As a matter of fact, for the upcoming election, I have encouraged the congregation to study the issues and … [Read more...] about DWIGHT MCKISSIC DID NOT SAY, DON’T VOTE By Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.
Words Worth Forgetting
No sticks or stones have broken my bones, but words have surely hurt me. And I've never broken bones with sticks and stones, but surely I have hurt with words. Maybe it was easy in kindergarten to chant them away with a catchy limerick, but, it becomes harder as we grow and find that there are meanings -- well and not -- attached to most words, whether hurled in anger, served softly with a sob, uttered in exasperation, sighed in resignation, delivered with blunt accusation, wrapped in hope or enunciated with grace. Words are too often the weapon of choice. Words said to you. Words said … [Read more...] about Words Worth Forgetting
Message the Messengers!
Recently, on more than one occasion, Southern Baptists have been encouraged to "Trust the Trustees" when it comes to the handling of our denominational matters. In response to that worthy slogan, might I suggest another one that I believe is more transparent, more consistent with congregational polity, and frankly, more Southern Baptist? "Message the Messengers!" Did we not form a Task Force to study a Great Commission Resurgence and report back to the convention? Did they seal their meeting minutes for fifteen years? We were told to "Trust the Trustees," or in this case, the Great … [Read more...] about Message the Messengers!
Jesus, So Much More Than a Gentleman
God’s a gentleman. He won’t force himself upon you. He will not do what you do not ask Him to. So, you have to ask. It’s your choice. It’s your decision. God won’t make it for you. I’ve heard those types of phrases numerous times. This may surprise you, coming from a Calvinist like myself, but theologically I agree with those statements when it comes to the point of repentance and faith. God doesn’t believe for us. God doesn’t repent for us. And He’s not going to take you kicking and screaming into heaven. So, yeah I guess in some respects I agree with those … [Read more...] about Jesus, So Much More Than a Gentleman
A RIGHT TO VOTE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO VOTE (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr).
“The Lord has established His throne in Heaven and His kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 The good news is, on November 7, 2012, God will still be God and His kingdom will still rule over all. The bad news is…come November 7, this country will have either reelected a man and in effect endorsed a platform that affirms same-sex marriage or will have elected a President who for the first time in American history ascribes to a “Bible” that teaches that “blackness of skin” is a curse. Consequently, I find both candidates totally unacceptable. Whoever wins on November 6, I will accept as the … [Read more...] about A RIGHT TO VOTE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO VOTE (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr).
Fred Luter Addresses the Executive Committee – “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”
Two observations I would make about the Executive Committee Plenary Session this evening. I'm not much of a "meeting" guy, but this was interesting, as some of our leaders gave reports about what is going on in the SBC. If anyone is under the impression that Fred Luter's election as SBC president was some sort of symbolic act,; that he was elected only because of his race, that person would be wrong. He is the real deal. He told us tonight that he was just going to give an address, and not really preach. Yeah...right. He articulated a vision for the SBC that was biblical, inspiring … [Read more...] about Fred Luter Addresses the Executive Committee – “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”
Responsibility Vs Control
I want to depart from the SBC Controversy for a minute, and talk about something a little more nuts and bolts, hands and feet. As you may or may not know, I am in some transition that wasn't necessarily when or how I would have made it, and that has result in a little discomfort. There are two concepts at war within me. The first is my responsibility to provide,to move forward, to take care of things. The other side is trusting God and letting Him have control. How does this work? I am not going into all the nuts and bolts of my situation, I want to deal with the larger issue, because I … [Read more...] about Responsibility Vs Control
Intriguing LifeWay Study on the Lord’s Supper: The Majority are Ignoring the BF&M
LifeWay has just released a fascinating study on Southern Baptist practices as it relates to the celebration of the Lord's supper. Two things are clear about this topic: The Baptist Faith and Message is pretty clear that only biblically baptized believers (by immersion after salvation - if that was necessary for anyone) should receive the Lord's Supper. Most Baptists are ignoring the BF&M on the topic. Look at the graphic here. The SBC Practices OPEN Communion Fairly shocking to me. I must give an admission here. Our church practices with the majority on this one, but I am … [Read more...] about Intriguing LifeWay Study on the Lord’s Supper: The Majority are Ignoring the BF&M
In Nashville, Checking out the Executive Committee Meeting
I am in Nashville today and tomorrow for a meeting of the Executive Committee of the SBC. There were committee meetings all afternoon, but as I am only a lowly 2nd VP, I am not a part of those. I plan to hit the Plenary Session tonight and tomorrow. I am invited to these things as a guest (no responsibilities or anything) and I thought I would check it out. Never been to an EC meeting! I do not think I will be doing much in the way of blogging - don't want to scare the good folks of the Executive Committee, though I may have a comment or two if something comes up - that is in the public … [Read more...] about In Nashville, Checking out the Executive Committee Meeting
Church Policy Changes from Your New Pastor
Dear Members: With the recent change in pastoral leadership here in our congregation, some necessary changes have been instituted. Church Attire - It is requested that you come to church dressed as you can afford to dress, based on your salary, so church leaders can get a better feel for the amount of tithing we can expect. If we see you wearing Manolo Blahnik shoes, we shall assume you are doing well financially and therefore should be giving more; say, enough to pay for the 16-person, 9-day mission trip to China in January. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money … [Read more...] about Church Policy Changes from Your New Pastor