Here we go again: a Southern Baptist Church finds itself having made an unpopular decision. The internet, and presumably other venues that run slower, are exploding with rebuke or defense for the decision. And then up pops a rebuke to those who issue the rebuke: "You're violating the principle of Local Church Autonomy!" in an effort to shut down any correction or argument. The rebuke runs against even words, be they spoken, written, or typed, and states that no one ought to try and correct a local church unless they are a part of that body. Let's take this apart and see how it … [Read more...] about Local Church Autonomy
How to Preach the Whole Counsel of God
One of my ministry goals is to be able to say with Paul at the end of ministry, “I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26-27) If the Ephesian church became jacked up a few years after Paul’s ministry he was innocent of their blood. He was faithful in His ministry. He declared to them the whole counsel of God. He left nothing out. He preached on the joyous things and the difficult things. He preached in tears and he preached with smiles. He unfolded for them the entire … [Read more...] about How to Preach the Whole Counsel of God
Needed: Solidarity Not Stridency (by Todd Littleton)
Todd Littleton blogs at The Edge of the Inside. He wrote a four part series reflecting on the 2012 SBC Annual Meeting through the lens of offering his first ever motion on the floor of the SBC and its demise as Ruled Out of Order. While the nexus of his thoughts turn on a singular incident, Todd finds it illustrative for what ails us. Rather than post these in series form, Todd offers them as stand alone posts. His first post on the subject ran here at Voices, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here. Maybe what he offers is a Minority Report or as his chosen website title indicates, a perspective from … [Read more...] about Needed: Solidarity Not Stridency (by Todd Littleton)
A Story of My Own Failure in a Racial Challenge
I was very critical, in an article yesterday, of a Baptist church that refused to perform the wedding of a black couple in their church. Some have been critical of the pastor, Dr. Stan Weatherford for his actions. I have not bashed him for two reasons. First, I know he was faced with a difficult choice. He probably wishes he made a different one. But there is a second reason. I once walked in his shoes. It was nearly 25 years ago and I was a young preacher. I look back on my own actions with less than complete satisfaction. I hope I would do differently now. If you have pastored in a racist … [Read more...] about A Story of My Own Failure in a Racial Challenge
Shameful, Public Racism in an SBC Church: A Test Case for Racial Reconciliation?
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper of Jackson, MS, is running an article today detailing overt racism at a church that is evidently affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, according to the Mississippi Baptist Convention's church directory and on the SBCnet church search. There is nothing on their website that identifies the church as Southern Baptist (thank God). However, they are listed on both the SBC and MBC websites as part of us and the stain of their racism is on all of us until we do something about it. I would encourage you to follow the link above and read the story before you … [Read more...] about Shameful, Public Racism in an SBC Church: A Test Case for Racial Reconciliation?
I’m Relieved
I happen to know that Dave is back home in Iowa at this very moment as I am composing this post because I saw it on Facebook. I for one am glad to see him back in the states and ready (I hope) to resume his regular place as editor in chief of our crazy corner of the blogosphere. It is a relief to be close to being relieved of duty once again. I frankly don't know how Dave manages to do all that he does for this blog on a daily and weekly basis. I imagine that I will wander around in the background once again trying to remain inconspicuous and occasionally cleaning out the spam comments … [Read more...] about I’m Relieved
Being a Pastor’s Pastor
I gained a new-found respect for one of my mentors last week. Ronnie Rogers, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church (Norman, OK), came into the blogosphere limelight this past week in a way I know he didn’t expect. Recently he wrote a book detailing his journey away from Calvinism. Our friends at sbctoday posted a chapter from his book as well as an interview he gave. But I don’t want to talk in this post about his book or Calvinism at all… Instead, seeing the interview made me remember a sad truth—it had been way to long since I had spoken with Ronnie to encourage him as my mentor. You … [Read more...] about Being a Pastor’s Pastor
The Deputy Ain’t Perfect
I know that this goes without saying, but I am not perfect. In trying to keep up with three posts a day as Dave prefers, I published a post earlier that some have questioned. It was from one of our contributors who usually writes thoughtful posts about issues that I think are important to address. I didn't read the post fully before scheduling it. After it went live, I received some feedback regarding the nature of the post and whether this blog was the place for it to be given a voice. We work hard not to censor our contributors here, but the writer wishes to withdraw the post rather … [Read more...] about The Deputy Ain’t Perfect
Grace for the Little Things
It was an easy task. At least it should have been. Yet, if you ask my wife why our garbage disposal leaks she can quickly point the finger to the time that I took the whole thing apart, breaking the seals, and everything to “fix it”. No need for a professional or an expert. I’m a husband AND I’ve stayed at a Holiday Inn. Even though I have no idea how a garbage disposal works I’m pretty certain that its not a big deal and I’ll figure it out as I go along. After all how hard can it really be to get my garbage disposal to stop sounding like a pterodactyl giving birth? Had it been … [Read more...] about Grace for the Little Things
A Very “Moving” Devotional
Exodus 13:21-22 says: And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people (ESV). The lesson here is an obvious one. The Lord will not leave his own. Those He deals with favorably He defends. He liberates, redeems, and He surrounds. They will not wander aimlessly (see next chapter's opening verses). If you are a believer, you are hemmed in by God's mercy. You are … [Read more...] about A Very “Moving” Devotional