SWBTS has announced it must cut at least $3.5 million (about 10%) in expenses this year. The seminary is attempting to limit cuts to current employees or faculty, but “current economic trends would make this goal difficult to achieve.” Two programs have already been suspended: Naylor Children’s Center, a laboratory school under the direction of […]
BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith
This post is inspired by a recent blog by Peter Lumpkins that details some views of B.H. Carroll on regeneration. I enjoy Peter’s writing, especially when I disagree with him. This is the mark of all competent writers. But what caught my attention was this sentence: Carroll clearly rejected Founders’ strange insistence upon “regeneration precedes […]
The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program
Many have been guessing, including me, that the Cooperative Program is in trouble over the next few years. There is no prophecy in that statement, just sniffing the wind and thinking through some demographics. But the 2008 – 2009 global recession is already making the situation deteriorate much faster. In a recent letter from Southern […]
Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
According to an lengthy email sent tonight by Dr. Mohler’s office, the seminary is facing a budget shortfall of up to $3.2 million for the remainder of this academic year. The President spoke of aggressive actions to balance the Seminary’s budget including: a hiring freeze on non-critical positions reductions in travel and related expenses an […]
The Error of Manufacturing Holiness
Some of the most eye-opening indictments on our own failings as the Church come when we look back to the warnings that the Old Testament prophets delivered to Israel. One such warning that struck me acutely is found in the book of Haggai. In chapter 2, verse 12, Haggai asks the priests presiding over the […]
Should We Change Our Name?
I love the Southern Baptist Convention. I am a Southern Baptist by conviction. Theologically and missions wise I feel that the Southern Baptist Convention is the strongest. I love the influence that the SBC has, but could our name be hurting our influence? Could the name ‘Southern Baptist Convention‘ actually be holding our convention back? […]
THE GRIEF OF HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
It’s hard to believe. Amid turkey-dinner plans, anticipated shopping trips, and gaily decorated stores, stands a group of folks who aren’t excited. The turkey sounds dry, the shopping trips stagnant, and the season’s “ho-ho-ho” greets a spirit of inaudible sighs of heaviness. That’s right. Many folks do not take pleasure in the approaching holidays. A […]
Video: Ed Stetzer On Why Change Is Hard In The Church
Here is a video clip from Dr. Ed Stetzer from September 2008. He is speaking at the Comeback Church Conference hosted by Hickory Grove North Campus, Charlotte, NC. In this two minute video he explains why pride is often the root of our unwillingness to change. There is a second clip from the conference where […]
Being a Good and Godly Influence
I was reading Philemon today. This book in the New Testament is very small and contains just one simple chapter containing a letter from Paul to Philemon. Yet its purpose of instruction is mighty! Onesimus was a slave and he had run away. Some commentators say that he had stolen from his owner and then […]
Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Over the last month, some of you have asked about my editorial policy for SBC Voices. So, I want to give everyone a snapshot of what I’m thinking. It many not clear up the confusion, but it should give you some idea of what to expect. What Is Our Editorial Perspective? First, let me state […]
Podcast With Michael Spencer
I first met I first met Michael last Spring, when he was in Louisville on Sabbatical. He’s not a denominational superstar, which is one reason I wanted to do this podcast. I also appreciate the unique perspective he brings to Southern Baptist life. Michael Spencer is the campus minister at a Southern Baptist boarding school […]
Open Letter to All Pastors of Churches in the SBC
Dear Pastor, Let me first clarify that this letter is for Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors in general. I am well aware that what you are about to read does not include all pastors – at least not in totality. I also write this from the perspective of having been a pastor myself and therefore […]