The Apostle Paul’s admonition to the church members in Rome to “live at peace with everyone” is a message of truth we desperately need in our culture and as Great Commission Baptists. Too often on social media, in churches, and recently on committee Zoom meetings, we witness people in conflict speaking inciting words in an aggressive tone. Daily on Twitter, we see clashes between pastors who preach the love and peace of the gospel yet use words towards other pastors that are foreign to those fruits of the Spirit. Amid this conflict, it’s tempting to call for civility as the lowest common … [Read more...] about Live at Peace With Everyone
On My Motion Regarding Our Lawyers and a Conflict of Interest
Much has transpired since my visit to the Executive Committee (EC) meeting in Nashville last month. I originally wanted to get this article written and published earlier but it became clear that the Sexual Abuse Task Force's work and the response of the EC was a far more important issue (although I would argue these two items are related). Thus, I decided to hold off publishing this article until things finally came to a head after not a small kerfuffle and a third and final motion from Jared Wellman ultimately passing the EC to waive privilege. Since then things have devolved even further … [Read more...] about On My Motion Regarding Our Lawyers and a Conflict of Interest
If churches are SBC headquarters, then look to see what HQ is doing on international and North American missions
In our dual approach to funding denominational causes, cooperative and societal, the bulk of missions money comes through the two offerings dedicated to international and North American missions. Those would be the two named offerings: Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. They are both at record levels reflecting the true interests and goals of Southern Baptist individuals, churches, and denominational workers. LMCO exceeds goal...! The total for 2020-2021 was $177.6 million. Great news. [One note, I am told that the sum includes overseas giving through an IMB sponsored and promoted … [Read more...] about If churches are SBC headquarters, then look to see what HQ is doing on international and North American missions
Take in the good news that Lottie Moon hit a record $177.6 million for 2019-2020
Back in 2009, an era ago, the Lottie Moon goal was set at $175 million. The receipts fell short by $26 million, $29 million, $30 million, $28 million...years on end proving that it was an unrealistic goal. Even in the post voluntary retirement year where 1,100 missionaries left the field, the receipts were far under $175 million. Witness the just-released LMCO receipts for 2019-2020: $177.6 million. Last year the total was $159.5 million. The increase to this year was over $18 million. There is no way to describe this short of "spectacular!" LMCO total exceeds goal, reflects committment … [Read more...] about Take in the good news that Lottie Moon hit a record $177.6 million for 2019-2020
The inevitable resort to weaponizing money in church and denominational conflict
Happens every time. It's in our DNA as Southern Baptists. In those periodic times when there is dissension and conflict in our Grand Denomination the cry goes out, "Don't send them your money!" That's seldom appropriate and seldom effective. I daresay that every pastor of an SBC church has been in the place where individuals or groups have declared their intent to withhold their giving to the church in objection to church staff or direction. The beleaguered and formerly beloved pastor is usually the focus of the giving boycott. Sometimes this is the kind of pressure that works. More … [Read more...] about The inevitable resort to weaponizing money in church and denominational conflict
Third time’s the charm? (by Dave Pittman)
“Third time’s the charm”, that’s what we’re told, right? On their third attempt to honor the wishes of Messengers, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee voted 44 to 31 to waive attorney-client privilege (albeit in a VERY limited manner) and agree to the contract with Guidepost to begin the investigation on sexual abuse. But let’s be honest, this is not an investigation on all cases of sexual abuse within the SBC. It’s only about the last 20 years and only within the SBC EC. Is there already a documented case of libel regarding a case of sexual abuse? Yes. And will there be … [Read more...] about Third time’s the charm? (by Dave Pittman)
In any SBC drama and conflict the Cooperative Program takes a hit
...and these last weeks have been more drama since the hot years of the Conservative Resurgence. I have observations and opinions but perhaps the investigation will prove beneficial in the long haul. No one knows. One might note this significant change in the Baptist Press policy on reporting abuse: Baptist Press will continue to report every instance of abuse related to Southern Baptist churches or leaders of which we are made aware. BP made this change earlier, not as a result of the past weeks of turmoil. Some of us were attuned to clergy sex abuse when BP would never carry and news … [Read more...] about In any SBC drama and conflict the Cooperative Program takes a hit
Confessions of a Cynic
I'm a cynic, or at least I tend towards cynicism. This weekend, our association hosted a mission team from International Commission. They are currently unable to have many international mission trips because of Covid restrictions, and they decided to try their approach in North America. We were the first association in our country to host a team. The project was announced in March. We have an IC coordinator in our association, and he presented the project at our annual meeting. The cynicism was strong in this pastor. I made statements (not out loud mind you) such as "door to door witnessing … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Cynic
Trauma Comes to Church: A Licensed Counselor’s Perspective (by David Hughes)
“I was sexually assaulted as a child and I want to work through it with you”. I had been punched in the gut. I knew when I went to grad school to become a counselor that I wanted to be a trauma therapist. Like most trauma therapists, I have a trauma history of my own. For some reason, some survivors are compelled to turn around, walk back into the wound, and help others. Call it part of the healing process. Still, this was my very first client. Counselors need hundreds of hours of counseling just to graduate so we can take our board exam and be provisionally licensed while we accrue … [Read more...] about Trauma Comes to Church: A Licensed Counselor’s Perspective (by David Hughes)
A Suggestion: Email Ronnie Floyd and Tell Him What You Think
The Executive Committee has an email for its president that is published and is available to Southern Baptists to use. It is my understanding that in this maelstrom, Ronnie Floyd is isolating himself from social media and tends to only listen to his supporters, those who tell him he's doing a great job. There have been statements by seminary presidents and several from state conventions and state pastors organizations, but we have no idea if they are getting through. Here's my suggestion. Tell Ronnie Floyd directly how you feel. Send those letters directly to him. PLEASE - if you do, … [Read more...] about A Suggestion: Email Ronnie Floyd and Tell Him What You Think