guilt shame doubt disapproval self-loathing apathy unconcern happiness acceptance From early on in our lives, we all have a sense of a need for approval and a feeling of disapproval when we mess up. Sometimes the feeling of disapproval is verbalized to us, “I am disappointed in you.” Other times it is given as a direct attack against our personality, “You’re a failure who can’t do anything right.” In the face of this ingrained sense of disapproval, some look at their faults with acceptance and approval. “That’s just who I am.” or “God [or whoever—fill in the … [Read more...] about How Should We Feel When We Sin?
Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices
I have sensed conviction recently (I know, very subjective) that we needed to work to reign in the tendency for comment streams to go haywire here. Moderation is my least favorite thing to do for two reasons. First, it takes time which I don't have. Second, it makes people mad. People really get upset when a comment is deleted. But, after a discussion with our contributors, we have decided to institute a slightly more restrictive commenting policy. It is not my desire, nor my intended practice, to delete comments because of their point-of-view. Subjectivity is always a problem to some … [Read more...] about Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices
My, how you’ve changed
Our fearless editor and blogger-in-chief, Dave Miller, has been holding an extended conversation with most of the regular contributors here about blog commenting and posting and how we all interact with each other. I expect we'll see some additional posts from him about the specifics of those conversations in the days to come. It is not my intention right now to short-circuit what he has to say. Or even preview. I want to make a few observations about a blog I read last week and offer some thoughts for your consideration. You see, I sat down and read a blog that was obviously written by … [Read more...] about My, how you’ve changed
The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations
Tim Tebow may be the most polarizing figure in sports history. Some of us love him and cheer for him. Others disdain him, even hate him. Everybody talks about him. And Tim gives both camps plenty of ammunition. I watched Denver games last year and cringed. Most elite quarterbacks throw spirals that knife through the air like a missile. Tebow's passes wobble like drunk ducks. But in big moments, those drunk ducks seem to find a way home - into the end zone. Those who criticize Tebow have all the ammo they need to do so. I remember one play from last year. A Denver receiver made … [Read more...] about The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations
Dear Christian: You’re Scaring Them to Death
Sometimes the distances between what people know of you . . . and what they think of you . . . and what you know of yourself . . . and what you think of yourself . . . and what is true of all of this knowledge and all of these thoughts when sifted out seems as vast as the entire universe. I wonder if God didn't just create all the stars and solar systems for a practice run, knowing that the humans-to-come would be much more difficult to put into motion and save from colliding. We don't orbit well. We want to be the center of our own universe; we choose carefully who gets into our … [Read more...] about Dear Christian: You’re Scaring Them to Death
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
“What happened to Mark?” asks one of the bewildered purple-haired saints. Two years ago Podunk Baptist Church sent a bright, energetic, and humble young man off to the seminary. This little gathering of believers has for over two-centuries housed some of the dearest saints. But Mark was different. Though young and a relatively new believer he stood out because of his marked brilliance, passion, and dedication. Tears of joy mixed with sadness now watered the out-dated carpet, as Mark was sent off to learn how to be a pastor. Most of the members could still remember that cold September morning … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four
NOTE: Because of the incredible closeness of the vote, because I forgot to remind Tony to close voting yesterday, and because Todd and Paul have been SO entertaining in their shameless electioneering, the voting will continue until about 5 PM this evening (Central Daylight Time). So, Todd can continue to rally his family members and Paul can garner more support from the animated animals that have lined up behind him until that time. We have winnowed the field down and now only four blogs remain. Our Blue Collar Blog Madness champion for 2012 will be crowned soon. Congratulations to Paul … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four
Missional Church Leadership: A Conversation with Steve Timmis
As someone feeling called by the Lord to pursue church planting, there are not many better resources than the work of Steve Timmis. He and I recently Skyped (though my Internet connection and webcam had a mind of their own!) and I picked his brain about missional living and leading a missional church in particular. Steve was gracious enough to allow me to transcript some of our conversation for you! For more great interviews and conversations, click HERE. ‘ Steve Timmis is the Director of Acts 29 Western Europe and an elder at The Crowded House. He also co-authored several books … [Read more...] about Missional Church Leadership: A Conversation with Steve Timmis
The Generation Gap
I was honored to serve on a group to help a friend do a Doctoral Project on Emergent and Incumbent leaders. It turned out to be much of a generational thing, and what happens when 2 generations, mostly boomers and busters collide. I still talk with many of the people I was in that group with, both emergent and incumbent leaders. As I have served in ministry, I have found that the more time passes, the more the generations become separated by differences. Technology has changed my generation and the generation after me a great deal. I have noticed a few things in observation, and I want to … [Read more...] about The Generation Gap
Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)
In this final installment of the series, I will (1) discuss the complications of setting a double named convention precedent, (2) expose the weaknesses of existing GCB associations, (3) articulate the limitations inherent in a functional rather than geographical name, (4) suggest that the GCB name may be linked to a GCR agenda that is itself less than unifying, and (5) take issue with the timing of this name change proposal during such a transitional period of Southern Baptist life. Following these last five reasons, I will seek to organize all twenty reasons into four general categories … [Read more...] about Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)