SBC Voices

How to Leave a GREAT Comment

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I've got to admit it, I'm sick of the whole thing.  I'm sick of moderating comments and the blowback that comes with it.  In the last couple of weeks, I've been reevaluating my own blogging experience and I've worked with the contributors here to hammer out a commenting philosophy and some guidelines. It is safe to say that our policies and my moderation decisions have not been well-received by all, especially those whose comments I felt needed to be deleted.  Evidently, people don't like that much.  Who knew? I've received no end of advice on these new policies - both solicited and … [Read more...] about How to Leave a GREAT Comment

Is a National Network the Right Way to Go?

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There is lots of talk lately about NAMB and Acts 29 and the power of a church planting network.  If the desire is really to move towards more of a church planting network, then I submit one basic question.  Why make it a national network?  It's clear that we plant churches different with different strategies in different places.  Things that work in Iowa don't work in Arizona.  You can't plant a church in Mississippi and Oregon with the same strategies.  We live in different areas of the country, and if nationizing doesn't work for the Federal Government, why do it with Church … [Read more...] about Is a National Network the Right Way to Go?

Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies

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Congratulations to the Acts 29 Network for selecting a President in Matt Chandler who is altogether less controversial than Mark Driscoll. The issues with Mark's explicit visions, his edgy sex book, and the church discipline controversy seems to have provided a lot of baggage that this organization did not need. I am certain that these factors would not be cited by leaders as reasons for the change, but the move to Dallas and the transition in leadership can only help this organization to become more acceptable both in Southern Baptist life and in the evangelical world at large. While I have … [Read more...] about Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies

Choosing Accountability

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Several days ago, many of us became aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Wake Forest, NC involving criminal charges and shattered lives at Southeastern Seminary.  I want to write about something that has struck me in all of this, but I want to do so carefully and graciously.  As we comment and think about this, I think we should stick to the subject here, accountability, and try to step back from the situation that prompted these thoughts. I was riding home from class the other night with a classmate from one of my classes.  He's staggering through the material about as unsteadily as … [Read more...] about Choosing Accountability

The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2

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Last time  we looked at the story of Mark, a young seminary student coming back to his home church to set them straight.  We wondered “what happened to Mark”.  Unfortunately that fictional story is all too real in many church settings. For our discussion we will be tackling the problem of angry and divisive Calvinists, but truth be told we can make Mark’s sermon topics whatever you desire. In our day and age many may be tempted to drop the C word (Calvinism) as one of those topics bearded Mark picks up. 300 years ago it may have been Arminianism. It doesn’t matter what topic you pick … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2

How Should We Feel When We Sin?

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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

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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

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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