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)
Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging
Battle blogging - that describes a lot of what we do, doesn't it? Battle blogging is the us vs. them, good guys and bad guys, we-have-to-win mentality. "They" are the enemies of truth, justice and the American Way, and I am Superdave, avenger of justice, able to leap tall blogs in a single bound as I defend the Baptist world from those who would destroy it! I'm through with it. A Little Introspection You may get tired of my self-reflective blogs about blogging. But for me, blogging a big deal. It's not a past-time, it is a significant ministry. So I think about it a lot. Is … [Read more...] about Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging
Review of Trained in the Fear of God
There is a classic story (that probably has Jewish roots) about a new bride that is cooking her first big dinner for her husband. She decides to go with a recipe that has stood the test of time; a roast that was passed down to her by her mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother. Part of the recipe called for cutting off the ends of the roast. The husband, is astonished by this. He asks, “why in the world do you cut off the ends of the roast? That is the best part!”. Her reply is simple, “That’s the way my mom always made it”. There is a classic story (that probably Later on … [Read more...] about Review of Trained in the Fear of God
Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer
Respectful audacity. That particular phrase is not one that springs to mind when pondering prayer. Perhaps it should be something we consider. In Exodus 33, we can read an account of Moses' boldness. Moses had previously ascended the mountain to receive God's laws. Back at the base, the people grew impatient and crafted for themselves a golden idol. Moses returned and disciplined the people severely. He moved his tent outside of camp and spent time there communing with God. Starting in verse 12, Moses begins to beg for God to teach him. He says, "Please, if I've been good … [Read more...] about Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer
Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?
I was watching coverage of the trade yesterday between the Broncos and the Jets. A nearly unknown quarterback (Tim something) was traded to the Jersey Jets for draft picks, in a move reminiscent of the Romans sending innocent Christians to the Coliseum to battle wild beasts. Tebow has been the subject of more debate than any other player I can remember. Supporters have accused John Elway and John Fox of conspiring against Tebow, possibly for reasons of faith. Tim is an outspoken Christian (an understatement), which endeared him to some and annoyed others (even some Christians). But what … [Read more...] about Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?