As a pastor, one of the greatest encouragements is to hear the words “I’m praying for you.” Truly, one of the great blessings of being a pastor is knowing that prayers are being lifted up on your behalf. Often, people ask how they can be praying for me. While there are particular needs that I have from time to time, here are some prayers for pastors that are always in season: Pray that we stay vitally connected to the Lord in our personal devotion. Like everyone else, the tendency is for people is to drift. Pray that we would maintain a constant fellowship with the Lord, day by day, hour by … [Read more...] about How to pray for your pastor
Maybe we hate Calvinism because we don’t understand it.
I have been reading a lot of blogs, and I have been reading a lot of opinions on Calvinism, and it seems to me, most people tend to despise what they hear and don't really get. I don't mean to sound condescending, but I think it's becoming a prejudice, we all band together to despise something we don't understand. It's sort of human nature. I have come to the point that I have stopped describing myself as a Calvinist, because people automatically make assumptions about me. That I don't do evangelism (I wrote a book of evangelism) and that I don't want to do church plants. I don't share … [Read more...] about Maybe we hate Calvinism because we don’t understand it.
Surprising Global Opportunities
In a town across the waters live members of one of the world’s largest unreached people groups. In the past 20 years, their population in this city has grown from about 8,000 to around 60,000. While their home country’s political situation is tumultuous, in this new city there is stability and religious/political freedom, including the freedom for missionaries to preach the Gospel to them. Like many other people groups in large cities, they have clustered in several major neighborhoods and have assimilated in a variety of professions, from doctors to taxi drivers. This people group is the … [Read more...] about Surprising Global Opportunities
We have ADS on this site?
In the wake of the latest set of arguments about whether Calvinists have been here, are being here, or evermore shall be here, I was reading a few blog posts on the issue. Naturally, I read here, since I am supposedly a contributor here and will get co-blamed for anything that happens at this site. Then, I moved on to read a few other Southern Baptist blogs to catch up on any other view point. I clicked over to Peter Lumpkins' website at SBCTomorrow and noticed something in the comment stream after one of his posts. An individual brought up an advertisement they had seen here at SBCVoices. … [Read more...] about We have ADS on this site?
Who Is Reforming Us?
With reference to our present Southern Baptist denominational controversy, there has been more than enough talk of "wackadoodles" and "bogeymen." I am not interested in characterizing pejoratively those who disagree with me by calling them names. I now reject the notion that the existence of a full-scale Southern Baptist takeover or "quiet revolution" is in any way a conspiratorial idea, a stretch or a lark. It is not a conspiracy. It is a reality. My earlier post simply asked the question, "Are we being reformed?" In developing my article, I wasted far too many words disclaiming conspiracy … [Read more...] about Who Is Reforming Us?
The Pastor’s Duty (by Chris Roberts)
Chris, a frequent commenter here at SBC Voice, blogs at "Seek the Holy." We appreciate this post. No matter who you are or what you do, people have certain expectations for how you should fulfill your office. Whether you are a corporate executive, a mail room clerk, a state senator, a librarian, or a general lackey, someone somewhere is ready to tell you what you should be doing in that position. This is especially true for those holding the position of pastor in a church. It doesn’t take long to identify many of the expectations people have of their pastors. Those expectations generally … [Read more...] about The Pastor’s Duty (by Chris Roberts)
Is Orthodoxy Enough? The Future of the SBC
I saw an interesting article at Trevin Wax's site "Kingdom People" called "Looking for a Church? 3 Suggestions." It discusses (watch Dave state the obvious) how to find a biblical church. In the article, he uses three words that I would like to apply to the future of the SBC. He mentions three "orthos" - words that describe a genuine church. Orthodoxy. Orthopraxy. Orthokardia. A church must be orthodox in doctrine - Bible-believing and faithful to the fundamental doctrines of the faith, especially those that relate to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. A church must have orthopraxy … [Read more...] about Is Orthodoxy Enough? The Future of the SBC
Two Crucial Theological Issues We Need to Discuss
1) What happened to two spaces after a period? That's what I was taught back in good old days, but now it seems no one likes two spaces anymore. What's up? 2) Should I capitalize divine pronouns? I was taught that as respect to God. But even modern language Bibles don't do it. What's up? These are weighty issues which I hope we can discuss in a calm and rational way! … [Read more...] about Two Crucial Theological Issues We Need to Discuss
The Calvinists Have Been Here . . . by William Birch
Today we have a guest post by William Birch, which was originally posted on his site. This article is a response to Gerald Harris's recent article "The Calvinists are Here." If you comment, please comment in a similar manner as Birch's article. After all, in Birch's words, "We are on the same team, people!" Every now and again I am accused of misrepresenting Calvinism by a Calvinist brother. It often happens when I focus upon what I perceive to be certain implications of Calvinism rather than what Calvinists actually claim or believe. When I do so, the Calvinist is right to correct me; I … [Read more...] about The Calvinists Have Been Here . . . by William Birch
Phil Roberts Has Resigned at Midwestern Seminary
Few details have been revealed and perhaps that is best. But Phil Robert's 11 year tenure at MWBTS is done. Baptist Press reports two sources of questioning and conflict between Roberts and the Board of Trustees. First, there have been some questions about how seminary resources have been used. Strangely, the second reason is one of the same that was invoked when Dr. Mark Coppenger was released from the seminary - verbal abuse of seminary staff. I have no specifics of these charges, just the fact that Baptist Press is reporting these as issues. It's a sad day for Midwestern Baptist … [Read more...] about Phil Roberts Has Resigned at Midwestern Seminary