(Read William's blog, SBC Plodder, for his unique insights, Here, he asks an excellent question.) The SBC online world has hemorrhaged articles, opinions, and fulminations that Bryant Wright announced the appointment of his informal committee to look at a possible SBC name change. Not a few have been vehement over the process. Some have called for civility and patience. Others have maintained that the whole business has been orchestrated. While I understand the objection about process and while I don’t dispute that this has been unfolded in a premeditated and deliberate fashion, I’m … [Read more...] about Process aside, who has a problem with an SBC name change? (by William Thornton)
Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)
In Part 1, I told you that I think we should be doing a better job saying "Thank you" as ministers and church leaders. If I knew how, I'd link back to that here. However, I don't know how. If an editor does it, thank you for that... Thank you ought to be often on our lips. Often enough to be known, but not so often as to be trite. I've two more words for you that ought to be infrequent from our lips. Here they are: "I'm sorry." Now, some of you just checked out. Come back and finish the post before you pounce for me saying we shouldn't say "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry" should be … [Read more...] about Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)
Three Final Considerations: The Importance of Doctrinal Classification (Brick Walls and Picket Fences 16)
As we draw this study to a close, there are three important considerations we must remember. Look again at Revelation 22:18-19. “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Certainly, in context, this warning applies specifically to the prophecies of Revelation. However, I think there is also a more general … [Read more...] about Three Final Considerations: The Importance of Doctrinal Classification (Brick Walls and Picket Fences 16)
The Established Church is Worth Fighting For! (by Josh King)
(Josh King is lead pastor of Sachse's First Baptist Church in Sachse, TX, and a contributor to Looks Like Reign: A Commentary on Theology, Culture and the Gospel. We are grateful to have this excellent guest post today!) “NationsBeGlad Desiring God Int'l It's easier to birth a baby than to raise the dead - plant new churches, don't focus on dying churches. @edstetzer #dgnc” I am a big fan of Dr. Ed Stetzer and would love to be at the Desiring God National Conference. Because I am not there I cannot fully know the context behind this specific tweet. This obviously hampers my ability to … [Read more...] about The Established Church is Worth Fighting For! (by Josh King)
4 Critical Words for Pastors (Part 1)
I am wanting to get back into the habit of posting around here, but I just haven't quite known what to say. I am striving to not spend hours upon hours dealing with things that are out of my control, like name changes in the SBC, pastors that do bizarre things, and denominations that fall apart. I've spent enough time commenting on other posts and other places about stuff like that, but what I've realized is this: I'm wasting my time on that. There are enough voices on all of those that you don't need a separate post from me. (If you do, you're putting way too much stock in my opinion. Get … [Read more...] about 4 Critical Words for Pastors (Part 1)
SBC Name Change: Silence of Elder Statesmen is Deafening
"There arises defining moments in our personal lives, our churches, and our denomination. I believe we are at one of those crossroads. In the final analysis we must trust our process, our common goal of bringing the Gospel to the world, and each other." Who was the Southern Baptist statesman who uttered these words and what was the context within which they were said? None other than Dr. Jim Henry, former Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando and a former two-term President of the SBC, in his endorsement of the GCR. During his tenure as President of the Convention, Dr. … [Read more...] about SBC Name Change: Silence of Elder Statesmen is Deafening
“Is It Okay for a Christian to…?” Identifying Personal Space Issues (Brick Walls and Picket Fences 15)
In previous installments in this series, I have discussed Brick Wall issues, in which Christians should take an uncompromising stand for the essentials of the faith. I have discussed Picket Fence doctrines on which Christians should hold to their convictions on secondary matters while maintaining friendly relationships with their Christian brethren who have different convictions. I have discussed Dinner Table doctrine - matters on which we disagree but do not divide at all. And finally, I have been talking about Personal Space issues - lifestyle issues on which each Christian is supposed to … [Read more...] about “Is It Okay for a Christian to…?” Identifying Personal Space Issues (Brick Walls and Picket Fences 15)
It Doesn’t Change the Promise
C.S. Lewis once quipped: "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." (Problem of Pain, 140) I agree with Lewis that this is true most of the time. But then again, there are times when our suffering causes us to be so broken that we cannot even hear (or respond positively) to the voice of God. Consider Exodus 6. God gives a long list of what He is about to do in the lives of the Israelites. He promises all this: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians I will deliver … [Read more...] about It Doesn’t Change the Promise
My Journey: Changing Views of SBC Leadership
I got into blogging to "fight the power." I did not like the now-infamous IMB policies, which prevented Baptists who were in full cooperation with the BF&M 2000 from serving as missionaries if they did not kowtow to a narrow view of Baptist identity. I was infuriated by them and motivated to do what I could to make a change. Since about the only route available to me was blustering on blogs, I blustered. I saw myself as some sort of modern day Don Quixote tilting against the powers-who-were who were trying to take our convention the wrong way. I was especially put off by the … [Read more...] about My Journey: Changing Views of SBC Leadership
If You Want a Glimpse of the Future, Look at Ft. Worth Schools!
Read this article. A 14-year-old boy was disciplined and suspended by the administration of Western Hills High School in Ft. Worth, TX. He is an honor student who is never in trouble. However, he evidently committed an egregious crime - he expressed an opinion to a friend that homosexuality is a sin. His teacher, according to reports, went ballistic and sent him to the principal's office where he was given a day of in-school suspension and then two days of full suspension. Principle James Wellman and the administration of Western Hills evidently prize political correctness over free … [Read more...] about If You Want a Glimpse of the Future, Look at Ft. Worth Schools!