SBC Voices

On the Executive Committee’s independent sexual abuse investigation and Task Force.

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Among the most notable items of the recent SBC Annual Meeting was the passage of a motion by Ronnie Parrot and Grant Gaines that directed the SBC Executive Committee to "transfer oversight of the independent third party review into handling of sexual abuse to a task force" appointed by the SBC President. The new president, Ed Litton, has named the Task Force which has seven members and two advisors. The Executive Committee had earlier secured Guidepost Solutions for an independent review of its handling of sexual abuse issues; thus, an outside outfit will be doing an "independent review" … [Read more...] about On the Executive Committee’s independent sexual abuse investigation and Task Force.

5 Ways to Engage Your Students’ Minds

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Today’s students get a bad rap.  Recent books on Generation Z make much of their short attention spans (See James White’s book Meet Generation Z).  They mention how today’s youth would rather watch a video than read a book (See Jean Twenge’s book iGen).  It’s common knowledge that students’ use of online access has had a profound impact upon how they think and process information.  Students have more information at their fingertips than any other generation in our nation’s history; however, they need help filtering the information and thinking deeply about it.  They possess the capacity to … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Engage Your Students’ Minds

Ridgecrest is open and still a great place

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I didn't have plans to come back up here after Lifeway sold their venerable conference center in the North Carolina mountains but the new owners have it open and here I am. It's quiet this week but still a great place. The Ridgecrest Foundation owns it now and it's called Ridgecrest Conference Center. The campus is tidy. The staff friendly and helpful. I like it and will return. I have a bit of nostalgic heaviness as a I roam around the familiar spots here. Back in the day I'd be in charge a group of students ("youth" was still an acceptable word back then) from my church. There would … [Read more...] about Ridgecrest is open and still a great place

Critics: 5 Tips for Engaging Them

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If you spend any time in ministry, you will have critics.  People might criticize your appearance, your preaching, your leadership style, your personality, or how you spend your time.  Whenever we encounter criticism, we are tempted to become defensive or discouraged.  There are times where we might also become angry and lash out at our critic.  While such times can be painful, and some criticism might be invalid, there are occasions where constructive criticism can help us grow in our ministries and leadership. I’m reminded of Solomon’s words regarding criticism and correction.  He wrote, … [Read more...] about Critics: 5 Tips for Engaging Them

Plagiarism/schmagiarism, how about the whole religious/church industrial complex?

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So everyone says at some level,"Hey Ed, cut that stuff out" even though he (a) obtained prior permission, and (b) apologized. The number of heroic virtue signalers are legion in this matter. A few of my favorites: Don't do anything your homiletics prof would not approve of. Good luck with that. Can we note the difference between the classroom and the real world? Good profs recognize that some weeks the typical single staff pastor will not have 20 hours for sermon prep. And if you re-preach a sermon to the same audience, isn't that called something? Laziness? Phoning it in? I'm … [Read more...] about Plagiarism/schmagiarism, how about the whole religious/church industrial complex?

Taking a look at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

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The ERLC lacks a permanent leader at the moment, Russell Moore having resigned earlier this year after leading the organization for eight years. I always liked the demeanor that Moore brought to the ERLC. The acting President is Executive Vice President Daniel Patterson and the ERLC trustees have appointed a search committee for the new leader. I do not know him but presume he and all ERLC employees are wonderful people and represent the SBC well. The ERLC President has the toughest job in the convention. Severe criticism is guaranteed, some will be vicious and unchristian. A few … [Read more...] about Taking a look at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Camp: Three Reasons It Helps Your Student Ministry

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I have a confession to make: I love youth camp.  God began calling me to surrender my life to Christ at youth camp.  As a camp counselor and program director, I began to sense God calling me into the ministry.  As a youth pastor, I saw my students’ lives transformed while they attended camp.  I also began to sense God calling me into Christian higher education while taking my students to a camp hosted by a Christian university.  Camps have played a pivotal role in my walk with Christ.  I also believe that camps can have a major impact on the spiritual lives of your students. There are three … [Read more...] about Camp: Three Reasons It Helps Your Student Ministry

A History of the Formation and Function of the Executive Committee

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The SBC Annual Meeting in 2021 is one that will be remembered in history as an important one for some time.  While it’s easy to get lost in the respective highs and lows of the meeting, it’s also important to remember that the actions of the SBC when it gathers can have lasting actions. One such meeting happened in 1916 when the actions of one messenger still affect us today.  The Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives records it this way.    In 1916, M. H. Wolfe of Texas proposed to amend the SBC Constitution “to create one strong executive board which … [Read more...] about A History of the Formation and Function of the Executive Committee

Elders: Are They Baptistic?

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Elders are the subject of arguments raised by some Southern Baptists on social media who are opposed to a plurality of elders. Here are some of their points of contention: Churches with a plurality of elders are more Presbyterian than Southern Baptist. Pastors who believe in a plurality of elders are playing semantic games with the current Baptist Faith and Message 2000, which mentions “pastors and deacons” as the offices of the church. A plurality of elders is not a Baptistic approach to church government and is not supported by the history of the Southern Baptist … [Read more...] about Elders: Are They Baptistic?