Repentance. It’s a word that is largely absent as I’ve listened to prospective church members share their testimonies with me over the last decade. They mention sin, separation from God, the atoning work of Christ and the subsequent forgiveness it brings, but largely leave repentance out of their stories regarding their “conversion” experience. I’ve even heard some church leaders speak of their moral failure as if they were indifferent bystanders observing something being forced on them from an outside source. They talk about “fresh starts”, “new beginnings”, “forgiveness”, and others being … [Read more...] about What Ever Happened to Repentance?
Why I Am Glad I Joined the Conservative Baptist Network (Greg Davidson)
(Editor's Note: We often open our pages to counterpoint posts. Greg is an "SBC Voice" and even though none of us on the Voices team are CBN and generally oppose the organization strongly, we are willing to give opposing views.) I am a California pastor who loves pastoring in the great state of California with some of the most courageous pastors I have ever had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside. This past year we have stood as brothers through persecution, financial distress, declining church attendance, and a spiritual, mental, and emotional crisis among our church members that … [Read more...] about Why I Am Glad I Joined the Conservative Baptist Network (Greg Davidson)
The Snarling Dogs of “Discernment”
I first went to Africa in 1988, a life-changing trip to Tanzania. Eastern Africa teems with exotic wildlife and our missionary host told us many stories about encounters he'd had with the animals people travel the world to see. One interesting tidbit he shared with us stuck with me. He asked us what we thought might be considered the most dangerous animal in Africa. Lions are greatly feared, as are cape buffalo. It was either orangutans or baboons that were especially dangerous, but he told us that one of the most feared animals was a pack of wild dogs. If you encountered such a pack in the … [Read more...] about The Snarling Dogs of “Discernment”
Diversity and Unity in the Gospel
Growing up, I had the privilege of living in West Berlin, Germany during the Cold War (1981-1986). While in Berlin, my family attended Berlin Baptist Church, an international church whose members came from England, Lebanon, Vietnam, Indonesia, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia, Germany, and Cambodia. Being a part of such a diverse body of believers. taught me two important lessons. First, I learned to celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity as a gift of God. Each culture at our church possessed different customs and cultural expressions. Even though we had English in common, our native … [Read more...] about Diversity and Unity in the Gospel
On the Executive Committee’s independent sexual abuse investigation and Task Force.
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
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
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
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?
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
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