SBC Voices

It was with great joy that I read and reviewed Randy Newman’s book, Bringing the Gospel Home.  There was one spot however that gave me pause.  In his book Newman argues that, “if a tract or online presentation of the gospel only refers to our sin as ‘brokenness,’ we are misrepresenting the truth.”  Newman then argues that using terms like brokenness makes it sound as if we are only victims when really we are the ones in rebellion and given over to idolatry. Late last week Newman expounded upon this point in his article “We’re Worse Than Broken”.  He believes that the word is not helpful for … [Read more...] about Yes, We’re Worse Than Broken; But I Still Use the Term. Response to Randy Newman.

I don't have time to write a lengthy article here and this is too long for a tweet, but I'm going to vent my spleen a little and you can chime in. I read some things today that got me thinking, and fuming, and writing.  So, here it is.  I'm not giving details because I don't want this to be personal. My church is having a tough time financially.  Yours is too, probably.  The vast majority of non-profits in America are struggling.  Churches.  Associations.  State conventions.  The SBC.  We are all in the same boat - sailing in a sea of red ink and leaking fast. Let's assume, for the sake … [Read more...] about The WRONG Way to Handle Church Financial Problems

I had a long talk with a woman last week.  She grew up in what I will call left-brained Christianity and she is tired of it. She was raised in churches that prized doctrinal correctness and biblical knowledge and had very strict standards for behavior - typical American conservative evangelical churches.   They have emphasized the holiness of God, His glory and supremacy.  But she has also seen the dark side of left-brained Christianity.  One church she was a part of used "truth" as a hammer to keep people in line and obedient.  She is very tired of a Christianity that is defined by what it is … [Read more...] about Right-Brain Christians, Left-Brain Christians: Can We Walk Together?

I heard a sermon the other day that was a “good sermon”.  The speaker was funny.  The congregation was engaged.  The congregation was given very helpful pointers, things that would help in living better lives.  There was nothing heretical in the sermon; nothing that I could not heartily affirm.  Helpful, engaging, down-to-earth, and it used biblical principles.  Yet, after hearing the sermon I felt sick to my stomach. What caused my sickness?  Was it my breakfast burrito?  Perhaps too syrupy of pancakes?  That could have added to my sickness but the main problem was not in something I ate … [Read more...] about Monday’s Ministry Musing: Why I’m Sick of Hearing “Good” Sermons

As a rule, I do not tell jokes that involve God and his ways.  Just doesn’t seem right.  But this old joke makes a point. A man was trapped in a flood on top of a barn.  He prayed, calling out to God and a voice came from heaven saying, “I will save you, my son.”  With that confidence, he relaxed on the roof and awaited his rescue.  Soon, a man in a canoe came by and told him there was room in the front.  The man said no because he was waiting for God to save him.  As the waters continued to rise, a motorboat came by and offered him a ride.  Again, he turned it down and awaited divine … [Read more...] about One Thing Changed: The Key to Church Health and Growth?

Recently a young man in my church asked the question: is it okay for Christians to have doubt?  One well meaning lady told him that Christians shouldn’t experience doubt and he just needed to be more spiritual.  That answer left both he and I unsatisfied. Let’s face it—most if not all Christians, whether we want to admit it or not, experience moments where we identify very much with Thomas and you might as well dub us as “Doubting” Mike or Suzanne or Ichabod!  But what do we do with our doubt? Before anything else, we must remember to not glorify doubt.  In one seminary class, we were … [Read more...] about What do we do about doubt?

I have been guilty of telling many other people why they need Jesus, instead of sharing why I need Jesus.  I know sometimes it makes me come across as a "holier than, better than and more righteous than" sort of individual.  I don't want that.  I want to share with you, my friends, brothers and sister why I need Jesus. I am a sinner.  You all knew that.  I have some sins that I struggle with more than others.  I have the sin of pride, I try to study and learn and go, and as a result I often have a pride issue.  I am not quick to admit when I am wrong, I don't react well to criticism, even … [Read more...] about Why I Need Jesus

I always love reading William Thornton, the SBC Plodder.  But this time, he is just flat meddling!  Seriously, we pastors love our housing allowances, don't we?  Thanks for the knowledge, William. Lest we forget when we complain about the government – we are on the receiving end of a pretty significant tax loophole, the minister’s housing allowance. So far, President Obama hasn’t railed against it or labeled it ‘clergy welfare.’ I am unaware of any legitimate justification for this tax break, but then who said tax policy in this country had to be legitimate, sensible, or fair? Recent news … [Read more...] about Our Sacred Tax Break: The Minister’s Housing Allowance (by William Thornton)

I paid the slightest attention to the Casey Anthony murder trial in Florida.  Evidently, now, if you look up "dysfunctional family" on Wikipedia, the Anthony family photo pops up - what a mess.  I was aware the case had gone to the jury, but yesterday I checked my Facebook and saw anguished cries of pain at the injustice in Florida.  I checked Fox News and sure enough, Casey Anthony beat the rap.  She is legally not guilty of killing her child. Evidently, twelve jurors sat through hours and hours of testimony.  They were not allowed to watch the breathless 24/7 coverage of this trial and … [Read more...] about A Nation of Experts Renders a Verdict!