Not long ago a blogger who had faced some difficult times in his ministry wrote: “I would rather be a missionary in the most dangerous, anti-Christian place in the world than try to revitalize an existing, traditional Southern Baptist church.” Though I don’t personally know that blogger, I have friends who share his sentiment and lean the direction of church planting. I myself have been tempted by the wiles of church planting (don’t jump on me about the temptation language—I value church planting, I’m just trying to be cute!), but have chosen the route of pastoring in established and … [Read more...] about Why I love serving in established churches…
Al Mohler and the Southern Seminary Singers: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
(I have no idea where this came from, and for the record, Al Mohler had nothing to do with it, but it made me laugh). … [Read more...] about Al Mohler and the Southern Seminary Singers: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
FYI: About Commenting and Moderation
Being named editor of SBC Voices was a birthday present for me (September 13). It is a great privilege. I enjoy writing and interacting with people and this has been exciting. However, there is one aspect of this that is no fun at all. It is moderating comments. We have some pretty "lively" exchanges on Voices. Sometimes it gets out of hand and it falls to me to try to make some order out of the chaos. I do so imperfectly and inconsistently. I thought I should share with you the standards by which I am trying to operate. Our goal is here godly, but largely free … [Read more...] about FYI: About Commenting and Moderation
My Three Churches: The Church in the New Testament
A few days ago, Mike Bergman asked the question, "What is a Church?" His post and the good discussion that followed put me in mind of a post I did some time ago at sbcIMPACT. I thought it might be good to update and repost that article. For a couple of years, when Baptist Identity bloggers were much more active than they are today, the subject of ecclesiology was one of the most hotly debated topics. BI adherents focused almost entirely on the local church and some even questioned the present reality of the "universal church" - even calling it illusory or imaginary. Those who give more … [Read more...] about My Three Churches: The Church in the New Testament
“Grinch Alert” – The Battle for Christmas Gets Just Plain Silly
Even good people can sometimes do some bewildering things. I have no axe to grind with either Dr. Robert Jeffress or the people of First Baptist Church of Dallas. But I'm going to go out on a limb and say that their foray into the "War on Christmas" was not a good idea. They created a website called "Grinch Alert." (grinchalert.com) At Grinch Alert, you can keep track of whether local businesses are "Naughty" or "Nice." The sole rubric for judgment here is whether the decorations and employees say "Merry Christmas" or whether they settle for, "Happy Holidays." Check out the website and … [Read more...] about “Grinch Alert” – The Battle for Christmas Gets Just Plain Silly
A Narnian Fundamentalist Reviews “Voyage of the Dawn Treader”
I visited Narnia often in my youth, and I had spent many years in Middle Earth before it became part of popular American culture. I love these books. In fact, they pretty much ruined me for fiction. Every time I'd read a book, I'd think, "That's okay, but its not Narnia or Middle Earth." I read those books so often I knew them cover to cover. Why would anyone allow their children to reach the age of ten without having had the Chronicles of Narnia read to them? I suppose I am a Narnian fundamentalist. I want the movie to stick very closely to the book. I was the same way with the Lord … [Read more...] about A Narnian Fundamentalist Reviews “Voyage of the Dawn Treader”
What is a Church?
In my church we recently had a conversation that is part of what I see as a larger and worrisome attitude in the church at large (at least here in America). It’s the attitude that exalts the individual over the corporate body in our faith—the attitude that emphasizes a personal relationship with Jesus over and against knowing Jesus together as His body. The conversation began when a gentleman was sharing in a small group about a witnessing opportunity he had. A woman he spoke with had faced some regrettably real hurts in a situation with a pastor, and she became turned off to church and … [Read more...] about What is a Church?
Radically Redefining Transparency in the SBC: Part 2
Containing updates and revisions to interact with Dave Miller’s post, “Combating the Culture of Secrecy in the SBC: Trust the People!” this post was originally published at FromLaw2Grace on July 19, 2010. Transparency and openness, whether in government or in a religious organization like the Southern Baptist Convention, is a principle which almost everyone agrees with in theory, but which is much harder to define in practice. Such has been the case in the SBC. In June of this year, the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force (GCRTF), after a year of meetings and discussions, presented its … [Read more...] about Radically Redefining Transparency in the SBC: Part 2
Help Me! The People I Agree with Are Being Ridiculous!
Please note: I started this blog post with the idea it would go on my blog and be, well, read by about 3 people. Then I was honored with a request to put something up over here. In the interest of not making you wait for me to write perfectly, you'll get what I've got. Doug Someday, it's bound to happen to you too, but I know it has happened to me. You're sitting there, reading along, whether it be book, magazine, blog or journal and the moment comes. Perhaps you're listening at a conference, convention, or watching the news. The moment hits, and you feel almost angry from … [Read more...] about Help Me! The People I Agree with Are Being Ridiculous!
Brick Walls and Picket Fences (Part 2): “Speaking the Truth in Love”
We hear two voices in the Christian world today. One voice tells us to be faithful to our doctrine, to our denominational distinctives, to the sound teachings of the Word of God. It is a voice we cannot easily dismiss. God’s Word is given as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. It steers us toward the path God wants us to walk and away from sin. No Christian should easily sacrifice sound doctrine. The other voice tells us that God wants us to walk in unity with others in the Body of Christ, even those who do not agree with everything we believe. And that voice should not be … [Read more...] about Brick Walls and Picket Fences (Part 2): “Speaking the Truth in Love”