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”
Brick Walls and Picket Fences (Part 1): Maintaining Sound Doctrine without Sacrificing Unity
Chapter 1: Speaking the Truth in Love I was reading one of the discernment blogs recently – the kind of blog that catalogs the heresies prevalent in the Christian world today. I scanned through the listing of articles and saw one that addressed the theological errors of a well-known charismatic pastor, Francis Frangipane. Here’s the thing. This man is a friend of mine – a man I love and have tremendous respect for. I lived in the same city with him for many years and we were in a pastors’ prayer group together. I a lot of time on my knees with Francis (figuratively, anyway – Francis … [Read more...] about Brick Walls and Picket Fences (Part 1): Maintaining Sound Doctrine without Sacrificing Unity
How Does a Pastor Recover from Mental and Emotional Exhaustion? (by Brian Croft)
Editor: I've been there. How about you? Brian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Someone sent me a link to this article and I thought it was wonderful. Very helpful. Brian's Blog "Practical Shepherding" is well worth reading contantly, pastors. I’ll let you know. In other words…I’m there. I’m not discouraged, depressed, or dulled in my affections for Christ and His Word. My love for this calling and the task to shepherd God’s people has not waned at all, it only grows. I have very little to be discouraged about and so much to be thankful … [Read more...] about How Does a Pastor Recover from Mental and Emotional Exhaustion? (by Brian Croft)
The Mitosis Method of Church Planting: You Make the Call
Church Growth Confusion I've never been in a megachurch environment for more than a Sunday or two. My experience is all with smaller to mid-sized churches. I've noticed an interesting phenomena in these churches. Everybody says they want the church to grow. But they also say they like the smaller church feel. Kinda confused? Me, too. We want the church to grow and stay small. We want the church to grow but not change. Obviously, many of us aren't sure what we really want. But let me make a point from this conundrum. There are people (a lot of them evidently) who want the … [Read more...] about The Mitosis Method of Church Planting: You Make the Call
“That’s My King!” (SM Lockridge) Best Preaching Ever?
You've probably all seen this, but its worth hearing again...and again...and again. There are several versions of this out there on youtube. I like this one the best. I thought that perhaps this powerful preaching might balance out the pain I inflicted with the "O Holy Night" travesty of yesterday. I get chills every time I hear this. I really wish I could preach like this! … [Read more...] about “That’s My King!” (SM Lockridge) Best Preaching Ever?