A member of our Sunday School class asked if any of we ladies would be interested in visiting with an Iraqi lady for an hour or so a week to teach her conversational English. The class-member is a soldier and knows her husband from Iraq (he'd been his interpreter there). Now he is here furthering his education as a linguist/interpreter. A group of ladies volunteered to help his wife learn English, and I am among them. We'll meet this afternoon at 3 to just introduce ourselves, chat a bit, and let her acquaint herself with our faces. That way, when we show up at her door sometime in the … [Read more...] about AN IRAQI MEET AND GREET
Does Blogging Interfere with Real Ministry?
Bart Barber punched me in the gut today! He posted an article entitled "Why I Almost Never Blog Anymore" accompanied by this graph, which basically shows that the more he blogs, the fewer people his church baptizes. Bart is not suggesting that this is a scientific sample, as best I can tell. But his simple pictures speaks a thousand words. He has been one of my favorite bloggers for several years. He has a unique and powerful insight into scriptures, into Baptist history and doctrine, and into human behavior. He has been a voice of wit and wisdom, even though sometimes he has … [Read more...] about Does Blogging Interfere with Real Ministry?
Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Minister’s Wife
Offer to babysit so she can have a date-night with her husband. Bring her homemade goodies for the children. Give her a pedicure gift certificate. Give her a spa treatment day. Take her to lunch, or invite her to your home for lunch. Have a card shower for her--have everyone send a dollar in the card. Offer to do alterations or any other sewing needs she has. Give her a manicure certificate. Organize meals for a week for her and give her a break from cooking. Be nice to her children; love them like they are yours. Have her children over for a play-day with … [Read more...] about Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Minister’s Wife
Advice for Kevin Ezell and NAMB
I'll admit it. I was torqued off by Dr. Ezell's words to his church that disdained bloggers who criticized him. I was not among those bloggers, but I still felt the unfairness of the criticism. That thread was really active yesterday. But as the day wore on, the comments started to trend a little too negative for my comfort. There seems to be some real anger out there toward the SBC and its leaders and style. I understand that. I get a little frustrated at times. But I do not think that simply venting our anger is productive. Let's turn it positive (group hug, everyone). What … [Read more...] about Advice for Kevin Ezell and NAMB
New Voices Feature – “Brotherly Advice” – What Are the Mandates of the Church?
I need your help. I’m beginning a new series on Voices called “Brotherly Advice.” A few weeks ago, one of our regular commenters wrote anonymously to ask our advice on a situation in his church. We had a pretty good discussion of the issues he faced, and he received, I think, some helpful advice. I want to share an issue with you from my own ministry, and ask for your insight and opinions. And, in the future, if you want to ask a question to the blogging world, feel free to contact me. I will post your situation, anonymously or not. Struggling with a difficult member? Trying to … [Read more...] about New Voices Feature – “Brotherly Advice” – What Are the Mandates of the Church?
Disturbing Comments by Kevin Ezell
(NOTE: Kevin Ezell was elected as President of the North American Mission Board. The BP article did not tell what the vote count was. Congratulations Dr. Ezell!) I have not been involved in the debate about whether Kevin Ezell is qualified to be the president of NAMB. From everything I have been told, he is a talented leader and perhaps exactly the kind of visionary administrator that NAMB needs. We cannot afford a continuation of instability and dysfunction at the helm of this important mission organization. From what I have read, Ezell may be exactly what that organization … [Read more...] about Disturbing Comments by Kevin Ezell
Biblical Requirements for Pastors: Older, Married, and with a Proven Family?
I want us to wrestle with an idea/question: when it comes to the biblical requirements for a pastor, should the pastor be an older man who is married and has a family that has proven faithful? Certainly throughout history there have been a plethora of younger men in the pastorate, we have plenty who post and read here. Some have young children, some are just beginning families, and some are single. (I fit into the young and presently single “category” of pastors). I’m sure that those who are younger all feel called into pastoral ministry…but as we know, desire is not enough. Through the … [Read more...] about Biblical Requirements for Pastors: Older, Married, and with a Proven Family?
The Future of SBC Voices?
Just to start this thing out, let me say that I don't really read this blog. While I am the one who launched it a few years back and worked to get it off the ground, I've moved on. It's just not something I think about more than once a month. The rare exception is when I become curious about some SBC issue. It's time for another transition and I am talking to a few people about taking on Matt's duties. But before we go too far down that road I'd like to hear what you (the actually readers) of this site really want. Are you looking for a debate forum? Do you want independent news … [Read more...] about The Future of SBC Voices?
A Crucial Theological Issue: Is God He or he?
At Truman Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I was taught that divine pronouns should always be capitalized. That was at a public school. Now today, even modern Bible translations do not capitalize the divine pronouns. Am I just a relic of the ancient past because I feel like God's name should be honored, even by capitalizing pronouns referring to Him. On the other hand, I know that if any publisher ever accepts a book I write, he or she will go through my manuscript and turn He and Him into he and him. I'm interested in hearing other people's perspectives on this. … [Read more...] about A Crucial Theological Issue: Is God He or he?
QUARRELING AMONGST US
IS IT POSSIBLE TO STOP IT? I talked with someone last week who was new to blogging. I noticed a comment he'd made in a stream where we Baptists were arguing and debating theology. He wrote that it seemed as though folks were talking past one another in order to make a point. I asked him to email me and he related, "Our intra-mural squabblings give us a bad name. It belies an intolerance below the surface that is neither Christ-like, nor good for the work of the kingdom." The apostle Peter said, "In your hearts set Christ apart as holy, as Lord. Always be ready to give a defense to … [Read more...] about QUARRELING AMONGST US