Before I say some things that might rankle some feathers here, let me say that I am a supporter of the Cooperative Program. In the nearly 30 years that I have been a pastor, I have served 4 churches (3 as “senior” pastor). Two of those churches gave 20% or more through the CP. My last two churches have hovered in the 12 percent range. I say all that to point out that I am not saying what I am going to say to excuse my own CP failures. I’m not sure what you consider an acceptable CP standard, but all four churches I’ve served have, I think, met that standard. When I was convention … [Read more...] about Cooperative Program Reality Check: Is the CP Really Our Sacred Cow?
How Can We Remedy Jesus-Detracting Issues in the SBC?
In a recent interview with Baptist Press, SBC President Bryant Wright listed his five primary goals as president: I want to call Southern Baptist Christians to return to their first love of Jesus Christ. We've let so many other priorities and influences of the world become more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship is what is most important for us all. I hope to challenge our convention to have a radical reprioritization of fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. When we love Jesus, we love the lost. This will call all of us as individuals and churches … [Read more...] about How Can We Remedy Jesus-Detracting Issues in the SBC?
Silent Statues in a Graceless Garden
If I was still climbing, you'd steady the ladder. If I were in pain, you'd ask what was the matter. So why all the silence when you saw me falling? Why turn away slowly when you hear me calling? If grace flows so freely, then why are we silent? If God says to give it, then why so defiant? If grace we've been given so we keep on livin' Then why so be so graceless to the other forgiven? Is my sin so mighty and I'm so to blame? While yours is so silly it's not worth the shame? Is that what grace does, covers sins just so small, That we wouldn't really need grace that much at … [Read more...] about Silent Statues in a Graceless Garden
CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices
Since CB Scott has insisted on publishing constant drivel about the Albalama Crismon Tripe football team (yes, I'm bitter - my Hawks lost this week), I thought the best thing to do would be to provide him his own dedicated blog post which will be specifically for sports-related posts. Here are the rules: 1) Trash-talking, as long as it is good-natured and clean is strongly encouraged. 2) Those who diss the Tide will be commended. 3) Those who diss the Yankees or the Hawkeyes will be warned, then punished. Not sure what the punishment will be yet, but I will try to make it fit the … [Read more...] about CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices
AN IRAQI MEET AND GREET
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