The following is a statement by Troy Bush, Lead Pastor, Rehoboth Baptist Church, Tucker, GA What we did not know then, we know now. And what we know should be important to Southern Baptists, especially Georgia Baptists. We didn’t know Franklin “Frankie” Andrew Wiley, a student minister who served our church family, Rehoboth Baptist Church, Tucker, GA, in the early 1980s had molested 5 of our boys. We also didn’t know he sexually abused other boys at other Georgia Baptist churches before and after his time at Rehoboth. We now know the names of each boy he assaulted in our … [Read more...] about SBC Sexual Abuse: One church’s response when the SBC process failed
What Messengers Should Know About the Conservative Baptist Network’s Plans for #SBC21
The SBC functions as a bottom-up convention of churches. It is often said that the headquarters of the SBC is in the local church. We say this for good reason. It is true. Between our annual meetings, our entities and their trustees carry out the will of the Messengers, who represent the churches. Whenever you have people involved, processes in place, and decisions being made, you have politics, which is not necessarily a problem. In part, it is just the way groups of people navigate collective decision-making. Thus, it is no surprise that the SBC, for many years, has operated with a … [Read more...] about What Messengers Should Know About the Conservative Baptist Network’s Plans for #SBC21
Whatever happened to social distancing #SBC21?
I got into an elevator at the convention hall. All was well until a bunch of people squeezed in after me. ”Anybody in here have germs? I asked, to the slight embarrassment of my wonderful wife. A lady opposite jerked her thumb at her husband, “He does,” she said. I wasn’t trying to start anything but it’s like a sardine factory here. Not a mask in sight but I did see a couple on the floor. I don’t know how long the Moon Pies will hold out in the exhibit hall but if everyone took four like I did, maybe not long. Two chocolate and two vanilla. Wanted to share if necessary. I … [Read more...] about Whatever happened to social distancing #SBC21?
Matt Henslee WINS!! Pastors Conference Nominations – LIVE Updates
The first nomination was a surprise - Austin Adams from Chicago. Vance Pitman is now nominating Matt Carter. Kyle Walker is nominating Jamar Andrews. Bruce Chester is nominating Greg Davidson from Vacaville California. Josh Reavis is nominating Matt Henslee. NOTE: We were told that ONLY senior pastors should vote. Sorry, women! Also, we are told that order of nomination was a random draw. Voting: pastors are asked to stand. Matt Henslee wins easily … [Read more...] about Matt Henslee WINS!! Pastors Conference Nominations – LIVE Updates
The EC Is Reminding Us Why Change Is Needed
As is normal, the Executive Committee is meeting today and they seem engaged in the task of reminding us just how badly change is needed there. Ronnie Floyd has been regaling them with how wonderful "we are" and they have been taking actions that say the opposite. Jared Wellman brought a motion to expand the investigation to include Rachael Denhollander'd suggested alterations. It was defeated. It becomes increasingly suspicious that Ronnie is seeking to use his investigation to avoid a real investigation. Rumors have been swirling about actions the CBN-controlled faction will seek to … [Read more...] about The EC Is Reminding Us Why Change Is Needed
SBC Voices Dinner tonight at Jack’s BBQ
It is getting harder to schedule a get-together for the SBC Voices family at the convention. We will be gathering at Jack's BBQ on Broadway, a brief walk from the convention center. We will seek to reserve some tables and have room when the IMB sending service dismisses. (5:30 to 6:00 pm). YOU are invited. Sorry- you pay your own check. Get your food and come upstairs. NOTE: if you walk out of the front of the MCC to Broadway, cross the street, Jack's will be there just a few doors down. … [Read more...] about SBC Voices Dinner tonight at Jack’s BBQ
Southern Baptists Are at a Fork in the Road (by Ed Stetzer)
I could have titled this piece “Southern Baptists are at a Crossroads.” Southern Baptists have faced many crossroads in their history. Yet where things sit for Southern Baptists in June 2021 isn’t a crossroads moment, but a fork-in-the-road moment. The choices facing Southern Baptists in the year of our Lord 2021 remind me of Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.” In that poem, Frost talks about how two roads diverged in the woods, leaving him with a choice of which road he was going to take. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in a few days will be facing votes on a series of … [Read more...] about Southern Baptists Are at a Fork in the Road (by Ed Stetzer)
The unique candidacy of Randy Adams
We’ve had candidates who said they would reform the SBC but never one that specified exactly what and who needs reforming - naming names and calling out wrongdoing. Randy Adams is unique in that fashion. Randy Adams will come in last in the first ballot but get more than a token few votes. I like a lot of his ideas on openness and transparency and have written several articles on him here and, rather than make a lot of new links, offer one piece with many links: So I https://sbcvoices.com/so-i-watched-an-hour-of-randy-adams-live-last-night/ watched an hour of Randy Adams las … [Read more...] about The unique candidacy of Randy Adams
#SBC21 Endorsement: Ramon Medina for 2VP (by Grant Gaines)
On Tuesday afternoon I’ll be nominating Pastor Ramon Medina for the position of Second Vice President of the SBC, and I hope you’ll prayerfully consider voting for him. With all the significant issues facing our convention right now, it’s vitally important for the newly elected SBC president to have qualified voices surrounding him to help lead our convention. We need high ranking elected officers who will have a team mentality to leadership and who will help Southern Baptists unite together for the purpose of advancing gospel mission and pursuing reconciliation. Pastor Ramon is that kind … [Read more...] about #SBC21 Endorsement: Ramon Medina for 2VP (by Grant Gaines)
Contributors: Convention Chaos Rules Apply
Normally, we try to space our articles by at least 5 hours or so, to give each article a fair chance to get read. Sometimes a post goes up accidentally or there is breaking news and we jump in. About 361 days a year we strive for order in the publication of posts. When the 4 days of the Pastors' Conference (SEND this year) and the Annual Meeting roll around, we drop the rules and institute "convention chaos." Publish when ready. There may be multiple posts within minutes. This post is just to remind our authors that if you have posts about anything other than convention business, … [Read more...] about Contributors: Convention Chaos Rules Apply