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
A solution to weekly worship woes…
Should you preach ignorantly, half-heartedly, “going through the motions” or with the wrong motives? Should you listen to preaching ignorantly, half-heartedly, “going through the motions” or with the wrong motives? Should you worship in song ignorantly, half-heartedly, “going through the motions” or with the wrong motives? Should you give financially ignorantly, half-heartedly, “going through the motions” or with the wrong motives? Should you pray ignorantly, half-heartedly, “going through the motions” or with the wrong motives? Should you encourage your fellow believers ignorantly, … [Read more...] about A solution to weekly worship woes…
What the SBC Blogs are saying…
Here are the latest posts from the most influential SBC blogs and news feeds. Posts from all 500+ blogs are listed on our SBC blog directory page. … [Read more...] about What the SBC Blogs are saying…
Russell Moore on Glenn Beck and American Christianity
Honestly, this is one of the best articles I have read in quite some time. Russell Moore nails it on the head in regards the influence Beck and those like him have on American Christianity: Rather than cultivating a Christian vision of justice and the common good (which would have, by necessity, been nuanced enough to put us sometimes at odds with our political allies), we’ve relied on populist God-and-country sloganeering and outrage-generating talking heads. We’ve tolerated heresy and buffoonery in our leadership as long as with it there is sufficient political “conservatism” and a … [Read more...] about Russell Moore on Glenn Beck and American Christianity
What’s the History of Pastor Appreciation Day?
I was doing a little research last night about Pastor Appreciation Day. It turns out this unofficial holiday is better known as "Clergy Appreciation Day" or "Clergy Appreciation Month." No Wikipedia page = more work. I found some clues on the Hallmark website. Notably the holiday only dates back to 1992 and is always celebrated on the second Sunday in October. They first sold cards for pastor's appreciation in 2002. I found another helpful post on Leading from the Heart, a UMC blog written by Rev. Laurie Haller. She had this blockquote from the Sept./Oct. 1996 issue of the Saturday … [Read more...] about What’s the History of Pastor Appreciation Day?