SBC Voices

Homosexuality and Your Church

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What do the gay people in your church look like? Do you spot them by their flamboyant clothing . . . their mannerisms . . . their declarations? When a brother or sister in your church came to you to ask you for your help and support in their personal struggle against homosexuality . . . what did you do to walk with them? How did you respond the last time this happened to you? “Oh . . . we don’t have that problem in our church,” you say? If you are a typical Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma, you do. If it is not a problem for Southern Baptists, why did Jimmy Draper lead in the … [Read more...] about Homosexuality and Your Church

Developing a heart for the lost

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Today while meeting with my Pastor and Sunday School director, we observed that our church is not good at welcoming new faces. At times, people visit us and they do not feel welcome. I suggested this is a symptom of not having a heart for the lost. When by the grace of God a lost person shows up at our church, every member should be concerned for the soul of that visitor. That concern should reveal itself in many ways, none of which result in the person feeling unwelcome. Focusing on developing a heart for the lost is a far better focus that training people in kindness. Not only will … [Read more...] about Developing a heart for the lost

Missional Living- More than a thought

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This is the end of a post I wrote late last night... Here are a few ways God has specifically challenged me with missional living: 1) To be an example to my small group about what it means to live on mission for Jesus. 2) To engage the Mormons in my own community. I have been here since February and I haven't heard one story of a particular group of people, or church, or whatever that has intentionally engaged the Mormons. I hope to help change that. 3) To take God at his word. Yes, this is missional living. If we actually take him at his word our lives will look radically different. … [Read more...] about Missional Living- More than a thought

Engaging Your Neighbor

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The phrase "engaging your culture" is often used and in my opinion, misused.  We aren't trying to engage a culture, but rather a people within a culture.  I know I am somewhat arguing semantics, but I think rephrasing it to "engage your neighbor" helps put things into perspective.  We are trying to win people.  We are not, or at least should not, be trying to "win a culture." With that being said...  What are some things that you and/or your church is doing in order to engage your neighbors, your community?  Is it more than inviting them to your church to hear your "awesome band" and … [Read more...] about Engaging Your Neighbor

“Vision is overrated”

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This was a tweet that I read from Jared Wilson... I'm not sure what I think about it. "Vision is overrated" From what I have seen, many in the Reformed camp tend to shy away from words and topics such as "vision," while other camps-such as Andy Stanley, Craig Gross, etc. spend a little(maybe a lot) too much time on "vision." In my mind when the Bible talks about leadership, which is a lot, "vision" is included.  Vision is in fact part of leadership and it isn't something we can ignore, at least if we are to be good leaders. To have a productive conversation about this I would like … [Read more...] about “Vision is overrated”

Revealing Our Inner Onion

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I know the journey seems so long. You feel you're walking on your own. But there has never been a step Where you've walked out all alone. Troubled soul don't lose your heart, Cause joy and peace he brings. And the beauty that's in store, Outweighs the hurt of life's sting. There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, We’ll see Jesus face to face. But until that day, we'll hold on to you always. -- Jeremy Camp, "There Will Be a Day" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-TG4sRRiQ But … [Read more...] about Revealing Our Inner Onion

Diverse Voices Debate: What Does Eternal Security Have to Do with Baptism?

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Is the belief in eternal security necessary to perform a valid, biblical baptism? Do the doctrinal beliefs of the church or administrator of baptism contribute to the validity of that baptism? Should a person who wishes to join a Baptist church and was baptized by immersion in a church that believes salvation can be lost be re-baptized in a Baptist church? This debate has raged in blogs for years, often creating as much heat as light. In our last debate we focused on church oversight of baptism. Now, we tackle this thorny issue in hopes that we can take one step toward greater … [Read more...] about Diverse Voices Debate: What Does Eternal Security Have to Do with Baptism?