Now that the GCR has passed, the Task Force has been established, and the SBC begins to look at how we can better fulfill the Great Commission, we are going to look at what the GCR might end up becoming, the form it might take, and how it will effect the convention as a whole. Without a shadow of a doubt, Axiom IX has received the most attention. This is probably because some people are worried about their state jobs and a restructuring of the convention could change a lot of things. We are Baptist, we do not like change. Axiom IX could prove to be the most important piece of the … [Read more...] about Structuring The SBC Around Why We Exist
WHAT CAN I SAY?
Ever been there? You've talked and talked and no matter what evidence you give, what reason, what logic...nothing penetrates? You quote scriptures and give the principles. You present historical precedents and gather witnesses. But it doesn't make a whit of difference to folks. They are not budging. You get the impression that they aren't even listening or reasoning. Their minds are made up. When the impasse occurs, what can one say? There are times in life when there is nothing you can say. There are times when you must simply move on. There is nothing defeatist in that situation. There is … [Read more...] about WHAT CAN I SAY?
Blog Milestone
We just surpassed 300,000 hits. I hope everyone continues to enjoy the site. (if you have enjoyed it thus far!) We have had a resurgence of contributors and the blog has greatly benefited. In the near future we will be addressing what the GCR might shape up to be, what a restructuring might look like, and how it will help local churches better fulfill the Great Commission. There is a lot of excitement here at SBC Voices and in the SBC in general. May we continue to honor Christ in all that we do. … [Read more...] about Blog Milestone
In case you missed David Platt’s sermon…
There's been a lot of buzz about David Platt's sermon at the SBC pastor's conference (and rightly so!). Many would like to hear the sermon but, unfortunately, the streaming videos at sbcannualmeeting.com are not yet available and they don't know anyone who bought the tape. So, for those who want to hear the sermon and can't wait, here's a link to a slightly longer version of the same sermon preached by Platt at Southern Seminary chapel 2007. Enjoy! http://www.sbts.edu/resources/chapel/fall-2007/message-3/ Blessings, Todd … [Read more...] about In case you missed David Platt’s sermon…
Tracking The Clark Logan Controversy
Since Thursday afternoon, there has been a conversation on Twitter about the abrupt "resignation" of Clark Logan from the Executive Committee staff. You can follow the events in real time via the Twitter hastag #ClarkLogan View the Twubs for this topic Run the Twitter search Read the official news story … [Read more...] about Tracking The Clark Logan Controversy
Forget about Mark Driscoll; Let’s discuss Ergun Caner
I'm sorry to hog up the posts recently, but after sitting on it for a week, I feel it is necessary to say something about a tweet that I came across during the SBC Annual Meeting last week. It comes from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary president Ergun Caner and is in regards to the continuing SBC debate over what the Bible says concerning alcohol consumption. At 10:50 PM on June 23rd, erguncaner wrote, "If there is no difference between imbibing [drinking] and getting drunk, can I just smoke a little pot? It's good for the stomach (they say)..." Wow! I know this is supposed to … [Read more...] about Forget about Mark Driscoll; Let’s discuss Ergun Caner
Baptist Disagreements — Things to Avoid
In the previous post, Todd Burus asked a question concerning the response to Calvinism among some in the SBC. The post has generated a number of comments that are helpful in understanding the issue. Of course, Calvinism is only one among many issues present in the SBC today. Similar issues, even some that came up at the annual meeting last week, include Baptist identity, alien immersion, alcohol, separation, cooperative missions, who can take communion, neo-Landmarkism, church growth methodology, contextualization, the list could go on… Having read much about doctrinal controversies in … [Read more...] about Baptist Disagreements — Things to Avoid
Calvinism: The New Racism in the SBC?
Coming out of last week's meeting in Louisville I feel more optimistic about the future of our convention than I did this time last year. I have a new found respect for Johnny Hunt, a deeper understanding of the decision making process, and reasons to look forward to next years get-together in sunny Orlando. However, as I remarked in my last post, there are still two things that I am thinking about. I will leave the SBC/Acts 29 cooperation aside until a later date, and instead focus on what I find to be is the most perplexing question in Southern Baptist life today: why are there still … [Read more...] about Calvinism: The New Racism in the SBC?
Louisville in the Rearview Mirror
Although this is late in comparison to many of my friends and colleagues from around the convention I thought it might still be appropriate to jot down a few thoughts about this year's annual meeting. These are not intended to be comprehensive, but rather something of a snapshot from my mind - which has great potential to be terrifying, I'll grant you, none the less here we go. Positives: First, let's start with what I viewed as good or even great parts of the convention. Pastor's Conference Preaching: I have never been so encouraged as I was this year concerning the … [Read more...] about Louisville in the Rearview Mirror
Sitting in the Back and Getting Annoyed
My husband and I, like many others within the church body, have a deep and abiding love for children. We have always considered our church family to be a great and lasting influence in our lives and are thankful for each and every person we have met along the way. We don't live near family and that is sometimes difficult for our children, especially. However, we have strived to teach our children that they belong to a greater family that exceeds the limits of our own homefront or DNA. This teaching has extended through all of the churches we have been members of in the last 20 years during … [Read more...] about Sitting in the Back and Getting Annoyed