On Wednesday July 15th, Executive Committee president Morris Chapman issued a "clarification of intent" for the controversial statements he made during the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, KY. I have read it through several times now, and honestly, all that has been clarified for me is that Morris Chapman still doesn't get it. The first thing that I think Chapman doesn't get is the inappropriateness of his comments. The speech in question was delivered during the Executive Committee report on the Tuesday morning of the convention. This was time allotted for a report on EC … [Read more...] about Has Morris Chapman Clarified Anything?
How Are You Known?
Today there are folks who know you. Some know you by the ministry you have in your particular area. Some know you as husband, wife, father, mother, friend. Still some may only know you by what you write, how you act and interact with others on the blogs. They only know you by your words, your behavior–your reputation. What do they know? How are you known? When I read the passage below from Romans, I paused and thought about what Paul is saying: “First, I thank God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because [the report of] your faith is made known to all the world and is commended … [Read more...] about How Are You Known?
Should SBC churches be involved with other networks?
Yes. Plain and simple. In humility, we ought to recognize that some organizations are doing some thing better than the SBC and we ought to encourage joining with other networks. Mohler said recently, "SBC is going to have to grow accustomed to churches being involved in SBC AND other networks." I agree 100%. I don't want this thread to become about Mark Driscoll, but Acts 29 is an obvious example. Acts 29 is very good at assessing church planters and helping them plant churches. We ought to encourage networking with Acts 29 and other missions agencies such as Action International. … [Read more...] about Should SBC churches be involved with other networks?
More Diversity for the GCR Task Force
Johnny Hunt, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, has added four more members to the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. President Hunt, siting feedback he received from fellow SBC'ers, added people to the Task Force whom he believes will add to the diversification that people were calling for. The original task force was comprised of: – Ronnie Floyd (chairperson), pastor, FBC Springdale, Arkansas – Johnny Hunt, SBC president, pastor, FBC Woodstock, Georgia, – Jim Richards, executive director, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention – Frank Page, pastor, FBC, Taylors … [Read more...] about More Diversity for the GCR Task Force
From One Resurgence To Another
There is one major difference between the Conservative Resurgence and the Great Commission Resurgence. The Conservative Resurgence made the Southern Baptist Convention inward focused while the GCR is making the SBC outwardly focused. First, I must show my gratitude for the Conservative Resurgence. The fact that the CR made the SBC more inwardly focused is not a bad thing. We could of easily continued to be outwardly focused under the name of "missions" while out convention withered away into liberalism. The need for the Conservative Resurgence was and is obvious. If it were not for the … [Read more...] about From One Resurgence To Another
Structuring The SBC Around Why We Exist
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