SBC Voices

FBC, Decatur: A Test Case For The SBC

by

There has been a divisive issue within Evangelicalism lately and it has hit the SBC once again. Wade Burleson recently wrote about the Georgia Baptist Convention's intentions to disfellowship with First Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia. I encourage you to read the post yourself. I warn you that it is very long and I cannot go into what exactly Burleson says... Here is the issue: The Southern Baptist Convention is complimentarian, according to the newest Baptist Faith and Message. We as Baptists, have the right to fellowship and disfellowship with whoever we choose. That is the … [Read more...] about FBC, Decatur: A Test Case For The SBC

Ministry Job Board At SBC Voices

by

Update: After testing, I don't think the current readership fits well with the idea. Just go to churchStaffing.com instead. I'm testing a new  job board feature for this site. It's integrated through a third party company and if it works it could be a revenue stream for this blog. But for now, I've set up a discount code KUMMER that will allow any 30 day job posting for no fee. So if your church (or a church you know) is looking for pastoral or ministry related job canidates, send them over for their free job listing. A little more about the reach of SBC Voices. Our email newsletter … [Read more...] about Ministry Job Board At SBC Voices

Do You Get Our Newsletter?

by

I just sent out the January edition of our Baptist Buzz email newsletter. It's the easiest way for you to keep up with what's being talked about on SBC blogs. Every month, I summarize the leading conversations and links some example posts. Why are we doing a newsletter? The simple answer is this: I wanted to open up a 2nd communication channel with our readers. The email list gives our most loyal readers an additional contact point with SBCvoices. It also provides an executive summary of the 100+ posts I mark each month as Baptist Buzz. The long answer has to do with reader retention and some … [Read more...] about Do You Get Our Newsletter?

Living Your Strengths Within The Church

by

We moved to Havelock North Carolina last summer and recently took an orientation type class at our new church. As part of the class, the Pastor presents all new members and/or member prospects the book Living Your Strengths by Winseman, Clifton, and Liesveld from Gallup Press. Included on the inside of each book jacket is an ID code that allows you to go online and take a test. Its purpose is to tell you your top five strengths. This test is an excellent resource and one I found quite honest in the results, even though the taking of the test itself was a bit overwhelming as you had to answer … [Read more...] about Living Your Strengths Within The Church

Ted Haggard, SBC Pastors & The Power Of Forgiveness

by

There was a USA Today story that came across my Google Reader tonight tagged "Southern Baptist Convention." It was plug for the new Ted Haggard documentary on HBO, but they also quoted LifeWay statistics about pastoral dismissals. One note: The LifeWay figures are about forced terminations. According to the LifeWay article, "The other thing to consider is that this just represents the best data we can gather on forced terminations. It doesn’t include those who were pressured out." What's the difference? Usually guys who resign are closer to repentance, either because their sins are too big … [Read more...] about Ted Haggard, SBC Pastors & The Power Of Forgiveness

URBAN GLORY & New Johnny Hunt Interviews

by

Bradley Cochran just sent me a reminder about a new ministry/website called URBAN GLORY. It looks like a great resource, especially for anyone in the Louisville area. Here are links to the U R B A N G L O R Y website, information about the 3D Event in Louisville this Friday 1/30/09, an interview with the co-founders, and a brief vision statement. You can also read about the website here. Don't miss their podcasts with Dr. Johnny Hunt :: Living a Dream :: 1 of 4 UG Co-founder Aaron Skinner spends 45 minutes with Pastor Johnny Hunt, senior pastor of the 15000 member First Baptist Church … [Read more...] about URBAN GLORY & New Johnny Hunt Interviews

Bible Memory Strategy

by

What methods and verse do you recommend for memorizing the Bible. Now that I'm out of seminary - I have no excuses for not packing my brain full of bible verses. What would you suggest? So, far my goals include: Relearn all the recently memorized verses Work through this list from Justin Taylor [PDF from Crossway] Memorize some shorter psalms or sections from the NT … [Read more...] about Bible Memory Strategy

Acts 29 vs. the SBC (One Year Later)

by

As some of you may have seen, in December 2007 there was quite a commotion caused about certain SBC churches mixing "beer with [their] Bible."  This was occurring in various ways, through Bible studies being hosted at bars, poker nights with BYOB notices, or simply just an open policy about a Christians right to brew and consume adult beverages.  Many of these churches, it happened, also shared another common bond besides their affinity for alcohol: they were funded by the Acts 29 Church Planting Network. For those of you who don't know, Acts 29 is a loose association of church planters and … [Read more...] about Acts 29 vs. the SBC (One Year Later)

Radical Reformation Today?

by

You may have missed it (like me), but yesterday was the anniversary of the Anabaptist Movement. This was a big deal for Dr. Paige Patterson and will be a perpetual observance at SWBTS. According to the school's website: President Paige Patterson proclaimed January 21 Radical Reformation Day at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary . . . “Today is a very significant day,” Patterson said, adding, “… a day that from this day forward in the life of Southwestern Seminary is going to be a day celebrated.” Update: Baptist Press ran a story about this today. If you need a refresher, you can … [Read more...] about Radical Reformation Today?

Serving Denominations Rather Than God

by

I caught this collection of quotes coming across my Google Reader. While I suspect these comments come from a critical spirit, there is something we can learn about being Baptist. "Having attended several denominations, and read/heard about many others (mostly Protestant), I've concluded one thing they all have in common is they are all wrong -- doctrinally -- about something. One of my biggest frustrations is that so many denominations serve their denomination as much as their God. I don't think church growth should be a goal. I don't think denomination status, tithes, attendance, etc., … [Read more...] about Serving Denominations Rather Than God