Normally, we try to space our articles by at least 5 hours or so, to give each article a fair chance to get read. Sometimes a post goes up accidentally or there is breaking news and we jump in. About 361 days a year we strive for order in the publication of posts. When the 4 days of the Pastors' Conference (SEND this year) and the Annual Meeting roll around, we drop the rules and institute "convention chaos." Publish when ready. There may be multiple posts within minutes. This post is just to remind our authors that if you have posts about anything other than convention business, … [Read more...] about Contributors: Convention Chaos Rules Apply
SBC Sexual Abuse Survivors Joint Statement
We come now collectively, as SBC sexual abuse survivors, to make our wishes known in regard to the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention. Together, we strongly urge that these immediate actions are taken: 1. All SBC messengers support the motion of Todd Benkert for the hiring of an outside organization to audit and assess abuse and mishandling of abuse within the denomination. 2. The scope of the Guidepost investigation into the Executive Committee is broadened to include the Credentials Committee and all paid, appointed, elected or … [Read more...] about SBC Sexual Abuse Survivors Joint Statement
When Owen Strachan Was Woke – WE Didn’t Change, THEY Did
The meme among those who find the pursuit of justice - active opposition to racism, dealing with abuse, etc - to be contrary to gospel Christianity is that it is new, an innovation that departs from the settled faith of our fathers. They repeat constantly that we (woke Christians, etc) are seeking to bring back liberalism and lead the convention to the left. One of the chief voices among them is Owen Strachan, until recently at MBTS, now at an obscure seminary in Arkansas. An article from 2014 was circulating yesterday which Owen Strachan wrote. It says EVERYTHING that we are saying today, … [Read more...] about When Owen Strachan Was Woke – WE Didn’t Change, THEY Did
These Additional Steps Needed in SBC EC Investigation
Recently the SBC Executive Committee announced that they had hired Guidepost Solutions to conduct an "independent process assessment" in response to "recent accusations of the inappropriate handling of sexual abuse claims." Response was varied, from affirming to skeptical to critical. The first question was about the firm they hired. Guidepost has handled some high-profile abuse cases recently. While some were skeptical, others praised the organization for its strong track record. Rachael Denhollander, a voice I trust more than any other on this subject, affirmed Guidepost, but relayed … [Read more...] about These Additional Steps Needed in SBC EC Investigation
Addressing the SBC Abuse Crisis — A Needed Next Step
Next week, during the Executive Committee report, Southern Baptists will have the second opportunity to vote to amend our constitution and address the issue of sexual abuse. The constitutional amendment we will voting is worded to provide accountability for churches to respond well to sexual abuse. Thus far, however, the newly founded credentials committee has proved to be ineffective in responding to reports of mishandling of abuse. So to survivors, what it looks like is a big fat nothing. And they’re not wrong. There is no database, not yet any real accountability, and known abusers continue … [Read more...] about Addressing the SBC Abuse Crisis — A Needed Next Step
#SBC21 Endorsement: Dr. Anthony Dockery for 1VP (by Marshall Blalock)
With all the focus on the Southern Baptist Convention’s presidential election, the office of First Vice-President is important for reasons that may not be obvious. The First VP steps in if unforeseen events cause the President to be unable to serve, and that reason alone makes the election important. However, the nomination of Dr. Anthony Dockery for this role is particularly important. The reason? Whoever is elected President will need someone of the character and background of Dr. Dockery to provide vitally important counsel. Dr. Dockery has the heart of a man willing to put his … [Read more...] about #SBC21 Endorsement: Dr. Anthony Dockery for 1VP (by Marshall Blalock)
Why Can’t We Just Fire Ronnie Floyd?
A friend asked me this question on Facebook messenger. Why can't we just make a motion and hold a vote to fire Ronnie Floyd from the Executive Committee? His leadership during these troubling times has been anything but unifying and inspirational. While conflagrations in the SBC have been igniting all around us, he has sent out articles about public invitations, and reminded us that "now is the time to lead." We need an inspiring statesman to draw us together but Ronnie seems more a flailing politician. There is a rising sentiment that the heart of the problem in SBC is the Executive … [Read more...] about Why Can’t We Just Fire Ronnie Floyd?
Do What Must Be Done, Whatever the Cost, to Eradicate the Sin in our Midst (by Brent Epling)
Southern Baptists are rightfully grieved over this week's many revelations. It seems like a hundred years ago when the Book of Reports revealed Southwestern Seminary's response to Ben Cole, which reported that its former president had absconded with seminary property, including confidential documents, artwork, and donor lists. Then, someone leaked two letters Russell Moore wrote detailing the Executive Committee's depravity in handling the SBC's rampant sexual abuse and racism problems. And in the past few days, more correspondence (and now a series of damning audio clips) have emerged of … [Read more...] about Do What Must Be Done, Whatever the Cost, to Eradicate the Sin in our Midst (by Brent Epling)
Lessons from Birmingham
It's no secret that the 2021 SBC Meeting in Nashville will have a focus on events that happened at the last meeting in Birmingham. There will (probably) be attempts to turn over Resolution 9, which has caused much discussion in Baptist circles since then. I will make no tries to predict the future, but I do think we can learn something from Birmingham. But for our lesson we need to go back a little farther than 2019, to the first time the Annual Meeting was held in Birmingham in 1891. Baptists were not always keen on the idea of having their own publishing arm. Several times this idea had … [Read more...] about Lessons from Birmingham
Nashville, We Have a Problem. Al Mohler Is Not the Answer.
We’re only a few days away from the SBC Presidential Election. It’s the time of year when people who aren’t paying much attention the rest of the year begin to consider the choices they’ll make at the Annual Meeting. I know many people have already made up their minds about who they’ll be voting for in Nashville. But there may be some who are still considering which nominee is the best choice. I’d like to offer some thoughts on the vote for SBC President, especially knowing that Al Mohler has the highest name recognition among those being nominated. I’m someone who should be a likely … [Read more...] about Nashville, We Have a Problem. Al Mohler Is Not the Answer.