These are not prioritized: Boy Scouts bankruptcy could leave churches liable in future sex abuse claims. This Baptist Press article from October advised SBC churches "who chartered or have ever hosted a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop should seek legal counsel now in case they are named in future sex abuse claims against the BSA, a Southern Baptist legal representative told Baptist Press." The gist of the article was that churches which hosted or did host a BSA troop might have legal exposure as a result of the BSA declaring bankruptcy. BSA has no assets victims can access, they may come … [Read more...] about Some under noticed SBC news stories from 2020
Breathless, melodramatic update from the Georgia senatorial runoff race!
Jupiter and Saturn have passed alignment but the stars in the heavens may or may not align Georgia republicans Purdue and Loeffler. Will the solar system survive the election of two more Dems to the senate? The galaxy? The universe? Humanity and huwomanity? BBQ grilling? Gas lawnmowers? Sweet tea? Hundreds of millions of dollars are flooding into my fair state, Georgia, on both sides of the race for the two senate positions. I estimate that before it's over, and the election is nine days off, hundreds of dollars will be spent just on yours truly, a Georgia citizen and voter. This mail … [Read more...] about Breathless, melodramatic update from the Georgia senatorial runoff race!
A Letter from Dr. Jamie Dew to the NOBTS Faculty
We received this letter from a friend of the NOBTS community. It was addressed to the faculty of NOBTS which was circulated around noon yesterday. After receiving the letter we contacted Dr. Dew for permission to post it here. Upon our request and our encouragement to him that this is an important statement which we believe could be a healing salve in the midst of our family strife he gave us permission to do so. Dear NOBTS & Leavell College Faculty, Greetings and Merry Christmas to you all. I hope that you are having a restful break and that you are enjoying your time with family and … [Read more...] about A Letter from Dr. Jamie Dew to the NOBTS Faculty
Top SBC news of 2020 (Part One, maybe)
COVID-19 and churches. Need anything more be said? The seminary president’s statement on CRT/I blows up. This is ongoing as I write. Messy. Alaska Baptist state convention votes to destroy the Cooperative Program. Very poor move by one of our smallest state conventions. As Ronnie Floyd said in response, "It's the CP program, not the CP cafeteria." Undermining the CP because you are mad at NAMB is not a good approach. Six state convention leaders issue joint complaint to the SBC Executive Committee about NAMB. Back in the sultry days of August, six smaller conventions sent a letter to … [Read more...] about Top SBC news of 2020 (Part One, maybe)
Winter solstice today, thank God
No. I’m not having a pagan party to celebrate but might indulge in a swig of ridiculously sweet egg nog, sans hard likker, to celebrate. I mean, we’re only getting 9 hours and 53 minutes of daylight here. That’s not enough for civilized people. After 5:02 this morning we get a little more sun each day. Southern Baptists could use some additional sunshine. It’s been a bleak year mostly with the virus (I haven’t been to indoor church since March 15th). The two gummit checks (second one coming soon) haven’t assuaged my mild moroseness over the whole thing. I’ve got friends who have … [Read more...] about Winter solstice today, thank God
Jill, don’t worry about that doctorate…at least from SBCers
Seems there's some sort of dust up over the proper title of Jill Biden, wife of the PRESIDENT ELECT, Joe Biden. Some business about "Dr. Biden" being the proper designation rather than just Jill or Ms. Biden or whatever. I confess that I thought she was an M.D. rather than an Ed.D. She has a doctorate in education, not medicine, not a PhD. Doesn't matter to me. It's a free country. She can insist on whatever title she wants. I'll not quibble about it. But nothing is more inflated in church life than this business of titles. Well, maybe egos are more inflated, but I'm writing about the … [Read more...] about Jill, don’t worry about that doctorate…at least from SBCers
The Sufficiency of Scripture and Resolution 9
There is a phrase which I've seen tossed around lately in all our talks about critical-race theory and other issues of social justice. The phrase is even one which has become a hallmark of the relatively newly launched Conservative Baptist Network (CBN) You can see the phrase in their Twitter tag-line: “Sufficiency. The Bible, alone.” That precious doctrine which is being propelled to the front line of battle is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. But I do not believe that phrase or the doctrine is being properly represented. The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith explains … [Read more...] about The Sufficiency of Scripture and Resolution 9
Response to Seminary Presidents’ Statement (Marshal Ausberry)
SBC First Vice President and President of the National African American Fellowship of the SBC Marshal Ausberry, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA, released the following statement this past Friday. You can also see the statement along with an interview with Baptist Press here. December 11, 2020 Over the last week and a half I have received much communication related to the Council of Seminary Presidents’ statement and related comments published in the Baptist Press on November 30, 2020. Let me say that first and foremost I and the National African American Fellowship of … [Read more...] about Response to Seminary Presidents’ Statement (Marshal Ausberry)
Why I Signed Up for the Vaccine Trial
Like most people, 2020 has been a whirlwind of emotions, confusion, and stress. Being a pastor during a pandemic has been the most challenging thing I have ever had to deal with. In the early stages, just trying to make a sound decision on when or if to stop gathering for worship was difficult. No matter what decision was made, I knew that I was going to be second-guessed by everyone. On top of those decisions, it was equally as challenging for many pastors to decide to reopen for worship: some thought it was too soon, while others thought that we should never have stopped meeting in the … [Read more...] about Why I Signed Up for the Vaccine Trial
From Boys to Men: My Response to the SBC Seminary Presidents’ CRT Statement
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.” (I Corinthians 13:11 CSB) I am often asked the question, why do I remain in the Southern Baptist Convention? A recent joint statement on race made by the six seminary presidents of the SBC has brought that question back into discussion once again. The crux of the seminary presidents’ statement is as follows: In light of current conversations in the Southern Baptist Convention, we stand together on historic Southern Baptist condemnations of racism in … [Read more...] about From Boys to Men: My Response to the SBC Seminary Presidents’ CRT Statement