Double Trouble for the IMB, Mark Terry. The former IMB missionary and seminary professor wrote of our IMB personnel being evacuated from many parts of the world due to COVID-19. This and the financial impact of the virus made for the "double trouble." Fortunately, IMB was and is in a solid financial position. Reports for the latest Lottie Moon offering are encouraging. This was the top post by a considerable margin, mainly due to connections through social media. It was many times our usual daily figure. How the Conservative Baptist Network Took Control of the Executive Committee. Jared … [Read more...] about What you read most on Voices in 2020
At the Heart of the CRT Debate – at Least for Me (Daryl C. Cornett)
The acrimony in the debate about Critical Race Theory in the SBC is reaching new heights. I believe we must have this discussion, but it need not tear us apart like it is currently. It is a deeply emotional and complex issue with great importance regarding our identity and our commitments as Southern Baptists. On the one side, we have those who are holding up CRT scholarship as a helpful, maybe even necessary tool, to propel the SBC over the racism hump. On the other side, we have those who are waving warning flags that CRT imports an ideology that is hostile to our commitment to the … [Read more...] about At the Heart of the CRT Debate – at Least for Me (Daryl C. Cornett)
Response to SBC Presidents on Critical Race Theory (Rick Armstrong)
In my view, Critical Race Theory is neither primary nor necessary for followers of Christ to formulate a comprehensive, effective ministry that addresses the evils of white supremacy and racism in American society. God’s Word is the true lamp to our feet and light to our path. Nevertheless, we have a Christian and moral responsibility to do everything we can to eradicate racism from every area of the church and within each community where our churches are located. Holy Scripture is our first and highest authority to be consulted in overcoming any sin in the church and the world. Our SBC … [Read more...] about Response to SBC Presidents on Critical Race Theory (Rick Armstrong)
Lost and Found
Our church keeps a lost and found box in the church office. Folks leave behind Bibles, umbrellas, sunglasses, coffee mugs, and all sorts of things. Probably, you have a lost and found box, too. I’ve been thinking that in 2020 our churches lost some things and found some things. Lost Things Twelve weeks of in-person worship services. Our church had to cancel in-person worship for 12 weeks in March, April, and May. Who imagined that in January 2020? Vacation Bible School. We always have VBS! Not this year. The pandemic forced us to cancel it. A few churches in our area offered virtual … [Read more...] about Lost and Found
Some under noticed SBC news stories from 2020
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