Why are “professing” followers of Jesus not being a major part of the solution to our broken and divided American culture? I have been thinking a lot lately about where we have missed it over the years in training up believers to worship the person of King Jesus, and to delightfully be “all in” with His mission to bring God’s glory to the nations. A short article will not answer this huge subject, but I am coming to believe that we have over-complicated the matter. In a life-on-life relationship, if we helped a believer know how to pray, study their Bible, share their faith—and then reproduce … [Read more...] about Discipleship Gap (by Jimmy Meek)
Breaking News from LifeWay – Thom Rainer to Seek Peace
LifeWay's CEO, Ben Mandrell, and their Trustee officers have brought a lawsuit against Thom Rainer (in apparent contradiction of Scripture). They announced that they were ending the lawsuit to seek a peaceful resolution, but it was later found that this was not the case. They were only "suspending" their legal action during negotiations. Thom Rainer made a statement a couple of days ago asserting several clear facts which could have been easily disproven by LifeWay or their trustee officers with simple evidence. No evidence has been produced. Instead of seeking peace, Mandrell and LifeWay … [Read more...] about Breaking News from LifeWay – Thom Rainer to Seek Peace
Alaska state convention action: Can the CP survive cafeteria style? [Revised, updated, nuanced]
There is other news of note than the sad saga of LifeWay and President and Mrs. Trump being sick. For a bright, positive example consider our IMB appointing 80 new missionaries, ones that are "fully funded" and supported by our existing revenue stream. More on that later. But about the Alaska state convention and our beloved Cooperative Program as reported in Baptist Press: Alaska Baptists vote to withhold CP funds ANCHORAGE, Alaska (BP) – Messengers to the annual meeting of the Alaska Baptist Resource Network took the unprecedented step of attempting to withhold the allocation of … [Read more...] about Alaska state convention action: Can the CP survive cafeteria style? [Revised, updated, nuanced]
As the LifeWay Lawsuit Saga Turns…UPDATE – Trustee email
It appears that LifeWay Trustees may be realizing the damaging optics of this lawsuit they instigated against Thom Ranier, the well-respected former CEO of LifeWay. I was given a statement distributed by Todd Fannin, Chairman of the Board, written to the Trustees, but released to the press. The Trustee Executive Committee met today to discuss the most recent developments with Dr. Rainer. While there have been numerous public misstatements and inaccuracies surrounding this matter, we have been and continue to be hopeful that we may resolve this issue with Dr. Rainer regarding his … [Read more...] about As the LifeWay Lawsuit Saga Turns…UPDATE – Trustee email
#SBC21 Hotel Reservations Open Tomorrow
Are you planning to join 10,000 of your closest friends in Nashville in June for the SBC Annual Meeting? If so, make sure you are at your computer at 9am EDT tomorrow (October 1) so you can make your hotel reservation. The website is sbcannualmeeting.net. I'm told there are over 1,400 hotel rooms for messengers at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. That's a lot more than are usually available at the convention hotel, but they will still go quickly. Don't hesitate. Lord willing, I'll see you in Nashville! … [Read more...] about #SBC21 Hotel Reservations Open Tomorrow
Rainer’s Response Makes Mandrell’s LifeWay Lawsuit MORE Troubling
This seemed as though it was worthy of a follow-up article. Dr. Rainer responded to Robert Downen (one of the best religion journalists in America) of the Houston Chronicle. His response is even more troubling, calling LifeWay's actions into question. It seems as though LifeWay is jumping to the lawsuit without much of an effort at all to find a more Christ-honoring and irenic way to solve it. The Chronicle is running a special (99 cents for 12 weeks - well worth it). Sign up if you want to read the article, but here is Rainer's statement. I was saddened to learn late yesterday of the … [Read more...] about Rainer’s Response Makes Mandrell’s LifeWay Lawsuit MORE Troubling
Why Is Ben Mandrell (and LifeWay) Suing Thom Rainer?
The SBC is sounding plenty of sour notes these days - political roilings and wranglings, theological false accusations, racial unrest, schism, and discord abounding. In an environment such as this, the icing on the cake would seem to be another lawsuit between prominent Southern Baptists. Just what 2020 ordered, right? Last night, I was given a PDF of a lawsuit originating from Ben Mandrell and LifeWay against the former president, Thom Rainer. It was filed yesterday. I'm not sure how clear my COVID-infested brain is and so I'm reticent to opine on legal issues on which I claim no expertise … [Read more...] about Why Is Ben Mandrell (and LifeWay) Suing Thom Rainer?
You want SBC villains?
Then lock and load because all SBC leaders have giant, bright red bullseyes on their back. Sadly, it's part of our system. I diverge from almost all SBC leaders - the number of which includes entity heads, celeb megapastors, influencers, and others - on a few things but not enough to leave or participate in a new and needless CR. There has to be a way that we consider ourselves on the same side against the devil, debauchery, and societal deterioration. There also has to be a way for Bible believing churches and people to join together in favor of the Gospel, grace, goodness, and … [Read more...] about You want SBC villains?
Still no report from the ERLC study task force
The SBC Executive Committee voted back in February to form a study task force to “review the past and present activities” of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). It was reported at the time that the task force would report back to the Executive Committee by September. The EC met today virtually. Not a word was mentioned about the ERLC study task force. The abbreviated meeting was held online due to safety concerns related to the pandemic. EC Chairman Rolland Slade said that he hopes to have a full meeting in February. He said, "We all know that there are a number of … [Read more...] about Still no report from the ERLC study task force
Discussion over our name is not a new thing
If you follow Southern Baptist news (and why wouldn't you) then you are aware that recently the discussion about changing the name of the SBC to "Great Commission Baptists" has been brought back to the forefront. One of the main reasons for this is the announcement of the theme for 2021 Annual Meeting in Nashville. In what is either a brilliant move of marketing, an epic troll, or more likely a desire to promote the gospel the theme will be "We Are Great Commission Baptists." Baptist Press reports that the theme connects to the effort by many to use the name approved by SBC Messengers in … [Read more...] about Discussion over our name is not a new thing