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
Time to come together and pray for president elect Biden
Our venerable Electoral College votes today in their respective states. Diehards still see options, probably extending to Inauguration Day and beyond. Let them exercise their first amendment rights loudly but peacefully, but Joe Biden won. Donald Trump lost...and lost...and lost...and lost. One need not agree with any of Biden’s positions, policies, appointments, or nominees but Christians do need to pray for political leaders - a clear biblical mandate, not an optional suggestion. The sooner prayers begin, the better. And join me in continuing in prayer for President Trump for the next … [Read more...] about Time to come together and pray for president elect Biden
What’s YOUR Problem with Resolution 9 – Be Specific
I am going to do something a bit cumbersome and pedantic in this post. I have copied the entire text of the controversial Resolution 9 from 2019 which has been the source of so much argument. I am going to comment on it section by section and ask those who are so upset about it to identify exactly what their issue is with it. It should be fairly clear which parts are the text of the resolution and which parts are my comments. Definitions: Defining CRT and I is anything but easy. Here is my attempt. Critical Race Theory - The UCLA School of Public Affairs in an article called "What is … [Read more...] about What’s YOUR Problem with Resolution 9 – Be Specific
Does the future growth of the SBC depend on non-anglo congregations?
For many reasons it appears so, and has for some time. Check the graph recently compiled by the SBC Executive Committee comparing various congregation types over the 1990-2018 period. You may find this and other data in Ronnie Floyd's recent excellent and informative article: A statistical analysis of growth in SBC congregations by race and ethnicity from 1990-2018. To wit: Compare anglo growth, around 11 percent over the period, to non-anglo growth (African American + Hispanic + Asian American + Other ethnic) whose growth rate was over 30 percent. Anglo churches still make up … [Read more...] about Does the future growth of the SBC depend on non-anglo congregations?
The IMB Takes Great Care of Our Missionaries
I’m glad to report that the International Mission Board takes good care of its 3,600 missionaries. In this post I’ll explain the many ways in which the IMB does this. Again, if you did not read my profile, my wife and I served with the IMB in Southeast Asia for 24 years. We retired from the IMB in 2014. Medical and Dental Coverage. The IMB provides 100% coverage for medical and dental services while the missionaries are on the field. If the needed medical care is not available locally (often the case), the IMB pays for the missionary to go to a city or another country where the care is … [Read more...] about The IMB Takes Great Care of Our Missionaries
A Plea to Minority Brothers and Sisters in the SBC
Recent developments in the SBC have provoked a strongly negative reaction among many Black pastors and other minorities, and many who are currently affiliated with the SBC are considering leaving our fellowship. When they express their frustrations and lament the racial situations in the SBC, they are rebuked, chastised, corrected, and labeled by some. Recent Developments 1. The passionate support of Donald Trump by many Southern Baptist leaders who justify his words and actions which many see as racially insensitive at best and racist at worst causes offense. Whatever we think of Donald … [Read more...] about A Plea to Minority Brothers and Sisters in the SBC
On Rescinding Resolutions
I’m seeing a strange suggestion being floated around social media of late and it concerns me. Most recently in the form of a tweet from the Conservative Baptist Network. On December 3rd 2020 someone from the organization posted… The post states, in part, “Furthermore, we look forward expectantly to the presidents’ cooperation with us in rescinding Resolution 9…” I believe the suggestion of rescinding any resolution is a misguided one with significant challenges and unfortunate consequences. Likely well meaning, but concerning nonetheless. For those who have expressed concern … [Read more...] about On Rescinding Resolutions