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 kindness.
Oh yes. I almost forgot. Our 175 year old convention of churches is that way of cooperating for the Lord and His work.
Honest Southern Baptists must admit that we’ve always chosen up sides and gamed the SBC system to be in the know and in power. Too bad. A declining convention doesn’t have a lot of time nor extra energy and effort to expend on silly games, even if you convince yourself that you are actually saving the convention by destroying it.
But, let’s be optimistic. We skipped one SBC annual meeting for providential reasons. Maybe we could go for two and sanity will magically appear.
We face a couple of existential threats but fidelity to Scripture is not one of them.
_______________________
…with hopes for Dave Miller’s speedy recovery from COVID-19.
Nailed it!
I have come to believe that if we see and act as though the SBC works from the bottom up, we’ll be good. The IMB works this way. We give money to send missionaries. It works. People love it. No one ever thought the IMB was trying to influence churches or change the way people see the SBC via the IMB. But some agencies by their nature have a top down influence. That is where the problems can arise. If churches, rightly or wrongly, get the impression that denominational funds are being used to bring change to churches that’s a… Read more »
What was Kevin Ezell’s video to FBC Naples?
FBC Naples was considering a man to be pastor. Before the vote, Kevin Ezell sent a video saying that the candidate was a great guy and the church should vote for him. The church did not select him as pastor.
This comment shows a lot of insight. Entity heads should be careful in influencing churches with staff. It’s a ticklish situation. We expect recommendations and referrals but there can be problems. I wouldn’t want an aggressive attempt to interfere in a local church decision. I’m not sure how NAMB tries to influence churches in a region. ERLC has an almost impossible job. We are celebrity driven on many things which leaves normal sized church pastors feeling powerless and unimportant. If the name “change” were a real change, I’d say you’ve hit the bullseye with this comment in that regard but… Read more »
“Honest Southern Baptists must admit that we’ve always chosen up sides and gamed the SBC system to be in the know and in power.”
It’s been the M.O. of the SBC for a long time. That’s how the previous “CR” as it is called got into power in the first place.
In regard to the Naples matter, my judgement is that it’s not prudent to drag all that out here. Divided church and much disappointment and anger.
I wouldn’t want mega/celeb interference in my local church.
Just FYI – videos by Jon Harris are not welcome on this blog. We have standards.
Maybe you can just get Ezell to send you a copy and you can pu that part back up.
Continuing to pray for a speedy and thorough recovery, Dave. Hope you feel better soon.
you need to raise them then and allow him.
You don’t have to allow links to the guy’s stuff — you guys can make that editorial decision. The “standards” comment is a cheap shot, though. Better to say nothing if you think that poorly of him.
And I wasn’t the one who sent the video.
Dave, praying for your recovery.
Absolutely serious. I think Jon Harris is a blight on the faith – dishonest and a rumor-mongerer, not to mention his racial views, which are disgusting.
When we are listening to him, we need not wonder at American Christianity’s dysfunction.
What is “American Christianity”? and could you point me to the Scriptures in a effort to support such a designation. – Thank you.
No need to pick a fight. Christianity in America. Perhaps you don’t see any dysfunction.
Obviously you feel strongly. I’m not aware of Harris’s racial views being disgusting. If you could specify, I would appreciate it. I’m guessing few on here have any idea. I’m aware his views on slavery are similar to Nettles, but that is a different debate.
He is a vocal defender of the Confederacy, a defense that goes far beyond what is seemly. Nettles called the overt slavery and racism of the SBC’s Founders something like “supposed offenses” or “Alleged misdeeds.” These guys are downplaying the sin of slavery and racism.
I am reminded, though, that in the SBC, for all the talk about the local church being SBC HQ, we are basically ruled by an oligarchy and there’s a long string of failed oligarchs. I’m somewhat triggered here.
Praying for Dave Miller’s complete recovery.
I’ve worked for secular businesses that had better ethics policies when it came to “unsolicited recommendations” and other favors that could potentially be a demonstration of favoritism or something being agenda driven. In a Christian denomination, professionalism and ethical behavior shouldn’t require written policy to work, but unfortunately, not everyone gets it.
I’m disappointed. I was looking forward to a good villain list!