(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
The character of God is the basis for a Great Commission Resurgence. In the Bible’s opening act of creation, we learn that he is a God of life and love. In the aftermath of the Fall, we find that he is still a God of life and love, setting in motion His plan to redeem His image-bearers and restore his creation. It is this same God who gave the Great … [Read More]
Aspect 1: A Mission Revealed in the Christian Scriptures
On GCR Myths (And Those Who Spread Them)
In recent days Danny Akin and now Ronnie Floyd have addressed what they believe to be myths about the Great Commission Resurgence, or at least the work of the GCR Task Force. A few bloggers and at least one state paper editor have responded. A common theme in these responses is that the blogger or other interlocutor claims he has not heretofore heard of the myth. Some have asked for evidence of the myth in either hard print or in the … [Read More]
The 21st Century SBC: Seven Crucial Aspects of our Mission
The 21st Century SBC: Six Crucial Aspects of our Mission
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
In light of recent debate and discussion about the future of the Southern Baptist Convention, this series of posts delineates seven crucial factors for the success of our cooperative mission as we move forward together in reaching the nations with the gospel. Our mission must be one that is (1) revealed in the Christian Scriptures, (2) based upon God’s mission, (3) … [Read More]
Baptist Messenger Launches Insight Podcast Ministry
One of the more helpful ministries that the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina used to provide was podcast interviews with various Southern Baptist pastors, denominational servants, and other leaders. (In the interest of full disclosure, me and my fellow BtT contributors were periodic contributors to those podcasts, which are still available at this website.) I’m pleased that Doug Baker will be doing similar podcasts now that he is working with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The … [Read More]
Myths Concerning the GCRTF: A Postscript
In June at the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, I had a conversation with my father in the ministry and hero in the faith. That man is Dr. Paige Patterson. My love for this man cannot be measured in human words. My gratitude for his investment in my life is impossible for me to express. Now, I know he does not always agree with me, but I have never doubted he loves me and wants … [Read More]
The word “enough” is the enemy of the Gospel
The word “enough” is the enemy of the Gospel. The word “enough” about killed me spiritually.
For many years I have lived with a complex… Have I given enough? Do I love enough? Do I share Christ enough? Do I sacrifice enough? Should I be living in a downtown Durham project? Should I adopt 3 adolescent runaways from Russia? Should I be sharing our house with a homeless man? Should I give away 50% of my … [Read More]
Myth #8: The GCRTF plans to abolish NAMB or dissolve it into the IMB.
To be fair it is easy to see how this myth has arisen. In fact it only constitutes as a myth as it relates to the current work of the GCRTF. Beyond that, as far as it being an item of intense discussion and interest, it is anything but a myth!
In the “Axioms message” I raised the question of some possible mergers (I was not specific) to increase efficiency and avoid duplication. Tim Patterson, chairman … [Read More]
Wise Counsel on Coping with “Evil-Speaking”
This sage advice comes from Charles Simeon, the great 19th century Anglican evangelical:
1st – To hear as little as possible what is to the prejudice of others.
2nd – To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to it.
3rd – Never to drink into the spirit of one who circulates an ill report.
4th - Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed towards others.
5th – Always to believe, that … [Read More]
Myth #7: The GCRTF is about diluting our Baptist identity and distinctives so that we begin to look more like the American Evangelical Convention than the Southern Baptist Convention.
This myth was unknown to me. I had not heard about it. However, a member of the TF for whom I have great love and respect assured me it was out there and that is would be helpful if it were addressed. As it relates to the GCRTF the fear was we would bring recommendations for partnerships and alliances that could compromise our Baptist identity and distinctives. In a sense this concern is similar to … [Read More]
