Louisiana pastor M. E. Dodd was one of a half-dozen key leaders of the SBC during the first half of the 20th century. Dodd was an entrepreneurial leader who pastored a growing church, was a tireless advocate for evangelism and missions, and played a crucial role in the launching of numerous denominational ministries. Dodd’s most important contribution to wider Southern Baptist life was chairing the committee that created the Cooperative Program in 1925. This year … [Read More]
Prayer Request for the GCR Interim Report on February 22
Monday evening February 22 will be an important moment in SBC life as Dr. Ronnie Floyd will make an interim report from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. We had hoped to live stream the presentation but we were denied that request. However, Dr. Floyd will post a video that contains the substance of his report immediately following his presentation at the Executive Committee. We are excited and hopeful about what will be shared. Again, … [Read More]
When Words Aren’t Enough: A Report from the Field, Part 1
For much of the month of January, a colleague and I have been in an international setting serving with overseas workers. We have worked together daily in an educational context, and I have been reminded continually of the significance of the Great Commission. To say I am impressed by the workers of our mission board is an understatement, but I don’t want to embarrass my friends by being overly effusive about their labors. None of … [Read More]
With Whom Can My Church Cooperate?
In the past few days, I have had several fruitful conversations with seminarians, pastors, and prospective church planters about the nature of interchurch cooperation. One topic that has frequently arisen is that of cooperation with other churches in a given city or county. Specifically, mission-minded Southern Baptists want to know with whom their church can in good conscience cooperate, particularly in church planting. It’s a good and timely question.
Before proceeding much further, I need to … [Read More]
The 21st Century SBC: Conclusion
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
The great crisis of the SBC in the late 20th century was that biblical revelation itself was being attacked. The churches of the SBC met that challenge and will continue to do so. The challenge of the 21st century is not only to hold the ground won in the Conservative Resurgence, but to foster a Great Commission Resurgence. Evangelical Baptist theology goes hand-in-hand with mission. There is an inherent connection … [Read More]
Doug Baker on the SBC’s Ominous Future
Doug Baker has written a very insightful editorial about what’s at stake for Southern Baptists in the current debates about the GCR and related issues:
“Were the moderates right?” The sheer posing of such a question sent a collective gasp across Alumni Chapel. During a recent panel discussion when Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler, Jr., uttered these words in a place where moderates once dominated one of the world’s largest seminaries, it was not as … [Read More]
Aspect 4(b): A Mission Focused on This Nation (Multi-Faceted, All-Encompassing, Church-Centered)
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
Our mission must be multi-faceted:
In addition to proclaiming the gospel from inside of the four walls of a church building and in addition to community outreach programs and door-to-door visitations, we must continually remind ourselves and our congregations that everything we do matters to God. Drawing upon Martin Luther’s concept of vocatio, we must teach that every believer has the privilege and responsibility of bringing glory to God in each … [Read More]
Why I am Southern Baptist
As I sit in Asia working with some of our IMB missionaries, I am blessed to see the work we do together. And, honestly, everyone here sees the importance of our denominational cooperation for the purpose of global missions. (You can follow along on our trip here.)
But, right now, things seem to be a bit “in flux” back home. So, perhaps I can add a little encouragement today as I sit with a group of … [Read More]
Looking Back to Louisville, Part 2
Looking Back to Louisville, Part 2
What needs to happen next?
Let me share some thoughts about the future. I think there are some things we should consider as we look toward the future.
1. We need to pray for the Great Commission Task Force. This is a big deal. Their findings and recommendations to the SBC potentially will have a great impact on our future.
2. We need to pray for the 2010 convention in Orlando. It will … [Read More]
Looking Back to Louisville, Part 1
As I’ve indicated over at my blog, I am moving my SBC-related blogging here to Between the Times. For better or worse, it will be all Baptist, all the time, when I am at Between the Times.
Though it’s hardly any secret that I’m a Southern Baptist, my blog has become a place where people discuss research, mission, and culture. It seems some Southern Baptists just love a good blog fight, but it seems strange to … [Read More]
