This series arose out of extended reflection on the Scriptures, out of which the Lord has made clear to me some of the perils of seminary, many of which I have succumbed to or been tempted by over the past decade and a half. I have attempted to communicate these perils to those of you who would read this post and might benefit from it. Although I have interjected humor at several points, I could … [Read More]
B&H Publishing Group Names Andreas Köstenberger Director of Acquisitions for Its Academic Program
We at BtT are happy to congratulate both Andreas Köstenberger and B&H Publishing Group, as B&H announced today that Köstenberger is the new “Director of Acquisitions” for their academic program. Köstenberger takes this new post in addition to his roles as director of Ph.D. Studies and professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C, and editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS).
Brad … [Read More]
Man On a Global Mission
Over the past several years, Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin has been a tireless advocate for reaching the nations with the gospel. Since 2004, he has led SEBTS to deepen her already considerable commitment to coupling orthodox theological education with a passion for the Great Commission. He has also been one of the most vocal proponents of Southern Baptists as a whole building upon the theological foundation laid by the Conservative Resurgence and embracing a Great … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (7): The SBC Allocation Budget
By: Danny Akin & Ryan Hutchinson
In 2006 America was facing a decision about the Iraq war. Casualties were mounting and pessimism regarding the outcome of the war was increasing. A lack of direction appeared to exist and a change in strategy had to occur. In early 2007, a new plan was put forward and announced by President George W. Bush. The new plan was to dramatically increase troop levels on the ground in Iraq … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report Is Good for the Future of the SBC (6): Promoting the Cooperative Program and Elevating Stewardship
By: Danny Akin & Ken Keathley
The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force report cites some disturbing statistics (p. 4 of the report). It observes that the average Southern Baptist gives only 2.5% of his income to his local church. In turn, that local church on average gives only 6% to the Cooperative Program. And then as the CP monies pass through the state conventions, the typical state convention keeps 63% of the amount received, and this … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (5): Reaching North America (IMB & NAMB Collaboration)
By: Danny Akin & Nathan Akin
Imagine this scenario. An IMB family is stateside for an extended period due to some family matters. In the city where they live they find a community of people from the very people group the IMB has trained them to reach. So they continue to do the work of the Great Commission (seeking to disciple) among this group. They eat meals with them, live life alongside of them, meet their … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (4b): Reaching North America
By: Danny Akin & Jonathan Akin
The recommendations of component 4 will allow NAMB to have a direct church planting and evangelism strategy where they can appoint personnel directly. They have not had that freedom in the past. At present, and much of this due to cooperative agreements, the majority of NAMB “missionaries” are serving in the most reached and most served areas of North America (see recent blog by Micah Fries). Despite some comments … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (4a): Reaching North America
By: Danny Akin & Jonathan Akin
“There is no formal conclusion to the book of Acts. It is open-ended. God means for the story of Pentecostal power and revival to be prolonged after the same manner…Since Pentecost, there is no age, no century, no era, no time without the marvelous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The soul-saving experience continues. Darkness and death and decay may reign in one place, but always light, life, and salvation … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (3c): Celebrating and Empowering Great Commission Giving
By Danny Akin and Nathan Finn
Dr. Chapman’s seventh concern with Great Commission Giving is what he calls “the law of unintended consequences.” His concern is that CP budget shortfalls will result if GCG is embraced. SBC ministries would then be forced to raise their own funds like they did in the days before the CP. We have to confess that this is indeed a possibility. But Dr. Chapman makes two key assumptions that we would … [Read More]
Why We Believe the GCRTF Report is Good for the Future of the SBC (3b): Celebrating and Empowering Great Commission Giving
By Danny Akin and Nathan Finn
In his white paper opposing Great Commission Giving, Dr. Chapman’s fourth concern is that GCG will result in a diminished motivation for Southern Baptists to cooperate. He states that he cannot understand why a pastor would not lead a church to support all that Southern Baptists do through the Cooperative Program. Dr. Chapman seems to imply that differing levels of support among autonomous churches is inappropriate and that some unmentioned … [Read More]
