What is the Missional Gospel? Part 5: The Evangelical Missional Church
By Keith Whitfield
At a recent conference, Tim Keller addressed the challenges of evangelism in a post-modern context and gave six principles on how to pursue evangelism in this context. The first principle was “Gospel Theologizing,” and what he meant by this is phrase that all theology should articulate the gospel message. He says our theology should be an exposition of the gospel, and our presentation … [Read More]
What is the Missional Gospel? Part 5: The Evangelical Missional Church
Aspect 7(a): A Mission Based on Local Church Initiative and Supplemented by Entities and Associations (national convention, seminaries, IMB)
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
Through four centuries of history, Baptists have displayed a remarkable continuity in doctrine and practice. With historic Christianity, we have confessed that God is Triune, that his Son is fully God and fully man, that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone, and that the Scriptures are the very words of God.[1] In addition, we have held that the church is regenerate in its membership, autonomous under the headship … [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]
The Church Planter’s Library (2): North American Church Planting & Renewal
North American church planting and renewal is not for wimps, dummies, or dorks. In order to plant and revitalize churches in 21st century America, we need men who are strong in their walk with the Lord, strong as husbands and fathers, and strong in perseverance. Further, the church needs men whose mind is buttressed by sound theology and missiology. Third, we need men who are culturally savvy, having a ready gasp of their socio-cultural context … [Read More]
The Church Planter’s Library (1): Introduction
On Tuesday mornings, I drink and read. By 7:30 a.m., I am sitting around the table in my conference room with a rowdy group of guys, including some of the best students on campus. We start off by drinking coffee (unless Bryan Laughlin makes the coffee, in which case we actually cut it into squares and chew it), cracking jokes, and catching up, but soon we get down to business, discussing how to take the gospel … [Read More]
Advance 09: The Resurgence of the Local Church
BtT would like to make you aware of a unique opportunity. Advance 09: The Resurgence of the Local Church will be held June 4-6, 2009 in Durham, NC. Speakers include Danny Akin, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, Ed Stetzer, and J. D. Greear.
For more information or to register, click here. Below is the schedule:
June 4th
12:30 : Welcome – Elliot Grudem
12:40 : Worship
01:00 : What is the Church – Mark Driscoll : Session … [Read More]
J. D. Greear, Ed Stetzer, & Baptist21 Weigh in on Baptist Press and Driscoll
In light of the little kerfuffle that has broken out surrounding Mark Driscoll and Baptist Press these past two days, BtT recommends the posts written by J. D. Greear, Ed Stetzer, and Baptist21. For the J. D. Greear post, “Baptist Press Joins NYT in Driscoll-Bashing,” click here. For the Ed Stetzer post, “Friday is for Friends,” click here. For the Baptist21 post about The Generation Gap, Nathan Finn, and Mark Driscoll, click here.
Integrity in Ministry
For 30 plus years I have been burdened for the personal integrity of those in the ministry. The reasons are simple. Integrity is a biblical requirement (1 Tim 3:1). And, the respect for those in ministry is at a low ebb, especially in our nation. Of course one major area of importance is how ministers conduct themselves with the opposite sex. I have always challenged fellow pastors to make a rock solid, non-negotiable commitment: “I will never be alone … [Read More]




