In the summer of 2008, B&H Academic published an excellent book by David Dockery titled Southern Baptist Consensus and Renewal: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Proposal. There is much to commend about this book, but one thing I especially appreciate is how Dockery demonstrates that conservative Southern Baptists are not monolithic. This is an idea that Dockery has advanced for years in a variety of forums, and one I’ve emphasized in my own teaching, conference … [Read More]
Our Best Is Yet To Be
As President of the Southern Baptist Convention, I must confess I have never been more excited about our future as a family. The needs that we see arising is a constant reminder that none of us can do alone what we are called to do as a community. I believe as each individual state and local association begin to share their personal needs, it will help all of us to realize that we must once … [Read More]
Great Commission Resurgence Taskforce Report: Charting A Future Path For Southern Baptists for the Glory of God
The interim report of the GCRTF has already generated much excitement and many conversations. This is good and healthy. The Taskforce hoped its report would excite Southern Baptists, and it seems clear it has. It is also the case that the Taskforce wanted to hear from our people and receive their feedback. That also is taking place and we rejoice in this. Our prayer all along has been that the work of the Taskforce would … [Read More]
Ronnie Floyd: The Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving
Editor’s Note: The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is now releasing a series of blogs unpacking various points of their recommendation with greater depth and clarity. Below is the first installment.
The Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving
(Ronnie Floyd)
As people are processing the Great Commission Resurgence Progress Report, some are trying to understand the Cooperative Program and its relationship to Great Commission Giving. Since so much information needed to be shared initially through our report, it is now essential … [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]
The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention (Pt. 2)
Southern Baptists have a hopeful future if they continually make clear their commitment to the inerrant and infallible Word of God, affirming it’s sufficiency in all matters. (Matt 5:17-18; John 10:35; 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Southern Baptists won the “battle for the Bible” that began in 1979. Men of God like Jimmy Draper, Paige Patterson, Paul Pressler, Adrian Rogers, and Jerry Vines put it all on the line because they saw what the … [Read More]
The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention (Pt. 1)
Southern Baptists have a hopeful future if we return to our first love and surrender ourselves fully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Col 1:15-20; Rev 2:1-7). I have experienced significant grief at how little attention has been paid to this first axiom of my spring 2009 address at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was placed first for a reason. It must be first. It must set and establish the foundation for any future agenda for … [Read More]
The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention (An Introduction)
On October 8 I had the honor of speaking at Union University at the “Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and Future of Denominationalism Conference.” The meeting was held in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement. Several blogs and media outlets have reported both on the conference and the paper I delivered. The full manuscript may be accessed at http://apps.sebts.edu/president/?p=1471 . However, to fit the paper into the “blog world” I will post 10 entries that … [Read More]
Messenger Insight Podcast with Alvin Reid
In the most recent Messenger Insight Podcast, Baptist Messenger editor Doug Baker talks with BtT contributor Alvin Reid about his new Evangelism Handbook, what it means to be missional, contextualization, and the future of the SBC’s North American and international mission efforts. They also discuss the recent numerical decline in the SBC, a historical reality that is denied by some observers. You can listen to the podcast at the Messenger Insight website.
Aspect 1: A Mission Revealed in the Christian Scriptures
(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]
