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Not gone, not forgotten

It’s quite possible, with all the talk about presidential races, annual meeting schedules, etc. to think that many of us have forgotten that which started us on this journey of SBC reformation. The narrowing of parameters within the SBC, and particularly the problems within the IMB as seen in the new policies regarding Baptism and private prayer language and also seen in the almost dismissal of the Dobbs’ from IMB service in West Africa.

It’s important to reiterate that I have not forgotten and that I, and many others, will continue to emphasize the necessity of correcting these poor decisions. In light of that, IMB missionary David Rogers (who is also Adrian Rogers’ son) continues to post fantastic thoughts on his blog. He has just posted some thoughts about “baptistic” church planting that I think would be very helpful for all of us to read. I’d encourage you to check it out here.

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After some time to think

I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about the conversation I joined yesterday in regards to the new Missional Network coming from NAMB. As I think about it I get increasingly more excited, and more cautious, at the same time.

First of all, I’m excited because the thought of helping like minded, missional people connect is positive, and necessary. There is no doubt that those who think this way are a minority in most local SBC associations, and so this kind of networking can be a very positive experience. It’s also exciting because of its potential to take uninformed, yet interested, people and help introduce and educate them regarding missional thinking. It will provide a positive environment to research and decide what one thinks about the concept.

Secondly, though, it is something that gives me pause for a variety of reasons. It bothers me, primarily though, because one of the significant factors in the spread of missional thinking, to this point, has been its organic nature. I really fear the beaurocracy that we often overdevelop in SBC life. We are the world’s best at finding something that looks right, and looks effective, and then smothering it with adminstration.

Now, having said that, I sincerely trust Ed Stetzer greatly, and I have heard fantastic things about John Avant. The fact that these men are spearheading this effort gives me reason to trust this thing much more. So, as an overall rule, I’m positive concerning the move. I’m looking forward to watching it unite, and I hope (and pray) that it doesn’t develop into a typical SBC behemoth that struggles with inneficiency.

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Missional Network

I had the chance to join with a group of other missionaly minded thinkers from around our convention today on a conference call that was hosted by Ed Stetzer and John Avant. During this call we discussed the upcoming Younger Leaders Meeting on June 12th at the SBC Convention. Stetzer also announced that NAMB was forming a new network for missional thinkers to link together from across our convention. They have established a website and will officially kick off the network at the Younger Leaders Meeting in June. I would encourage you to check out the website, register, and prepare to establish new relationships through this venue.

114902192418019893

Missional Network

I had the chance to join with a group of other missionaly minded thinkers from around our convention today on a conference call that was hosted by Ed Stetzer and John Avant. During this call we discussed the upcoming Younger Leaders Meeting on June 12th at the SBC Convention. Stetzer also announced that NAMB was forming a new network for missional thinkers to link together from across our convention. They have established a website and will officially kick off the network at the Younger Leaders Meeting in June. I would encourage you to check out the website, register, and prepare to establish new relationships through this venue.

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I’m a “Big Tent-er” and I’m Proud of it!

Don Hinkle is the editor of our Missouri Baptist State Paper, The Pathway. He has an editorial that will be published tomorrow regarding the convention in Greensboro in two weeks. It has been posted early on his blog. I would highly encourage you to read it, it’s a very good read.

Read it here.

114899840761083087

I’m a “Big Tent-er” and I’m Proud of it!

Don Hinkle is the editor of our Missouri Baptist State Paper, The Pathway. He has an editorial that will be published tomorrow regarding the convention in Greensboro in two weeks. It has been posted early on his blog. I would highly encourage you to read it, it’s a very good read.

Read it here.

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An Apreciated Clarification

I posted on Saturday concerning reticent leadership. I was referring to numerous comments made by a variety of candidates that concerned me. I didn’t intend to single any one candidate out, as many of the candidates had made similar comments. One candidate who was reported to have made concerning comments, though, was Dr. Mark Dever. Dr. Dever is someone that I have admired for his ability to communicate difficult biblical truths in a positive manner, as well as his position as somewhat of a figurehead for reformed theologians in SBC life. The ABP reported that Dever had stated, “I’m quite happy to turn up at the convention in Greensboro [N.C., where the denomination will meet in June] and not be nominated; that’s actually my preference,” which, if true, would be a disconcerting statement, in my opinion.

Those comments, however, have been clarified by Dever recently in the comments section of my blog. I greatly appreciate Dever’s attempt to engage in discussion on a blog, in contrast to other candidates, and I certainly appreciate the clarification that he provided. I’ve included his comments below.

Dear friend,
Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of this important issue. Just to clarify, the ABP reporter quoted me accurately but partially. My stating that my preference was not to be elected was a humorous aside. My attitude is that I desire to serve this convention that I love & pray for & support. If my doing so as 1st V-Pres can do that, then I am happy to, and honored. But I will neither announce my candidacy nor campaign for such a position of service. Does that help to clarify matters?
Sinerely,
Mark Dever

114890465286073845

An Apreciated Clarification

I posted on Saturday concerning reticent leadership. I was referring to numerous comments made by a variety of candidates that concerned me. I didn’t intend to single any one candidate out, as many of the candidates had made similar comments. One candidate who was reported to have made concerning comments, though, was Dr. Mark Dever. Dr. Dever is someone that I have admired for his ability to communicate difficult biblical truths in a positive manner, as well as his position as somewhat of a figurehead for reformed theologians in SBC life. The ABP reported that Dever had stated, “I’m quite happy to turn up at the convention in Greensboro [N.C., where the denomination will meet in June] and not be nominated; that’s actually my preference,” which, if true, would be a disconcerting statement, in my opinion.

Those comments, however, have been clarified by Dever recently in the comments section of my blog. I greatly appreciate Dever’s attempt to engage in discussion on a blog, in contrast to other candidates, and I certainly appreciate the clarification that he provided. I’ve included his comments below.

Dear friend,
Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of this important issue. Just to clarify, the ABP reporter quoted me accurately but partially. My stating that my preference was not to be elected was a humorous aside. My attitude is that I desire to serve this convention that I love & pray for & support. If my doing so as 1st V-Pres can do that, then I am happy to, and honored. But I will neither announce my candidacy nor campaign for such a position of service. Does that help to clarify matters?
Sinerely,
Mark Dever

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At the close of a long week

I think we all need a good laugh. Here are a couple items that will make you laugh and cry.

For a good laugh, click here.

For a good cry (warning you may get angry) click here.

114877652589215483

At the close of a long week

I think we all need a good laugh. Here are a couple items that will make you laugh and cry.

For a good laugh, click here.

For a good cry (warning you may get angry) click here.