I agree with you that some conservatives in the SBC have made too many hills to die on, but I can't agree with you on Barber or the CBN. Most pastors of conservative churches have watched the drift first-hand. Those associated with Barber, (for example, McKissick, Swallow Prior, and Akin) have paved the way quite effectively. And the way the convention was conducted was highly political by those who won, much more so than those accused of being political.
And talking about nuance, make sure to consider your friends carefully - Tim Keller is spot on with his pastoral instincts; Russell Moore is not.
Bart himself may be a good man, but all of the votes taken at this convention will lead to the SBC being in the same place so many other denominations have been a few years ago. The same people who voted overwhelmingly for Bart were the same people who could not figure out the definition of a pastor. Most seasoned observers know what is coming next, and it isn't good.
Thanks. The problem is that few have any longer confidence in statements of this or that, only in performance. And performance depends on more than the stated beliefs or positions of the office-holder or candidate.
Phenomenal insights! I must admit ignorance: could someone on this feed (Erick, I know you’re busy) tell me, an SBC pastor, who the moron SBC pastor was who went on the pro-Trump sites to lobby for the SBC president? What pastor in their right mind (or left behind for that matter) thinks lobbying before the secular pagans for a “religious” position is a good thing? I’ve been in Illinois visiting family…..my wife won’t let me near the phone!
Two points. First, Maya Flores is a sign of the moment and not a sign of the inevitable demise of the Democrats. The pendulum will swing again. We should be cognizant of that as we become vocal about what should and should not be done with the power the GOP is about to obtain.
Second, if the SBC doesn't reign in Saddleback Church and apply their rules judicially, swiftly, and evenly across their denomination (I am a Methodist who wishes General Conference happened two years ago) they will end up where Methodism is right now; splitting.
Have you listened to the podcast “Truth over Tribe?” They recently had an episode about celebrity pastors and the “fauxthenticity” movement of many large churches. I was part of the SBC for 17 years. (I grew up American Baptist.) It hurts my heart and infuriates me to see the pharisaical nature of the executive committee and so many of the influential pastors.
Lord willing the new SBC president will do the job God expects. There needs to be some serious housecleaning, repentance, and counseling.
I agree with you that some conservatives in the SBC have made too many hills to die on, but I can't agree with you on Barber or the CBN. Most pastors of conservative churches have watched the drift first-hand. Those associated with Barber, (for example, McKissick, Swallow Prior, and Akin) have paved the way quite effectively. And the way the convention was conducted was highly political by those who won, much more so than those accused of being political.
And talking about nuance, make sure to consider your friends carefully - Tim Keller is spot on with his pastoral instincts; Russell Moore is not.
Bart himself may be a good man, but all of the votes taken at this convention will lead to the SBC being in the same place so many other denominations have been a few years ago. The same people who voted overwhelmingly for Bart were the same people who could not figure out the definition of a pastor. Most seasoned observers know what is coming next, and it isn't good.
Thanks. The problem is that few have any longer confidence in statements of this or that, only in performance. And performance depends on more than the stated beliefs or positions of the office-holder or candidate.
Phenomenal insights! I must admit ignorance: could someone on this feed (Erick, I know you’re busy) tell me, an SBC pastor, who the moron SBC pastor was who went on the pro-Trump sites to lobby for the SBC president? What pastor in their right mind (or left behind for that matter) thinks lobbying before the secular pagans for a “religious” position is a good thing? I’ve been in Illinois visiting family…..my wife won’t let me near the phone!
Tom Ascol.
I was afraid of that. It’s…….unfortunate he resorted to this. Thanks for taking the time to answer Erick.
Two points. First, Maya Flores is a sign of the moment and not a sign of the inevitable demise of the Democrats. The pendulum will swing again. We should be cognizant of that as we become vocal about what should and should not be done with the power the GOP is about to obtain.
Second, if the SBC doesn't reign in Saddleback Church and apply their rules judicially, swiftly, and evenly across their denomination (I am a Methodist who wishes General Conference happened two years ago) they will end up where Methodism is right now; splitting.
"And it undoubtedly has someone willing to advance Christ’s kingdom with them in Bart Barber, the man the moment needs."
HE always provides!
Have you listened to the podcast “Truth over Tribe?” They recently had an episode about celebrity pastors and the “fauxthenticity” movement of many large churches. I was part of the SBC for 17 years. (I grew up American Baptist.) It hurts my heart and infuriates me to see the pharisaical nature of the executive committee and so many of the influential pastors.
Lord willing the new SBC president will do the job God expects. There needs to be some serious housecleaning, repentance, and counseling.
I'm new to the service...but really grateful for it. Thanks, Erick.
Love this sentence:
At this moment of sound and fury, Christians should not be throwing punches, but showing Christ’s love in a world that has turned its back on Him.
Good words!!!
Thank you jesus and thank you again. Amen Amen