A 1993 study (holy cow! can that really be 25 years ago!) by the Home Mission Board (now termed, North American Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention found that in that year, the majority (60%) of adult baptisms in Southern Baptist churches could be termed rebaptisms. While some were legitimately the baptism of those … Continue reading Let’s Talk about Guarding the Purity of Church Membership
What is Church Revitalization?
In SBC life, the concept of church revitalization is gaining momentum among pastors and church practitioners. While the conversations regarding the best ways to return a church to health are needed, there has been a tendency to bring every aspect of church planting and church growth under the umbrella of church revitalization. Which brings us … Continue reading What is Church Revitalization?
Submission and Courage in the Pulpit
Billy Sunday Preaching by George Bellows, Metropolitan Magazine, 1915 Religious freedom is under assault in our culture. Churches and preachers which have stood as the chapels and chaplains for a majority Christian America are finding themselves increasingly pushed to the fringes of political and public discussions in light of increasing secularization. Government and public opinion … Continue reading Submission and Courage in the Pulpit
Church Polity vs. Church Politics
I was listening to a podcast several weeks ago and a pastor was providing a number of solid ideas on leading a church through change. That’s something that many pastors have been faced with and no doubt the episode was well-received by their listeners. I found myself identifying with the pastor, appreciating his wisdom, and … Continue reading Church Polity vs. Church Politics
Pastoral Counsel – Is Abuse Grounds for Biblical Divorce?
Godly men and women have differed, and continue to differ, on what constitutes biblical grounds for divorce. For some, divorce is never permissible; others believe the exception clause in Matthew 19:9 ("except in the case of adultery") to provide the only allowance. Others still view the term translated as "adultery"—porneia (interestingly enough, the Bible doesn't … Continue reading Pastoral Counsel – Is Abuse Grounds for Biblical Divorce?