For churches that have adopted the Baptist Faith and Message as their confessional document or statement of faith, there is a simple defense of close communion — the practice of restricting access to the Lord’s Table to those who have been baptized in accordance with Scripture. Article VII reads as follows: Christian baptism is the … Continue reading A (Very) Short Defense of Close Communion for Baptist Churches
Ministry in the Dark Winter
It’s common knowledge that the holidays are an especially-sensitive time. As we approach late-November, families wrestle with increased stress and anxiety. Money gets tight. The schedule gets full. The days grow darker and the nights grow longer. For many, the holidays aren’t the most wonderful time of year. Instead, they’re a time of increased stress, … Continue reading Ministry in the Dark Winter
GUEST POST: Preparing for Ministry in a Post-Truth World, Part Two
Having clarified what a post-truth society looks like and addressed some of the particular challenges inherent therein, we must turn our eyes to practical engagement with it. Prepare for a long-haul Stamina, energy, and strength are required for ministry in any environment; this doesn’t change when serving in a post-truth culture. At times, the challenges … Continue reading GUEST POST: Preparing for Ministry in a Post-Truth World, Part Two
Genesis: A Common Baptist Battleground, Part 1. The Elliott Controversy
This post is intended to serve as the first in a series that looks at prevailing points of contention among Southern Baptists. If there is a particular point of controversy that you would like to see addressed, scroll down to the bottom and leave a comment. In 1961, a popular, young professor at Midwestern Baptist … Continue reading Genesis: A Common Baptist Battleground, Part 1. The Elliott Controversy
BOOK REVIEW and Giveaway: Philippians for Pastors by John Kitchen
Philippians for Pastors. By John Kitchen. The Woodlands, TX: Kress Biblical Resources, 2018. 530 pp. $32.99. In 2019, I had the opportunity to teach a seminary course in conjunction with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Text-Driven Preaching Workshop. When developing the textbook list for the course, I included a commentary that I had found particularly helpful … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW and Giveaway: Philippians for Pastors by John Kitchen
SBC Unity and the Unforced Error that was Resolution 9
On the heels of the controversial cinedoc, By What Standard?, which was itself a response to Resolution 9, voted upon and affirmed by the Southern Baptist Convention messengers at the SBC Annual Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, Baptist Press released a “Q&A with the 2019 Resolutions Committee about Resolution 9,” last week. For clarification, that’s just … Continue reading SBC Unity and the Unforced Error that was Resolution 9
Like a Broken Cup and SuperGlue
Each year, Southern Baptists gather before the annual meeting for the SBC Pastor’s Conference. During this time, Baptists are treated to some of the best preaching the convention (and often, the larger evangelical world) has to offer. This week, Baptist Press released the speaker list for the 2020 SBC Pastor’s Conference scheduled in Orlando. But … Continue reading Like a Broken Cup and SuperGlue
How to Read Authors and Theologians with Whom You Disagree
In light of recent conversations spurred on by the Founder’s cinedoc, By What Standard?, I thought it might be of some service to offer a brief post expressing my thoughts on reading authors and theologians with whom you disagree. Frankly, I could be more specific in the title, I suppose. “How to Read James Cone,” … Continue reading How to Read Authors and Theologians with Whom You Disagree
The Story behind Equip the Nations, Inc
As I (David) have already written and reflected upon, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenya this past year with my friend John Schultz on behalf of Equip the Nations. While traveling the countryside, I asked him to share the story behind the formation of Equip the Nations, inc because it reveals another avenue … Continue reading The Story behind Equip the Nations, Inc
What Does the American Church Have to Offer Kenya?
Kenya is a beautiful country. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the green fields and mountains I saw. As we flew from Nairobi into Kisumu at sunrise, we were taken aback by the sheer beauty of it all. I knew that Kenya bordered Lake Victoria, but I wasn’t aware that we … Continue reading What Does the American Church Have to Offer Kenya?