Entrance Exams The Texas sky threatened an ice storm. My wife and the storm radar confirmed it. However, my entrance exam for the PhD program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was scheduled early in the morning. So I reasoned that I could leave early, stay ahead of the storm, and make it to Fort Worth … Continue reading My PhD Journey at SWBTS
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On Lottie Moon’s 181st birthday
Each year around Thanksgiving, Southern Baptists around the nation are reminded once again of her name. Charlotte Digges (or “Lottie”) Moon’s name has been associated with the annual missions offering taken in December since 1918. She may be the most famous woman in Southern Baptist history. And yet, most of the people who write a … Continue reading On Lottie Moon’s 181st birthday
The Critical Difference between Error and Heresy
Cold, clammy, and shaking, my hands revealed more about my nerves than my face let on. Sitting in a small room at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, surrounded by bright young minds and the brilliant but piercing gaze of my PhD supervisor, I presented my first exegetical paper in a seminar on the Trinity. Yes, we … Continue reading The Critical Difference between Error and Heresy
Meditating on death: a memorial for 2020
I could come to terms with loss, if good-bye only meant see you next summer; if the cold sting of death's winter was blunted by whispers of spring's tiding. But this past year heaps snow upon snow, loss upon loss; I feel like it is always winter and never Christmas. On April 11 we held … Continue reading Meditating on death: a memorial for 2020
Sinning in the Name of Christ: Ravi Zacharias, Paul Tillich, and the Skeletons under the Altar
Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias (1946–2020) and Liberal Theologian Paul Tillich (1886–1965) share several things in common: Both men were considered premier Christian apologists. Both men rose to fame later in life. And both men used a superior position to prey upon women. Allegations against Zacharias first came to public attention in 2017, when Lori Anne … Continue reading Sinning in the Name of Christ: Ravi Zacharias, Paul Tillich, and the Skeletons under the Altar
A (Very) Short Defense of Close Communion for Baptist Churches
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
When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Attendance
I can remember my first six months as a student pastor so clearly. It was my first full-time staff position at a church. I was ready to do the hard work of ministry and see God move in powerful ways, or so I thought. One month in, we had thirty students in Sunday school. To … Continue reading When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Attendance
When Events Don’t Go According to Plan
We've all been there. Your ministry team worked hard to put an event together. You prayed it through and knew that God would bless it. You dreamed about how many would come to know Jesus and join the church through the event. But when the time came, the event flopped. No one from the event … Continue reading When Events Don’t Go According to Plan