I've really enjoyed blogging from time to time and hearing feedback occasionally on issues related to Baptists and the church is general. This medium of communication has really opened Baptists up to a whole new world of dialogue. The potential benefit in engaging in constructive discussion, disagreement, and debate really is unlimited. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened with the SBC "controversy" had this kind of format been available to get information out to one another.
While that is a moot issue, it remains to be seen how churches will be affected by members who choose the internet to air their grievances against staff and pastors. It appears Tennessee has a corner on the market regarding this matter. Three prominent congregations. Bellevue Baptist, Two Rivers Baptist, and Germantown Baptist are going through turmoil and have had church members putting their gripes on the internet. I won't put links for these websites, but these are readily available for anyone to check out the latest episodes.
One website in particular related to Bellevue Baptist Church caught my attention the other day. Apparently there are those within the fellowship who are at odds with the pastor, Dr. Steve Gaines. This man has the unenviable task of following Dr. Adrian Rogers, a titan in Southern Baptist life for sure. I don't know all the details nor do I care to find out. Commenting on the particulars of that situation is not my purpose. While checking out a series of Baptist blogs, I noticed this one and saw what appeared to be a transcript of a conversation between the pastor and deacons. I guess someone recorded the exchange in order to make this possible.
Bellevue is like the White House to many Southern Baptists, so just about anything that comes out of Cordova makes the news. I don't know any of the people involved, but express sadness that any church would have to go through this kind of dissension. Not only that, but there would be those who would have to resort to creating a website to air their dirty laundry. The names have not been changed to protect the innocent, or guilty as the case may be. There must be a different dynamic church polity wise when dealing with a megachurch, but Baptists should be able to find a way within the context of the local church to deal with their problems.
In Acts 4, it appears that the early church was devoted to, among other things, the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship. The fellowship and health of the church is so precious, and can be fragmented in more ways that I can mention. Attacking staff and other members is only one way for this to be accomplished. There are times when church leaders need to be confronted, but it should not be done on the internet for the whole world to see. Maybe some kind of password or code could be installed on the blogs to ensure that persons get this information on a "need to know" basis.
I won't be visiting that site again, and that of course is the simple solution to this problem. However I am curious how others feel about expressing frustrations about their church on a website. It's impossible to please everyone in the church, and at least in a Baptist congregation there is a congregational form of government. This should mean that the majority opinion, while not always the correct one, carries the day. If there is one positive aspect to seeing these disgruntled blogs, it is recognizing the challenges I face aren't nearly as sizable as they could be. I become more grateful to be where I am and remind myself once again that being the biggest church in the neighborhood isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
What's Good About the Good Book
Last Sunday proved particularly satisfying for me, in that I got an opportunity to preach to about 300 college students. They were members of the Missouri State University band, and they are so good that they will be marching in the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day. I preached a message about the importance of hanging on to the Bible, even though other books may come and go. It is the book for life.
Having been raised as a (Southern) Baptist, I know the importance of the Bible. Attending seminary reinforced this notion for the most part and I began to learn more about how the Bible was written over a period of time. There are a variety of theories relating to inspiration and inerrancy. With particular attention to the latter, I came to realize that Baptists could get into bitter arguments over this subject. It is a tiresome discussion.
I've come to realize that there can be a disconnect between talking about the Bible and actually living out the Bible. It's puzzling to me that so many Christians can claim the authority of the Bible without allowing it to have any authority over their own lives. The message and story of the Bible gets lost among a series of propositional statements defending its credibility. There are a lot of well-intentioned folks who claim things for the Good Book that it doesn't claim for itself. This is done in an effort to defend the Bible from those who would question its authority. I suppose there is a place for this, but what I'd really like to see is more Baptists actually living out the Bible (especially the words written in red).
It's a sad day when fellowship among Baptists turns on how they define the Word of God. The key issue in my mind has been interpretation rather than inerrancy or inspiration. It's a great challenge to maintain unity in the church when conformity to a singular viewpoint is a requirement--at least among thinking congregations. The one area that Baptists have been unified on is missions. If Baptists can keep that as our focus, then we might actually make an impact in our world.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the Scriptures would make him "wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 3:14-16). We worship a risen savior and have an inspired, reliable text to show us the way. The Holy Spirit is our ultimate teacher, and I never cease to be amazed at learning something new. The Word of God is truly "unsearchable riches" and serious students of the Bible realize they will never get a handle on it.
And that's a good thing. We're better off when the Bible gets a handle on us. May we strive to preach it, live it, and rejoice in the Good News.
Having been raised as a (Southern) Baptist, I know the importance of the Bible. Attending seminary reinforced this notion for the most part and I began to learn more about how the Bible was written over a period of time. There are a variety of theories relating to inspiration and inerrancy. With particular attention to the latter, I came to realize that Baptists could get into bitter arguments over this subject. It is a tiresome discussion.
I've come to realize that there can be a disconnect between talking about the Bible and actually living out the Bible. It's puzzling to me that so many Christians can claim the authority of the Bible without allowing it to have any authority over their own lives. The message and story of the Bible gets lost among a series of propositional statements defending its credibility. There are a lot of well-intentioned folks who claim things for the Good Book that it doesn't claim for itself. This is done in an effort to defend the Bible from those who would question its authority. I suppose there is a place for this, but what I'd really like to see is more Baptists actually living out the Bible (especially the words written in red).
It's a sad day when fellowship among Baptists turns on how they define the Word of God. The key issue in my mind has been interpretation rather than inerrancy or inspiration. It's a great challenge to maintain unity in the church when conformity to a singular viewpoint is a requirement--at least among thinking congregations. The one area that Baptists have been unified on is missions. If Baptists can keep that as our focus, then we might actually make an impact in our world.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the Scriptures would make him "wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 3:14-16). We worship a risen savior and have an inspired, reliable text to show us the way. The Holy Spirit is our ultimate teacher, and I never cease to be amazed at learning something new. The Word of God is truly "unsearchable riches" and serious students of the Bible realize they will never get a handle on it.
And that's a good thing. We're better off when the Bible gets a handle on us. May we strive to preach it, live it, and rejoice in the Good News.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Putting Women in their Place
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has announced a curriculum targeted at women that will teach them sewing and cooking and begin this Fall. It will be a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and feature a 23-hour concentration in homemaking. The main focus of the instruction will actually be "cooking and sewing" and extending hospitality in the home. While the seminary president Paige Patterson believes he is going against the tide of modernity on this issue, there are also those among Southern Baptists who think this idea is a waste of money and resources. It is interesting to get differences of opinion on this one.
It's hard to imagine that an accredited theological school that offers coursework in theology, greek, hebrew, ethics, and doctoral seminars to boot would have students learning about cooking and cleaning. Of course, I need to mention that only women are allowed to take these classes. I'll say this much, at least the president is consistant is his views on the subordination of women and doesn't mind utilizing the school to emphasize this point. What I find even more difficult to fathom is that one of the world's largest centers of theological education would find it necessary to offer academic credit for who can cook the best meals.
There is a place and value in learning these aspects of homelife, but don't offer academic credit at a seminary for it. I can't believe I'm having to say that, but this really depicts the direction of the SBC in regard to the role and place of women if nothing else does. The seminary and many others sympathetic with this approach claim the courses affirm the biblical roles of men and women. Women are to be at home, hospitable, and "graciously submit" to their husbands according to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. This reminds of what another prominet Southern Baptist leader said about young couples in the denomination having more babies to keep up with the Mormons.
In a day when both men and women need education and encouragement to use their gifts and calling, there should be maximum usage of time and resources to teach the Bible and theology to seminary students. Yes, cooking is important but putting in a seminary curriculum is demeaning to the role of women and relegating them to a particular function and task in the marriage relationship. I wonder how other women at the seminary feel about this development, knowing how the seminary really feels about their ministry goals. By the way, I know a few men who can cook, and really enjoy it. I wonder if they could audit some of these courses for extra credit.
Many women are working hard toward their God-given ministries through theological education. I am grateful for seminaries who offer legitimate theological courses to all persons regardless of gender, and let the churches determine who comes to serve on their ministerial staffs. Women who pay the price for their academic accomplishments should be commended, and seeing an Mrs. degree at a seminary is a waste of resources. Not every woman is called to vocational ministry, and there are many who find their ministry in the context of the home. This is wonderful, but there shouldn't be academic credit given toward a seminary degree for it.
I am privileged to serve with several women on our staff and others on the deacon board who take their ministries seriously. They are effective in their work and are building the Kingdom of God every day. Their place is alongside men who are doing the same things to the glory of God. So, when I see something like this occur I rub my eyes and wonder whether I'm seeing this correctly. The redeeming thing in all this at least is that Southwestern, as a flagship SBC seminary, paints a clear picture about how the denomination views women and how they should be devoting their time and energies. This offers a contrast to other Baptist schools who recognize the seriousness of theological education and offer challenging coursework to women and men in order for them to achieve their goals of vocational service.
It's hard to imagine that an accredited theological school that offers coursework in theology, greek, hebrew, ethics, and doctoral seminars to boot would have students learning about cooking and cleaning. Of course, I need to mention that only women are allowed to take these classes. I'll say this much, at least the president is consistant is his views on the subordination of women and doesn't mind utilizing the school to emphasize this point. What I find even more difficult to fathom is that one of the world's largest centers of theological education would find it necessary to offer academic credit for who can cook the best meals.
There is a place and value in learning these aspects of homelife, but don't offer academic credit at a seminary for it. I can't believe I'm having to say that, but this really depicts the direction of the SBC in regard to the role and place of women if nothing else does. The seminary and many others sympathetic with this approach claim the courses affirm the biblical roles of men and women. Women are to be at home, hospitable, and "graciously submit" to their husbands according to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. This reminds of what another prominet Southern Baptist leader said about young couples in the denomination having more babies to keep up with the Mormons.
In a day when both men and women need education and encouragement to use their gifts and calling, there should be maximum usage of time and resources to teach the Bible and theology to seminary students. Yes, cooking is important but putting in a seminary curriculum is demeaning to the role of women and relegating them to a particular function and task in the marriage relationship. I wonder how other women at the seminary feel about this development, knowing how the seminary really feels about their ministry goals. By the way, I know a few men who can cook, and really enjoy it. I wonder if they could audit some of these courses for extra credit.
Many women are working hard toward their God-given ministries through theological education. I am grateful for seminaries who offer legitimate theological courses to all persons regardless of gender, and let the churches determine who comes to serve on their ministerial staffs. Women who pay the price for their academic accomplishments should be commended, and seeing an Mrs. degree at a seminary is a waste of resources. Not every woman is called to vocational ministry, and there are many who find their ministry in the context of the home. This is wonderful, but there shouldn't be academic credit given toward a seminary degree for it.
I am privileged to serve with several women on our staff and others on the deacon board who take their ministries seriously. They are effective in their work and are building the Kingdom of God every day. Their place is alongside men who are doing the same things to the glory of God. So, when I see something like this occur I rub my eyes and wonder whether I'm seeing this correctly. The redeeming thing in all this at least is that Southwestern, as a flagship SBC seminary, paints a clear picture about how the denomination views women and how they should be devoting their time and energies. This offers a contrast to other Baptist schools who recognize the seriousness of theological education and offer challenging coursework to women and men in order for them to achieve their goals of vocational service.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Sweet Home Alabama
It has been an extremely hectic but productive two months in Springfield. Each day feels more and more like home, and this quite a development for someone who had never even visited the Show Me State prior to a few months ago. I'm grateful for the change of scenery and the opportunity to be a part of what the Lord is doing is Missouri.
I'm very excited that our church has extended a call to Cory Goode as Associate Pastor. He will be working with our youth and college primarily, and the entire congregation as well with pastoral duties. It will be good to resume our working relationship and bring our families together again. I believe this marks a new day for our church and hopefully the remaining pieces of the ministry puzzle are coming into view.
This is a good time to pull out of town for a while. We've had our vacation week planned and didn't know it would coincide with such a great event today, but so much the better. My family and I are headed down to her folks house to get them reacquainted with grandchildren. It should be a good week, although this time the trip will be somewhat longer coming and going. We'll be getting this trip in before school starts and the fall routine kicks in.
Here's an interesting question that Corrie Ten Boom once asked: "Is prayer your steering wheel or spare tire?" As I slip behind the wheel of our van, this thought will be on my mind. Looking forward to going, and also the returning.
I'm very excited that our church has extended a call to Cory Goode as Associate Pastor. He will be working with our youth and college primarily, and the entire congregation as well with pastoral duties. It will be good to resume our working relationship and bring our families together again. I believe this marks a new day for our church and hopefully the remaining pieces of the ministry puzzle are coming into view.
This is a good time to pull out of town for a while. We've had our vacation week planned and didn't know it would coincide with such a great event today, but so much the better. My family and I are headed down to her folks house to get them reacquainted with grandchildren. It should be a good week, although this time the trip will be somewhat longer coming and going. We'll be getting this trip in before school starts and the fall routine kicks in.
Here's an interesting question that Corrie Ten Boom once asked: "Is prayer your steering wheel or spare tire?" As I slip behind the wheel of our van, this thought will be on my mind. Looking forward to going, and also the returning.
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