Let’s Expand the Kingdom of God!

As I was growing up, my mother had a saying that she would repeatedly use. “If you cannot say anything good about someone, do not say anything at all.” That saying constantly comes into my mind time and again. This is one of those times.

Brother Wade Burleson has resigned as a Trustee of the International Mission Board. I do not want to get into the specifics of this decision because I do not know the specifics. However, I must agree with a Missionary in his comment stream.

Thank you for your decision to resign. I think that this will help the IMB move forward.

Also an IMB m

Now, let’s move forward expanding the Kingdom of God.

It appears, however, that some do not want to do this. I do not want to get into a back-and-forth he-said/she-said, but it appears that moving forward to expand the Kingdom of God is not the desire of our former trustee. According to this article there is now a desire to name names. Let me say something here and I do not want anyone to feel I am being accusatory. I am just stating something that seems to be obvious. The former trustee relates his desire in this statement; My heartfelt statement last night was an attempt to extend the olive branch to my fellow trustees and put the focus on missions at the IMB and off of me. However, he now says he has names and will present them in due time. Others are even advocating that he reveal the infamous notebooks containing evidence of wrongdoing. If there is evidence of wrong doing, why wait until one resigns to reveal the wrongdoing? If it is in respect to the trustee guidelines passed and approved by the IMB BoT in 2006, those guidelines were violated while he was a trustee.

I believe that the former trustee is a Godly man and has a pastor’s heart. I believe he is a capable leader and certainly God is using him at his church. There is no major contention at his church that would suggest otherwise. So our former trustee should be commended for the way he is leading the church.

However, if it is truly our heart to move forward, a question begs to be answered at this time. What good could come to the Kingdom of God for alleged evidence of wrongdoing pertaining to those serving as Trustees on the IMB? If these wrongdoings are of such manner that should be used to unseat other trustees, why sit on the information until after one steps aside? If this information was being used to keep the IMB BoT from overstepping the former trustee’s perceived boundaries, does it not give an appearance that the former trustee is using tactics of blackmail? If the information is going to be released, why release it a little at a time? What is the purpose of holding this information for so long only now to release it piece by piece? Does this not scream of a calculated dismantling of the greatest missionary sending organization in the world?

There are a number of answers to the above questions, but I find that some longing for the release of information are a curious bunch. There are self-identified Moderate (and I use the term Moderate loosely) Baptist that are calling for our former trustee to become one of them, here here here here here and here. I do not believe our former trustee will lead his church closer to the CBF, but it is strange that our former trustee advocated a meeting, back in May, 2007, that began January 30, 2008 as one that would help us be focused on what unites us with other Baptists instead of what divides us from other Baptists. Our former trustee has an Associate Pastor that is in attendance at The Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant. It does appear that some strange alliances have been formed. Of course our former trustee has stated that he will not lead his church out of the SBC. But, there is an old saying that I have heard all of my life; “I cannot hear your words over the sound of your actions.”

It seems also, that our former trustee is planning a book for release some time before the convention. He says it is not a tell-all of the IMB, but according to APB:

Burleson said he plans to spend the time he’ll gain from not participating as an IMB trustee by documenting other missteps by convention leaders.

“The point of the book is not a tell-all of the IMB, though there will be illustrations from the dangerous effects of stifling dissent, moving beyond the [Baptist Faith and Message] on doctrinal policy and attacking people who disagree,” he said. “It is a wake-up call to Southern Baptists that we better start cooperating despite our differences, or we will dry up and shrivel away as a convention.”

Burleson said he plans to tell the stories of Dwight McKissic, a Texas pastor who was censored after telling students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in a chapel sermon that he used a “private prayer language,” and Sheri Klouda, a former Southwestern Hebrew professor who is suing the seminary for firing her because of her gender. He said he will highlight other “anecdotes, personal histories and narratives of how many people are affected by the actions of the trustees at our largest agency,” the IMB.

Burleson said he looks forward to having “a platform where I am not continually placed in a position of having to defend myself.”

If we are truly concerned about missions, and truly desire to move forward advancing the Kingdom of God, then let’s do it and stop eating sour grapes.

****UPDATE: For everyone, Wade has removed the above post that I referenced. To his credit, he seems to be rethinking his decision as to exposing the alleged documents that reveal unethical, and possible worse behavior. I do not know what that means about his publishing a book, but he seems to be pulling back to re-examine God’s leading in his life. Let’s all pray for him as he seeks the Mind of Christ.****

Who Defines?

How would you respond if you were to tell someone that you wanted to spend $200 on a computer and someone that owned an iPod said that you could purchase their iPod? When you tried to say that you did not want an iPod, they responded that you were not being completely above board with your offer because they had what you said you wanted to purchase–an iPod is a computer–but you would not purchase it from them. Would you feel that you should allow your $200 to go to the person for an iPod? Would you hold the $200 or would you insist that you define for yourself what your $200 goes to purchase?

That is what appears to be going on, to a certain extent, in a recent research project of Lifeway Research. Allow me to say that I am very impressed with Lifeway Research and their work. I do not always agree with some of their conclusions, but I am very impressed with their work. I have never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Brad Waggoner who is the head of LifeWay Research, but I understand he is a great person as well as a profound statistician. Dr. Ed Stetzer is a missiologist and researcher that is a noted expert in the field of research. I have had the privilege of meeting Dr. Stetzer and you can see our interview here. He has a contagious personality and everyone who meets him comes away being blessed to have been in dialog with him.

With all of the above accolades it is hard for me to call attention to something that I believe is amiss in their recent research. Dr. Tony Carteledge points to something that is taking place but he does not, I believe, go far enough. It could be the perceived disappointment for the lack of clear words being expressed, or it could go much deeper for him as he has come through some of the theological battles of the past. Either way Dr. Carteledge raises a good point. Who, or what group, is defining the words being used?

According to Barna Research, there has been issued a clear definition of a difference in the terms being used. Barna researched and defined an Evangelical as one that meets the criteria of a born-again plus seven more conditions. A person that is born-again only meets two condtions. People were asked the question; “have you ever made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in your life today?” If the person answered that question in the positive they were then asked to choose one of seven statements that described them One statement was; “when I die, I will go to Heaven because I have confessed my sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior.” The person that answered yes to the first question and chose the statement mentioned above was considered born-again.

Whether one agrees with the above crtieria or not is not the issue of this post. What I am trying to point out is that Barna Research has set the parameters for which we can clearly say this person is born-again or this person is an evangelical. This brings me to my concern with Lifeway Research’s latest research concerning the way unchurched people view the church. Lifeway Research did a great job presenting a definition of unchurched–one who has not attended church in the past six months. Do I believe that the church needs to know what the unchurched are thinking? You bet I do! Do I believe that we must concern ourselves to the point that we enter dialog in order to find out what we may do in order to allow the Cross to be the only stumbling block? Again, you bet I do! Do I believe that we allow unchurched people to define what is or is not a Christian? No, No, No!!! Do I believe that we should allow the unchurched to add to a false belief that Jesus is separated from the church? Again, No, No, No!!!

In the Lifeway Research article, we are encouraged to go to USA Today and read the article they have done in order to see their comments. The author of the Lifeway Research article, referencing USA Today, says; “their focus was on the attitudes of the unchurched toward the church. That attitude is, admittedly, bad. But be sure to read the rest of the story here, which tells the good news about the openness of the unchurched to a personal witness.” Here in lies my concern.

The ‘unchurched’ were asked the question; “The God of the Bible is no different from the gods or spiritual beings depicted by world religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.” Here is the finding of this question; “Among unchurched adults, 58% of younger adults (ages 18-29) agree (strongly or somewhat) compared to 67% of older adults (30 years and older).” That tells us that the unchurched do not know what it means to be a Christian. Please note something here that has not been discussed. The younger unchurced group appear to be less likely to accept ecumenical philosophy, while the older unchurched appear to be more likely to accept it.

Another question asked that adds to my concern focuses on the unchurched person’s definition of Christianity. The question was; “I think Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people” Seventy-nine percent of unchurched said they either somewhat agreed or strongly agreed with the statement. But now Lifeway Research seems to desire that we accept these views as correct instead of making certain that we more clearly define that Christianity is not about ‘organized religion’. However when asked to rate this statement; “I have at least one close friend who considers himself or herself a Christian.” We saw seventy-nine percent of unchurched people either somewhat agree or strongly agree. Here is my concern. If the unchurched say that they believe Christianity has to do with organized religion then they are only saying that they have a close friend that attends church.

One other area of concern has to do with the appearance of separating Jesus from the church. “I believe I can have a good relationship with God without being involved in a church.” A full eighty-six percent either somewhat, or strongly agreed with this statement. There is an interesting note attached to this statement. “Unchurched adults who attended church weekly during their childhood are equally likely to agree (strongly or somewhat) compared to unchurched adults who attended church less often as a child.” Notice there is virtually no difference in this thinking between children that attended church as a child versus those that didn’t. Somewhere, somehow, the ball was dropped about Jesus and his bride. This is an ecclesiological issue. Part of what I was taught when I was a child was that when we met in that little white clapboard church we were part of the Bride of Christ meeting. While we were meeting on the local level we were part of the gathered church that Christ would gather together on that “great gettin-up morning”.

For What it is Worth–My Opinion

First, the research has revealed some needs that we as church leaders must take to heart. I am grateful to Lifeway Research for their work and presentation of this data.

Second, Dr. Carteledge points out something that was not his intention, I believe. In order to clearly communicate, parameters of definition must be made clear. It seems that we are left, from this research, without a clear definition of what an unchurched person considers a Christian. If the only statement we have to go by is “Believing in Jesus makes a positive difference in a person’s life,” then we cannot fully understand that as one who is a Christian. Believing in Jesus sounds great, but what does it mean to believe? It seems that James took issue with a mere knowledge that Jesus can change someone’s life when he stated in James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble.” James clearly defined what it means to believe, something this research tool doesn’t seem to be so ready to do. I know it is not the purpose of this research, but before we say Christians need to change how we approach unchurched, we need to know who the unchurched believe are and are not Christians.

Third, it seems that Lifeway Research has, unintentionally, weakened a solid ecclesiological standard for Southern Baptist with their survey statement that separates Jesus from the church. This statement was presented in this way in order to attain a specific response, which is understandable. I just question if there were another way to ask the question in order to get a clearer understanding of the reason people believe they can believe in Jesus without attending church. Would “weekly organized religious meetings” not been a better term?

Can we use these results? Certainly! We are not going to “throw out the baby in the bath water.” This research is a valuable tool for us. We certainly will benefit from this research and feel comfortable using it in an approach to reach the unchurched. Much thanks goes to Lifeway Research for their hard work.

Keeping my Marriage Vows

I wanted to express something that made a huge impact on my life. When I made my vows to my wife on December 19, 1992, I made them for my entire natural life. Those vows were during sickness and in health, richer or poorer and forsaking all others. It is the forsaking all others that I want to focus in with this post.

I came out of a lifestyle that included some very promiscuous thinking and actions. This all changed when I gave my life to Jesus, but the pictures and memories of my past seem burned into my mind. That is why I am daily renewing my mind in Christ. However, as I make decisions on shows to see and movies to venture into, I make certain that I guard my mind as I venture into those areas. For me, forsaking all others, is more than crossing the line and abandoning my marriage vows. It means that I strive not to allow my mind or eyes to wander from my wife. I do this for three reasons.

First, my Lord is precious and dear to me. I have covenanted with Him that He has complete control of my life. It is not that I live for Him, but that He lives through me. I understand that this vessel can stray, but it will not stray as long as I allow Him complete control.

Second, my family is precious and dear to me. I have covenanted with Gail that she is the only woman that I will ever desire. I have covenanted with Rebekah that I will not do anything that will remove the stability of this family. I know that I am not the nicest person, or the best provider financially, but I will make certain that she understands stability because her daddy is not going anywhere. Gail, knows and depends on the fact that I am not going to place myself in any position that will cause others to question my commitment to her.

Third, has to do with the following pictures. The first picture was taken in December, 2000. I know that this is not the best picture, but I am standing on the top row, second from the end on the left. If you will look at the front row, first person on the left, you will note that my friend and fellow blogger Brother C.B. Scott is standing there. He is there because he thought he could graduate without marching. However, Dr. Bush desire overruled Brother C.B.’s desire.

It has been charged by some here, here, & here that Dr. Patterson has been soft on dealing with sexual predators in the pastorate. These unfounded charges are nothing more than political fodder for attacks on someone from another direction. What many who make these charges not realize, or fail to truthfully represent, is the many messages that Dr. Patterson has preached on pastors disqualifying themselves from the pastoral ministry. Not only does Dr. Patterson preach this Scriptural truth, but he also advocates it in his lifestyle. Also, those that try to insinuate that Dr. Patterson is soft on sexual predators in the pulpit, have never sat in his pre-graduation address to the graduates. In that meeting he addresses a number of issues. One that I will never forget is the time that he told the above graduating class;

If you chose to violate your marriage vows you will have to stand before the Lord and give an account. But, before you do that, if I am still living, I will hunt you down and you will have to give an account to me.

Below you see that moment the I walked across the stage at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to receive my Masters of Divinity degree. It was a great moment in my life and every time I look at my degree I see the signature of Dr. Paige Patterson. I am honored to have experienced that time.

Every time that I have a thought cross my mind, that shouldn’t, I first think about my Lord and the covenant that I made with Him. I then think about my beautiful wife and loving daughter and the vows I made with her along with the trusting look I see in Rebekah’s eyes. Then I see this image of Dr. Patterson standing over me shaking his head and telling me I have destroyed the ministry that God called me to and that results in me leaving the pastoral ministry. Also, he is there to help me to the door.
It gives me chills as I think about it.

Snow in the Carolinas

At 5 am I got out of my bed and looked out of the window. We were told a front was going to move through after midnight and I wanted to see what it produced. When I looked out there was a blanket of 2 inches of snow. It is beautiful. Here are some pictures of what Rebekah and I will be doing after lunch today.

I wish I could tell you that is the reason for the silence for the past couple of days, but it is not. I have been extremely busy as I was teaching a class at the Christian School that Rebekah attends.

I had a class of 9-12 grade students. I was extremely challenged to keep something before them that would, at least, keep them in a position where their heads were not laying on their desk. Check out my professorial position.

Now that the class is ending, I will be back on Monday.

PRAISE REPORT!!!

I just spoke with Brother C.B.Scott. He was leaving the courtroom where he and Sister Karen were awarded guardianship of the four children. He has been in this battle since June 2006 and God has answered prayers in a huge way. Also, the church he pastors showed up in force. Westmont Baptist certainly showed up in force to support their pastor. In a day when churches seem to care less what their pastors are doing, this great church supported their pastor in his endeavor. Praise God for church families that love their pastor. Brother C.B. will post on this in the near future watch his blog for the entire story.

A Honest Look at Racism!

I found this inspirational article at Brother Robin Foster’s blog. He copied and pasted an article by Sister Harriette who posts under the name SelahV.

She has posted an article entitled An Elephant in the Room. In it she openly, honestly, and articulately describes the tension one feels when trying to express a difference with one that is black. I encourage you to venture over to her blog and read this article. Be ready to examine yourself before God because our Sister has a way of writing that brings you into the Father’s presence with her words.

Un-Christian Tactics being Exposed

Brother Robin Foster has exposed some tactics that those desiring change have begun.  It seems that if you cannot win in the debate then all you have to do is charge racism.  You really do not need to have something racist said you can invent it.  Also, notice the dichotomous standards being held by some that do not desire to see Dr. Mohler as President.  We are still six months away from Indianapolis, and the rhetoric and false piousness is as thick as a glass of buttermilk that you would dip cornbread into.

See here, and here for the false piety and rhetoric.

See here, and here for the rebuttal.

See here for a clear account of what you are seeing.

We are not in the 2nd week of 2008 and it certainly appears that we are in a pickle here in blogdome.