777

The number 666 stands out in Scriptures as possibly the darkest number of all time. This dreaded number represents the “Beast” who stands in opposition to all that God stands for and loves. On September 29th in an election year like none other in recent decades the stock market dropped 777 points as investors [...]

SBC/BGCT: Hard Look in the Mirror (part 3)

As the saying goes “ignorance is bliss”, but it can also be deadly, so it is critical for leaders to come to grips with the realities of their situations. As I reflect on the challenges facing the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist General Convention of Texas I am concerned that our basic challenge is [...]

Jesus Walking

Note: This blog is based on an email article I sent to the members of my church this week. As part of our Texas Hope 2010 participation, we challenged our people to begin prayer walking their neighborhoods. Last Sunday we took pages from the Canyon Telephone book and asked our people to pray name by [...]

BGCT/SBC: Hard Look in the Mirror (part 2)

I wonder sometimes in our denominational struggles if we are trying to treat a bad case of the measles with bandages. The red whelps all over the face, back and arms are not the primary problem but rather a symptom of a deeper inner condition. Bandages and lotions will never cure the measles, nor will [...]

BGCT/SBC: A Hard Look in the Mirror

Recently my wife Robyn brought home a book from her Worldconnex board meeting entitled The Once and Future Church: Reinventing the Congregation for a New Mission Frontier. Loren B. Mead, one of the founders of the Alban Institute, wrote the book back in 1991. He wrote of the slow and sure demise of mainline denominations [...]

A Political Opinion

As our nation marches toward the polls for this November election, the issues and personalities launched an open season of political debate and opinion. Strong emotions and sentiment have moved common ordinary Americans to rally behind the chosen leader and cause. Obama and McCain yard signs decorate the front yards of suburban lawns, and decorate [...]

Randel Everett: Chapel of Southwestern

On October 15th President Paige Patterson has invited Dr. Randel Everett, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, to speak in chapel at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a student at Southwestern rarely did I think of chapel as an historic event, but this one will be in many ways. I commend Everett [...]

Steve Vernon: A Safe Leadership Decision

Last week, Steve Vernon, pastor of First Baptist Church of Leveland, Texas and former President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas was named to join Executive Randel Everett as his top aide and administration. Vernon will fill the post of Associate Executive Director/Missions Coordinator upon the election of the Executive Board during their meeting [...]