Tony Wolfe

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Hollow Bunnies, Religious Shells, and a Substantive Faith that Works

We were broke growing up. My dad pastored very normative-sized SBC churches, and my mom worked off and on to help make ends meet. To be honest, my four older brothers and I never knew we were poor. We... Continue Reading »

Church Beyond the Times

In my late 20s, I was called to pastor a small, rural church in deep East Texas. Having come from years of associate pastoral ministry in more urban contexts, the first thought that crossed my mind was how “behind... Continue Reading »

Because You Give: What Is the Big Deal About the Cooperative Program?

In 2025, we celebrate the centennial anniversary of our Southern Baptist Cooperative Program (CP). Since 1925, SCBaptist churches have given more than $2 billion through the CP. Those funds, cheerfully and sacrificially given by cooperating churches like yours, have... Continue Reading »

This Grace Given to Me: SC Gospel Saturation in 2025

What did you get for Christmas? What are your New Year’s resolutions? I bet you’ve been asked those two questions more times than you can count over the last several weeks. Christmas feels like a season of gift-giving and... Continue Reading »

Let the Armies of Hell Take Note: Reflections on the 2024 SCBaptist Convention

I write these words less than 24 hours from the closing gavel of our 2024 SCBaptist Convention at FBC Columbia. My heart is still swollen with gratitude to our God, love for our people, and hope for our future.... Continue Reading »

The Heartbeat of SCBaptists: Give and Go

Nov. 11–12, SCBaptists from across the state will gather at Columbia’s First Baptist Church for our 204th annual meeting. The room will be full of pastors, associate ministry staff, lay leaders, and church members who are invested in our... Continue Reading »

The Joy of Pastoring

I miss being a pastor. Don’t get me wrong, I am confident in God’s calling on my life in this season, and I love it. Vanessa and I are very fulfilled, and there is nowhere we would rather be.... Continue Reading »

Winning the Baptist War on Global Lostness

French and British armies clashed with Germany at the First Battle of Marne 110 years ago this month, within 30 miles of Paris. The Germans hoped taking Paris would afford them a quick assurance of victory in the larger... Continue Reading »

Big Seeds, Big Harvest — SCBaptists, It’s Time to Give and Go Like Never Before

Vanessa and I are invested, but these South Carolina weather patterns and soil variances are trying our patience. We planted some fruit trees last fall and have been taking care of them dutifully. We water them, feed them, prune... Continue Reading »

Striking the Waters: Reflections on the SBC 2024

On Monday, June 10, 2024, about 350 SCBaptists gathered in an Indiana hotel conference room to fellowship, encourage one another, and be reminded of why we do what we do. The SCBaptist spirit of cooperation was rich and powerful.... Continue Reading »

Striking the Waters: A Unity of Purpose and Consecration 

On May 13, 1924, Southern Baptists from across the country gathered for their annual business session in Memphis, Tenn. Awakened to global opportunity, enlivened by organizational potential, unified by a burgeoning denominational consciousness, and determined to maximize their sacrifices... Continue Reading »

Striking the Waters: On the SCBaptist Disposition in Indianapolis 

On June 10–12, 2024, thousands of Southern Baptists will gather in Indianapolis for the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Hundreds of SCBaptists will be among them. My prayer is that the SCBaptist kind of cooperative spirit will prevail. SCBaptists... Continue Reading »