But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). We’ve all been there — the point of confusion and desperation. Things have not gone according to our plans, and […]
Convention Preview: S.C. Baptists to Focus on Renewal, Revival, Revitalization
The Apostle Paul challenged Christians in Rome, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). While these words were written almost 2,000 years ago, they are as true today as ever. Surrounded […]
President’s Perspective: It’s Time to Wake Up!
I announced the theme of this year’s annual meeting last November, but God has continued to shape the heart of that theme over the months that followed. Coming out of the social depression and missional uncertainty of a global pandemic, many — if not most — of our pastors and churches had understandably fallen into […]
President’s Perspective: Moving Forward
Paul presents a bit of doctrinal deep water in Philippians 2, a passage rich and full of theological gold. Verse 12 offers an individual challenge of God’s sanctification, to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This concept of personal sanctification helps us understand a broader developmental process of God shaping of His […]
President’s Perspective: The Problem with the SBC Is Me
As I look around at the current SBC landscape, I can’t help but consider the words of Paul found in Ephesians 4:1-3: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with […]
President’s Perspective: Balanced Leadership in a Day of Extremes
Warren Bennis once said, “Leadership is like beauty. It’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it.” Sadly, good leaders are seldom seen these days. From politics to pulpits and everywhere in between, we are in a leadership crisis. There is no shortage of people willing to lead, nor is there a […]
President’s Perspective: SCBC Task Force Announced
The messengers at our 2021 annual meeting in Columbia approved a motion that required the incoming president to appoint a task force of South Carolina Baptists, who would be given the responsibility to review and respond to the report that is expected from our national convention in Anaheim, Calif., this summer. The South Carolina Baptist […]
President’s Perspective: Charge On!
“Our best days are behind us. Hope for unity is gone, and the future of the church is uncertain.” This has always been the message of the enemy. After all, he is a deceiver and wants nothing more than to bring fear and frustration to the mission and ministry of every follower of Jesus. Sadly, […]
Church Revitalization: Turning the Church Inside Out
Do you ever feel like the world has been turned upside down? From our culture’s rejection of authority to generational, political and racial divisions, it seems that instead of striving for the American Dream, our society is living an American Nightmare. Unfortunately, this not only describes modern culture but the Christian church as well. Today, […]