Arab Baptist Theological Seminary Update

The latest newsletter from the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut has been circulated and I’ve uploaded a copy here. Interesting reading indeed.

What Rubbish

Did you know that this past Sunday more than 600 congregations around the world observed “Evolution Sunday” which celebrates the birth of Charles Darwin?  Ethics Daily reports,

Michael Zimmerman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University, started Evolution Sunday after working with about 200 Wisconsin clergy in 2004 to prepare a statement challenging anti-evolution policies by a school board in Grantsburg, Wis.

If people are so interested in establishing a new Church observance, how about “Non-Conformity Sunday” in which they pledge their love not of Darwin, but of God’s act of creation. 

Stories like these make it more than self evident that the Church is only alive because God wishes it to be.  Were it not so, such foolishness would have swept every congregation off the face of the planet decades ago.

The Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry

New Orelans Baptist Theological Seminary has instituted a new website which describes itself as follows:

The Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry exists to provide theological and ministerial resources to enrich and energize ministry in Baptist churches.  Our goal is to bring together professor and practitioner to produce and apply these resources to Baptist life, polity, and ministry.  The mission of the BCTM is to develop, preserve, and communicate the distinctive theological identity of Baptists.

It includes links to lots of interesting information as well as a weblog. Take a look.

Thought of the Day

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster. Your life will never be the same again. — Og Mandino

News From the Big Emory Association

March 1 - Association Youth Ministers Meeting
March 1 - Prayer Team Meeting, 1 p.m. at the BEBA Office
March 1 - Rebuild Ministry Team Meeting, 7 p.m. at the BEBA Office
March 4-11 - Week of Prayer for North American Missions/Annie Armstrong Offering
March 7 - Minister’s Conference, 10:30 a.m.
March 11 - Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring forward)
March 12 - Executive Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m. at South Harriman Baptist Church
March 16-17 - Youth Evangelism Conference, Pigeon Forge
March 16-18 - Missions Get Together, Gatlinburg
  March 16 - Tennessee WMU Executive Board Meeting
  March 17 - Tennessee WMU Annual Meeting
March 25-April 1 - Sunday School Emphasis Week ending with High Attendance Sunday

If Money Ever Replaces Principles…

Ethics Daily reports that

A second group canceled plans to rent LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center in response to a recently publicized policy banning groups using the Southern Baptist Convention-owned facility from promoting homosexuality. According to The New Mexican, Sante Fe College administrators decided this week to hold graduation ceremonies on campus instead of the Southern Baptist Convention-owned facility, where the event had been held since 2004.

Good.  If the SBC or Lifeway ever place money above right practice, they are doomed.  Sadly, frankly, there’s already too much “selling out” going on in churches- many of which have adopted Madison Avenue as their lord and guide.

Is Peace on the Horizon?

A Nashville TV station reports

Southern Baptists, who seem to always be arguing about something, are now asking for peace.  Two key leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention are calling for all Baptists to set aside their differences and find their common ground.   Southern Baptists have a reputation for disagreeing with one another and unfortunately, it is a reputation that is well-earned.   Baptist Pastor Dr. Jon Roebuck said, “I think we get in trouble in Baptist life when we try to call ourselves to conformity that every church has to believe everything the same way.”   …  While most agree on the core Baptist beliefs; issues about money, social issues and the role of women in ministry have been the source of constant disagreements over the past 20 years.  Many times, those disagreements turn ugly.  Those differences are having an impact.  Last year, Southern Baptists baptized the fewest number of people in the last 12 years and according to the Southern Baptist Convention, more than 70% of churches are either declining in membership or not growing at all.  “I do think negative publicity and infighting between Baptist groups hurts that witness. If people on theoutside look at our churches and say, ‘All Baptists do is fight.’ Who would be drawn to that?”  …  Dr. Page said anything that has divided Southern Baptists in the past is now up for discussion.  That includes the ordination of female deacons and ministers.

An Honor

I failed to mention that I received this really beautiful plaque in honor of being named the A.H. Newman scholar (and as always, click to enlarge). 

And that, frankly, is the first and the last you will hear of it!  

Returned…

I’ve returned from Mercer, and here are a few photos (click to enlarge):

Me in the library.

Part of the Special Collection of historical Baptist documents.

The Library

It was, all in all, a great week.  But it’s nice to be home.

A Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for Jeremy G. and his family.