Let's Hope it Doesn't Come to This in Tennessee

A recent ABP article, Missouri conservatives organize against their former movement, is worth a look.

"We are concerned that these two forces -- a political powerbroker machine and a spirit of legalism -- will lead to the destruction of the Missouri Baptist Convention..."

It is possible to go too far in a movement's effort to swing a convention away from liberalism. In Misouri, it is interesting that some of the very conservatives who led that movement seem to understand what "too far" looks like. Let us hope that it doesn't come to this in Tennessee.

Belmont Students Blogging Mission Experiences

One of my friends at Belmont University emailed me a story about a student's post in Brazil. Nothing brings more joy to my heart to hear of young people sharing their faith and witnessing the changes that God makes in new believers. If I was still physically able to jump up and down for joy, I would be doing it now.

There are Belmont University groups in Brazil, Cambodia, and Africa who are blogging this summer. I stayed up late last night to read them all once I found them.

Cary, a volleyball player who is part of Belmont's Sports Evangelism team serving (no pun intended) in Brazil wrote the following:

"I am truly witnessing the power of God in every activity we do here. Never before have I seen so many children, and never before have I felt the Holy Spirit working constantly through me. God has sent each and every one of us here for a reason and I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing team."

Dr. Jeff Overby, a Belmont business professor posted his thoughts on a day when the twenty student in his group learned of apartheid from individuals who suffered through an ugly era in South Africa:

"As we would witness during the day (and throughout the previous days for that matter), the people of this amazing country are managing to overcome a terrible page in history called apartheid and countless other calamities such as the AIDS pandemic to find hope and joy instead of hate, hopelessness and despair."

Shannon, a nursing student at Belmont, shared this in her blog post from Cambodia:

"Saoly...shared with us his experience from the khemer rouge. he talked of how he witnessed starvation and cannibalism. he told us of how his father died at his side from starvation. though saoly surrvived, he experienced much pain throughout pol pot's regime. he showed us his scars from coining. coining is a traditional cambodian pain reliever. many people here in cambodia still do it today. they take burning hot coins and rub them on their bodies to distract them from the pain they are having in another area."

I know there are Tennessee Baptists who believe that Belmont has become too liberal and has somehow drifted away from her original mission. After reading posts like those that I quoted, frankly, I do not care what label someone choses to place on the institution. I will recommend Belmont to any Tennessee Baptist student who wants to get off the ministry sidelines and get into the game.

Thank you, Belmont, for letting these stories get out from under a basket.

One Year Ago Today - Tennessee Baptist Convention and Belmont University

One year ago today, Tennessee Baptists gathered at Two Rivers Baptist Church to set the wheels in motion for legal action against Belmont University. The legal action has been inching its way through the process since October...and other than the publicised skirmishes, it has been pretty quiet.

I am hopeful that next year, the situation will look more like this:

1. Tennessee Baptists (as a collective convention) will have little or nothing to do with Belmont University (if/when the lawsuit is finally settled). The divorce is already evidenced by the absense of coverage of significant campus events by the Baptist & Reflector.
2. Belmont will have to work harder than any of the historically Baptist colleges to prove that they are true to their word in maintaining a Baptist heritage and a Christian identity. It won't be easy.
3. It would not be surprising to see Belmont reach out to any number of Tennessee Baptist Churches and their college-bound students to encourage an ongoing presence of Baptist students on campus...perhaps some will consider Belmont a mission field.
4. There will be Baptists on the Board of Trustees at Belmont...and regardless of their liberal-to-fundamentalist barometer reading, they will be Christians, will act accordingly, and do what is best for the students and the institution.

I would still like to see some accountability on the $750,000 line item in the TBC budget for legal fees the Belmont committee. No one should be proud of the fact that three quarters of a million dollars has been stolen away re-allocated from the missions and ministries budget of Tennessee Baptists. I, for one, would like to see where every penny of that money is going. I do not want to see another line item in the next budget for more of the same.

I'm ready for all this to be over even if it means another round of Chick-fil-a with all the (other) rowdies at another called convention meeting. We have more important things to do...doesn't the TBC need to help Carson-Newman find a new president?

Congratulations Dr. Bill Sherman

We claim him as a Tennessean, although he might still consider himself a missionary to Tennessee from Texas. The press release from Baylor University tells the story well:

The Baylor Alumni Association will honor Joy Fenner of Garland, Texas, and Dr. Bill Sherman of Fairview, Tenn., with the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award, during Baylor University's morning and afternoon commencement exercises on May 12 at the Ferrell Center.

The association presents the award each spring to individuals who exemplify the life and career of George W. Truett and reflect the meaning of Baylor's motto, "Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana." A graduate of Baylor in 1897, Truett went on to pastor the largest Baptist congregation of his era and hold several prestigious positions in Baptist organizing bodies. During his nearly 50-year ministry at First Baptist Church of Dallas, Truett also served as president of both the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist World Alliance.

Sherman will receive the honor at the 9:30 a.m. commencement ceremony, while Fenner will be honored at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

A 1954 Baylor graduate, Sherman later earned another bachelor's degree and his doctorate in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

During his career he has led six congregations from Texas to Tennessee and is currently pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairview, Tenn. In addition, he has been president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and a trustee of Belmont University, and he has served on the boards of the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, Christian Life Commission and Southern Baptist Foundation.

Sherman also has worked abroad with volunteer missions to many countries including Jamaica, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Thailand and Malaysia. During his 30 years as pastor of Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville, Sherman filled more than 900 missions assignments in Bold Mission Thrust (my emphasis).

I remember what happened at Woodmont Baptist Church after Bill made his first mission trip to Guatelama in the late 1970's. If you've ever heard Bill say, "If that doesn't light your fire, then your wood is wet", then you know how that one trip tossed a match into a dry tinderbox and set that congregation on fire for missions. I had no idea that 900 assignments were filled during the Bold Mission Thrust era, but I do remember Bill suggesting (in half jest) that membership at Woodmont meant that you needed an up-to-date passport.

Bill is a true Baptist. He has been maligned by conservatives as being 'moderate' and somehow liberal... but in my eyes, Bill represents the best of what Baptist leadership should be. He is a friend to conservatives and liberals and understands what it means that we can learn to disagree, agreeably. Congratulations, Dr. Sherman for this well deserved honor!

I look forward to reading about Dr. Sherman's accomplishments in the Baptist & Reflector... but I am not holding my breath.

More Belmont Student Athletes Prepare for Mission Trip

I have often thought that the only time I open my mouth is to change feet... just as soon as I spout off about 'hiding stories beneath a basket', a quick Google of 'Belmont' and 'Missions' brought up the Rio Journal 2007. It looks like Betty Wiseman and the Belmont University Volleyball team will be off to Rio, Brazil in a week or so. My prayers go with them even now.

More to the Belmont Hoops Story than Academic Success

The Nashville City Paper released an article today, Belmont Hoops a Model for Academic Success. In a city where the sport's news has focused on the antics of a wayward Titan, it is certainly good news to know that Coach Rick Byrd understands better than most that his players are students first and athletes second:

"Last week, the NCAA released its academic progress rate report and the BU hoops program fared as well as any in the country. The program ranked in the top 10 percent among all Division I programs in the nation. What’s more, it did so for the second year in a row. Only six programs have managed to accomplish that while also qualifying for the Big Dance both years."

There is more to this story
Look at some of the names of the players who played against Georgetown in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament: Justin Hare, Keaton Belcher, Andrew Preston, Will Peoples, Josh Goodwin, Matthew Dodson, and Andy Wicke. Now match those names with team members who traveled to Venezuela last summer on a missions trip. Here's what Paul Scott, IMB Missionary inVenezuela, had to say about these players from Belmont:

"Hundreds of people came to know Christ during the twelve days of this mission trip. I don’t know all their names and I doubt that I would even recognize their faces, but I do know this one*. We praise God for the Belmont University Basketball team. Thank you for coming to Venezuela. Thank you for being faithful to God’s call. We are literally eternally grateful."

I thank God for people like Rick Byrd and Betty Wiseman at Belmont University. In spite of a Baptist convention that chooses to slander the good names of the university's leaders and trustees and ignore the good works that happen on Belmont's campus, these Christian teachers and coaches understand and demonstrate the very best of Christian education and service. Well deserved kudos to Belmont's men and women who work hard in the classroom, represent themselves well on the playing field, and humbly serve in unique platforms for ministry across the globe!

*"this one" refers to Josey Scott, missionary son of Paul and Shelley, who became a Christian during the Belmont team stay in Venezuela.

Love Each Stone - added to my blogroll

I have been reading David Rogers, off-and-on, for sometime now. He is an IMB missionary now serving in Madrid. I consider his blog and his graciousness in responding to commenters to be a model that others (including myself) should emulate. His blog is titled, Love Each Stone (ya gotta love that) and his post from just a day ago may be reason enough for you to add him to your reading list.

Netherton resigns...now what?

Dr. James S. Netherton is leaving Carson-Newman College after 6+ years as president and is moving to a vice-presidential position at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

I wish Dr. Netherton the very best in his new position. I predict that he will do well in Macon and that his career course will take a dramatic turn in the future.

The Flag Isn't Flying at Half-Mast

The cynic in me chuckled a bit at statements made by Dr. Porch at the Tennessee Baptist Convention, in particular:

"This Christian gentleman came to the presidency of Carson-Newman and immediately began to honor and nurture the college’s connection with the convention." (from the B&R - 21 February 2007)

Is there not a touch of irony in that statement, considering the recent divorce between the Georgia Baptist Convention and Mercer University, Dr. Netherton's new home?

The Tennessee Baptist Convention will find someone who will carry on the effort to make Carson-Newman a clone of Union University... and I suspect that many would tell you that is not such a bad idea. I am not convinced, however, that making Carson-Newman an East Tennessee bastion of conservatism is the cure for the challenges facing the college.

Will the posting for this position be honest enough to say, anyone associated with the the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship need not apply?

Can We Narrow the Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:12 ?

Paul admonishes Timothy in I Timothy, 2:12 (KJV), "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." This passage is newsworthy today in light of of the dismisal of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary professor, Dr. Sheri Klouda...who, according to the article, was dismissed because of her gender and the leadership's application of the I Timothy verse.

First of all, allow me to make it clear that I fully understand Paul's instructions to Timothy in context of what was going on when that letter was written. I must also admit that I am not comfortable with Paul's words being used today to squelch women who have been called into ministry OR to negate OR narrow that calling when/if there is an interface with men.

In the case of Dr. Klouda, she was not a pastor. She was called (and hired in 2002) to teach. She has a gift of teaching (and teaching Hebrew). And yes, there were men in her classroom. Unless there were other circumstances involved, the seminary decided that because of her gender and the fact that she was, indeed, instructing men that the Biblical stance compelled them to dismiss her.

Here is a scenario for you. At some rather arbritrary age between 16 and 21, the males of our species are called men. If you can accept that premise, at what point do we eliminate all female teachers in our Sunday Schools because they may be teaching or having authority over young men?...or would mothers of these young men be on unscriptual foundations if they attempted to teach or hold authority over their sons...even sons who themselves may be pastors some day?

And, what if a woman is involved in writing theological material (or electronically recorded voice/visuals) that is intended to teach men. Should those articles be allowed or should those words be silenced? I'll confess to learning something about leadership in missions from a lady called Lottie Moon...she taught me, and those teachings hold a great deal of influence/authority over my approach to missions...was that teaching unscriptural? It isn't that a big of a jump in interpretation for someone to use I Timothy to say that published works of women should be silenced.

Hitting a little closer to home at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: If Dorothy Paige, the sole, remaining female professor in theology, were to have a male student sign up for one of her Women's Studies classes, would she be dismissed in the same manner as that of Dr. Klouda? Or perhaps, should we simply ban men from studying Women's Programs at SWBT?

All of that to say, my discomfort in disavowing a woman's call to teach, minister, or hold authority over a man is increased considerably when there is an appearance that we may be subjegating a Godly call based upon what may be an ever narrowing interpretation of Paul's words to Timothy. I would hope that we have more important things to do than reduce the ranks of Baptists in ministry based upon their gender.

TBC President Weigh In on Carson Newman Situation

WBIR.com in Knoxville published an article describing some of the challenges that newly-elected Tennessee Baptist Convention President, Ron Stewart faces. Regarding the Carson-Newman situation, the article includes this:

"I have a great deal of confidence in the president Dr. Netherton, I think he is a Godly man, I think he is trying to do what he believes is best, Stewart said.

Stewart says the conflict comes from faculty teaching in contradiction to what the Bible states and what Baptists believe."

I am hoping Ron's statement regarding "faculty teaching" isn't intended as an insult to the many Bible believing faculty at Carson-Newman. And, I hope that Ron is not so naive to belive that the college's 5-year slide in enrollment, the $20 Million in deferred maintenance, the failure to bring numerous staff salary levels above a food-stamp-qualifying level, and an obviously missing game plan from Dr. Netherton's micro-managing administration is truly a result of "faculty teaching in contradiction to what the Bible states".

I fear that Ron's "great deal of confidence" is short on substance even if he thinks Dr. Netherton is a Godly man. Dr. Netherton may be the man to pull Carson-Newman out of their current funk, but 5 year's worth of declining enrollment during his leadership isn't a confidence builder.

Carson-Newman College Trustees Meet Today.

Pray.

Belmont University Subpoenas and Tennessee Baptist Paperwork

Let's go over it one. more. time: Jim Porch, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, is sticking with the convention story that Belmont University is the bad guy because they refuse to acknowledge the validity of a 1951 document that includes a reversion clause. Belmont University's Board of Trustees Chairman, Marty Dickens, is sticking with Belmont's story that the 1951 document was modified at least twice by actions of the convention and that this whole mess is about control and money. Neither side appears to have budged from those positions. There are certainly other issues, but a judge may ultimately weigh the evidence supporting these two core issues...and then it is over.

Meanwhile...

Here's a bit of irony. The TBC couldn't come up with it's copy of the 1951 document, but according to this report, they have managed to come up with over 30,000 pages (that's 60 reams) of documents that allegedly relate to the case. Wouldn't you just love to know how much that cost in legal fees, staff time, and supplies? Thank goodness for our Cooperative Program dollars!

Belmont, who had a copy of the 1951 document, evidently couldn't match the TBC's 30,000 pages (again, that's 60 reams of paper) so they have subpoenaed 100 churches and mailed a letter to the rest. Not to be outdone, the TBC mailed a four page subpoena response letter to churches in the TBC, basically stating the two sentences in my opening paragraph.

...a final word on Paperwork

If Royal Ambassadors (a Baptist version of Boy Scouts) were still settling matters by spitball battles, wouldn't they have a great time with the reams of paper already stockpiled in this legal case. Not unlike RA's of old, no one is talking/thinking about the messy clean-up that will follow the aftermath of the conflict between these two institutions.

Maybe I need to crank up some copies of a Refugee Baptist application form. Paperwork is evidently the new Baptist 'ministry'.

Reflections from a Guatemalan Baptist

People who serve as translators for volunteers on mission trips have a special place in my heart. My trip to Guatemala proved (again) that my love for translators is not misplaced. I consider myself blessed that Jorge was not only my translator and a Christian, but also a Baptist.

Stepping away from all the rhetoric in Southern Baptist political and theological controversy and entering a world where a believer's faith and lifestyle is more fundementally entwined was quite refreshing. Let me explain. Jorge became a Christian about 10 years ago when he was a teenager. The influences of an IMB missionary and a young Guatemalan pastor are still part of Jorge's testimony. What is more important to Jorge is that his commitment to Christ also came with a clearly understood commitment to what it means to be part of the body of Christ, His church.

Baptists in Jorge's church are in the church house on Sunday and they are in Bible study on Wednesday night, without exception. If a church member is not present, their presence is noted immediately and someone (usually the member's deacon) is summoned to the missing member's home to take care of the sick member...there are no other 'excuses' for not being there. Likewise, the members of his church are tithers, no exception...and offer 'first fruits' as a clear and visual expression of that commitment in the most literal sense. I have a picture of the table that stands in front of the pulpit in Jorge's church, and on that table is a very large watermelon...it was a gift, the best of a farmer-member's first crop. On Sunday nights, members bring non-believer friends and associates to the church house...it is an expectation and considered a commitment to Great Comission evangelism.

There is more. When I questioned Jorge about what happens if a member doesn't measure up to all of these (and other) expectations, he looked at me like I had asked the silliest question on earth. The paraphrased summary of his explaination: why would anyone who loves Jesus give up the joy of fellowship with fellow believers or the satisfaction of seeing monetary gifts combined do greater good or 'missing out' on something in a Bible study that enriches your faith or sharing the joy of being a believer with someone who may never have heard the name of Jesus before...are you crazy?

I have been back for a week now. I have asked myself if I could be a Baptist in Jorge's church. I have asked myself, "Am I crazy for NOT being consistent and commited as my Guatemalan brothes and sisters?" You may have heard volunteers report to their home church that even though they traveled to a distant mission point to minister...that in fact, it was something or someone at the host location who ministered more to them personally. In this instance, Jorge-the-Baptist, ministered to me and made it clear that many of us (and I confess my inclusion in this group) who claim to be Baptist are, indeed, crazy!

Guatemalan food note: beware of small, fresh, deliciously sweet bananas...your system may not be prepared for that level of fiber (enough said).

New Baptist Covenant - At a Glance

You may have already read the news (or read the blog commentary) on what has been billed (perhaps unfairly) as the Carter-Clinton Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant. I say godspeed to those who seek to offer a different view of Baptists and to carry out compassionate ministries. And I say "Amen" to Wade Burleson's closing of his reponse to the news,

"I wish nothing but success for all Baptists who seek to live out the gospel for a world in need of a Savior."

And in the masterfully succinct, concluding words of Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Carson-Newman Crisis Milestones

This site reports that we have just passed 100 days since the no-confidence vote for Carson-Newman President Netherton, and, that the Carson-Newman trustees are only a day or so away from meeting. It is clear that Tennessee Baptists have not been given a clear view of what has been going on at the college for (at least) the last 5-6 years. Personally, I am not sure that we are getting a clear view even now. Our own state convention paper doesn't appear qualified to do investigative reporting and is satified with re-printing the spin coming out of Carson-Newman's PR department and the mainstream press.

What I do know from reading the Concerned Carson-Newman College Alumni and Friends site is that there is more than mere bickering going on and that these issues cannot be swept under the rug.

I am praying for Carson-Newman today and for the decisions facing their Board of Trustees in the next few days. I hope that you will join me.

Bill Carden Wants To Save Carson-Newman, I Suggest We Let Him

It is a lonnnng article over at the Concerned Tennessee Baptist site, but it is a must read for friends of Carson-Newman and for any other Tennessee Baptist Convention agency or institution. Bill Carden apparently knows why Carson-Newman is failing and has a solution to return the university to its "Christian liberal arts heritage."

From reading the article, one might get the impression that Bill Carden, pastor a deacon of First Baptist Church Tullahoma, has an axe to grind with anyone associated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship...the finger is clearly pointed at that group as the major reason for Carson-Newman's decline. The following is a direct quote from Rev. Mr. Carden's article:

If survival of the college is most important, then the list of nominees for trustee positions that the college presents to the TBC Committee on Boards in 2007 and future years will not include the name of any person from a church affiliated with the CBF. If the college continues to nominate any persons who are from churches affiliated with the CBF, this will be interpreted as a sure signal to Tennessee Baptists that the college has no interest in the restoration of trust with Tennessee Baptists.

Finally, someone is honest enough to say that if you are affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship your services are no longer required in the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Let's be sure to include that in next year's list of Tennessee Baptist Convention resolutions...it would at least be an honest reflection of conservative Tennessee Baptist leadership.

Oh, and for those who still don't believe this is about the money, please be sure to read the last paragraph and the veiled concluding threat:

"If the Carson-Newman trustees are unwilling to begin this trust restoration process right now, and carry it through to its complete resolution, then the trustees may have to take their chances on continued survival of the college without the benefit of Cooperative Program funds from Tennessee Baptist Churches. And Union University certainly deserves the extra money!"

That's the ticket, Bill. Let's pull the plug on those suckers and show them how Baptist we are. That'll show those liberals that we hold the purse strings and we mean business!

With that in mind: I nominate Bill Carden for President of Carson-Newman. As a leader in a non-CFB church and with his outline to fix the college, he is eminently qualified. (But let's hold off on giving Union more money than they "certainly deserve.")

Belmont University Featured on Cover of Phone Book

Having a Board of Trustees Chairman who is President of ATT-Tennessee evidently has its advantages. Belmont University announced earlier this week that the Inman Center Will Be Featured on the Cover of The AT&T Real White Pages. In the vernacular of the blogosphere: wOOt!

Please allow me to kick a dead horse one more time: Perhaps when the new phone books are delivered to the office of the Tennessee Baptist Convention's Baptist and Reflector newspaper, they will realized that they accidently missed the story about Belmont's new 20 million dollar health sciences building and will report it to the rest of the Baptists in Tennessee... fair and balanced reporting and all that sort of thing.

The Baptist and Reflector Gets it Right

Since I have already blasted the Tennessee Baptist Convention's reporting on one story, it is only fair that I commend them for NOT regurgitating an error that appeared in the secular media (and Baptist Press) the week before Christmas. The Baptist & Reflector, in this story, correctly identifies the eight new Belmont University Board of Trustee Members by including, "only one of whom is a member of a convention-affiliated church." Earlier media releases called seven of the new board members non-Baptists. Thank you, B&R, for not offending our Missionary Baptist friends.

At the bottom of the story, TBC President and Belmont alumnus, Ron Stewart is quoted, " it just reveals they’re (Belmont) moving forward without any visible signs they would ever want to renew the relationship." Good point, Ron. What's the game plan from your leadership that gives any of us a sign that you want to renew that relationship? Just curious...the lawsuit just isn't doing it for me.

What Response? What Letter?

I just read the January 10, 2007 Baptist & Reflector article, "Response issued to Belmont Letter". I could hardly wait to read the article and see what the Tennessee Baptist Convention had to say to Belmont. Unfortunately, the story contains two facts: One, Jim Porch appears to be only aware of a letter sent to TBC churches. And secondly (quoting Porch), "...we are preparing a statement to comment upon the assertions made and issues raised by this letter."

Let me summarize: Jim Porch is preparing comments on assertions written in a letter that he apparently hasn't even seen yet. And THAT was the lead article in the online version of the Baptist and Reflector.

Thank goodness the weather is getting colder in Nashville...this mis-titled B&R story will be useful only if rolled up and included in the kindling for a fire.

Welcome Home News from Bemont to the Tennessee Baptist Convention

I have a ton of things to share with my two loyal readers about my trip to Guatemala, but that will have to wait until I rid myself of whatever I picked up that keeps me running to the porcelin throne. I'll write fast for now.

Via the Associated Press, WKRN in Nashville released the story, "Belmont to subpoena nearly 100 churches in Baptist lawsuit". My friend, TBC Elder, told me this was coming and that a long-time Belmont employee happened to be the only person available at his own church when the papers were served. There is some irony there, I am sure of it.

OK, so Belmont wants to see 50 years of records from 100 of Tennessee Baptist Convention's most generous churches. I may be the only one laughing here, but I would be surprised if most of our churches keep detailed financial records for more than 5 or 6 years... now, ask us about Baptisms and attendance in worship and we can spout those numbers off like a football fanatic addicted to Super Bowl trivia.

That's it for now. It is Chicken Noodle Soup (without the chicken or the noodles) for me over the next couple of days. If we ever meet, ask me how many different languages that I know how to say, "Kaopectate, please". I gotta run...