Doctrine and Mission

Category: Uncategorized

  • The Trump and Elon Feud and SBC Cooperation

    What Two Billionaires Can Teach Us About the Need for Unity in the Church

    In recent weeks, headlines have spotlighted a public unraveling of the once-curious alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Once praised by Trump and courted by Musk, the relationship has devolved into social media barbs and personal insults. Trump has labeled Musk “a BS artist,” while Musk has increasingly distanced himself from Trump’s brand of politics. Their high-profile “breakup” is just another example of the culture of fragmentation that defines our age.

    Social media makes it easy to sever ties. A disagreement? Block. A moment of offense? Unfollow. A different worldview? Cancel. Our tools have discipled us in the habits of disunity—removing nuance and patience in favor of fast takes and instant tribalism. This is the air we breathe, and whether we admit it or not, it’s shaping our institutions—including the church.

    The SBC: A Big Tent in a Divided Age

    The Southern Baptist Convention is a diverse body. Theologically, ethnically, generationally, and geographically, we bring a lot of differences to the table. And in recent years, those differences have grown sharper. Social issues, political alignments, leadership conflicts, and theological emphasis have all contributed to rising tensions. Many are tempted to throw up their hands and walk away—to treat the church like social media: if you don’t like what you see, just “block” the whole convention.

    But the SBC isn’t Twitter. It’s not a platform built on clout or algorithms. It’s a people united by a common confession and a Great Commission. What makes the SBC work—at its best—is not uniformity, but cooperation. We voluntarily link arms to plant churches, send missionaries, train pastors, and preach the gospel to a lost and dying world. That mission is too important to walk away from.

    Unity Without Compromise

    Our culture is confused about unity. It either means total agreement or total silence. But biblical unity is something different. It’s grounded in truth and expressed in love. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, we are to be “of one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Not identical minds, but a shared direction.

    We don’t need to agree on everything to cooperate in gospel work. But we do need clarity about what matters most. That’s why our confession of faith matters. That’s why doctrinal integrity must never be sacrificed on the altar of pragmatism or politics. And that’s why we must resist the cultural impulse to divide every time there’s friction. The kingdom is bigger than our tribes, and the gospel is stronger than our algorithms.

    Conclusion: Hold the Line Together

    Trump and Musk may go their separate ways, each with their own platforms and followings. But the church cannot afford to mimic their model of fragmentation. If we become just another reflection of the world’s division, we lose our witness.

    As Southern Baptists head into another convention season, let us remember: we are not bound together by personalities or platforms, but by doctrine and mission. Let the world feud. Let the church be different.

  • Book Recommendation: SBC FAQs: A Ready Reference by Keith Harper and Amy Whitfield.

    SBC FAQs: A Ready Reference is an excellent primer for anyone seeking to understand the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)—whether you’re a new church member, a curious observer, or a seasoned Southern Baptist wanting a clearer grasp of how our denomination functions. In a straightforward and accessible format, this resource provides concise answers to the most common questions about who we are, what we believe, how we’re structured, and why we do things the way we do.

    The book excels at presenting complex topics—such as the Cooperative Program, the roles of our entities, the autonomy of local churches, and the process of resolutions and motions at the annual meeting—in a clear and understandable manner. It’s well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a handy reference for pastors, church leaders, and laypeople alike.

    What makes SBC FAQs especially valuable is its balanced blend of historical insight and practical explanation. It gives readers a strong grasp of our theological convictions, our commitment to missions and evangelism, and the unique way Southern Baptists cooperate for the sake of the gospel—without requiring a deep background in denominational life.

    Whether you’re looking to introduce someone to Southern Baptist life or refresh your own understanding of our denomination’s identity and structure, SBC FAQs is a trustworthy and helpful guide. It reflects the clarity, transparency, and conviction that Southern Baptists strive for as we serve together for the cause of Christ.

  • Sound Doctrine Still Matters: Why the Renewed Law-Sanchez Amendment Deserves Our Support

    Southern Baptists have long stood on the twin pillars of sound doctrine and the Great Commission. For nearly two centuries, our cooperative mission has been built not on centralized authority but on shared, biblical convictions—most clearly expressed in our confessional statement, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BFM2000).

    But in recent years, that doctrinal unity has been tested. Growing confusion over the biblical qualifications for pastors, along with inconsistent responses to churches that depart from our confession, have made it clear: we need clarity.

    That is why we support the renewed effort to adopt the Law-Sanchez Amendment in 2025.

    Why the Law Amendment Was Proposed

    In 2023, Pastor Mike Law of Arlington, Virginia, submitted a motion to amend the SBC Constitution. The proposed language was clear and biblical:

    “A church in friendly cooperation with the Convention… affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”

    This amendment did not introduce new theology—it sought to ensure that our constitutional documents reflect the biblical doctrine already affirmed in the BFM2000, which states:

    “While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”

    At the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans, the amendment received overwhelming support, passing with over 80% of the vote—the first of two votes required for constitutional amendments.

    The 2024 Setback and the NewSpring Church Controversy

    In 2024, at the SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, the Law Amendment fell short of the two-thirds vote needed for final adoption. Though a majority still supported it, the defeat sent mixed signals about where the Convention stands on confessional clarity.

    That confusion was quickly magnified when the SBC Credentials Committee ruled that NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, remained in friendly cooperation with the Convention—despite having a woman, Meredith Knox, serve publicly as a “teaching pastor” who regularly preaches.

    NewSpring maintains that only men can serve as “lead pastors” or elders, but the title and role of “teaching pastor” clearly places Knox in a pastoral office—contrary to the BFM2000. Despite this, the Credentials Committee declined to recommend disfellowship, stating that there was not enough clarity in the SBC Constitution to make that determination.

    This moment exposed the urgent need for the very clarity the Law Amendment was designed to provide.

    A Renewed Effort in 2025: The Law-Sanchez Amendment

    Now, in 2025, a renewed effort is underway—spearheaded by faithful leaders including Juan Sanchez—to bring the amendment forward again for a vote. The language remains consistent:

    “A church in friendly cooperation with the Convention… affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”

    This is not about controlling local churches. It is about defining what cooperation means. Churches are autonomous—they can structure leadership as they choose. But the SBC is likewise autonomous in determining the terms of friendly cooperation. We are not obligated to cooperate with churches that depart from Scripture on the nature of the pastoral office.

    This amendment would bring our Constitution into alignment with our confession and allow our committees to act with integrity and consistency.

    Why It Matters

    This is not a side issue. It is about our shared identity, our theological integrity, and our missional effectiveness. If we cannot clearly define what a pastor is—and if we do not hold ourselves accountable to the doctrines we affirm—we risk losing both our unity and our witness.

    Supporting the Law-Sanchez Amendment:

    • Reaffirms our commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture
    • Clarifies expectations for churches in friendly cooperation
    • Equips SBC leaders and committees to act consistently
    • Protects the mission by upholding biblical church order

    Confessional cooperation is the bedrock of our work together. If that foundation is compromised, our future mission will falter.

    A Call to Faithful Clarity

    The SBC does not need more division or more politics. It needs more clarity, more biblical conviction, and more faithfulness.

    In a culture where truth is negotiable and roles are reinvented, we must not lose our grip on Scripture. The Law-Sanchez Amendment is an opportunity to plant our feet firmly on the Word of God—for the good of our churches and the glory of Christ.

    Let’s speak clearly, act faithfully, and cooperate courageously.

    Let us adopt the Law-Sanchez Amendment in 2025.

    Because sound doctrine still matters. And it always will.

  • Holding Fast: Our Confessional Heritage in an Age of Cultural Chaos

    In a world of shifting opinions and constantly changing headlines, we need anchors. We need truth that doesn’t bend to the whims of culture or buckle under the pressure of public opinion. For Southern Baptists, that anchor has always been the Word of God—and flowing from it, a historic commitment to sound doctrine. That commitment has been expressed, defended, and passed down through our confessions of faith.

    The New Hampshire Confession: Clarity and Charity

    One of the most influential Baptist confessions in American history is the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, written in 1833. It emerged at a time when Baptists were growing rapidly across the United States and needed a clear, concise, and accessible summary of core Baptist beliefs. While earlier confessions like the Second London Baptist Confession (1689) were more comprehensive and theologically rich, the New Hampshire Confession was crafted with clarity and unity in mind—especially for churches across the growing American frontier.

    It was doctrinally sound, biblically rooted, and pastorally sensitive. It affirmed the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, believer’s baptism, and the autonomy of the local church. While it wasn’t exhaustive, it served as a unifying document among Baptists, particularly in the North and later in the South.

    The Baptist Faith and Message: A Confession for Cooperation

    When the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845, it did not initially adopt a confessional statement. But as the Convention grew and formal institutions developed, leaders recognized the need for a clear doctrinal foundation. In 1925, under the leadership of E.Y. Mullins, the SBC adopted its first official confession: the Baptist Faith and Message—a modern adaptation of the New Hampshire Confession.

    This confession was not meant to replace the Bible, but to summarize what Southern Baptists believe the Bible teaches. It served as a confessional guardrail—a doctrinal standard to protect the integrity of our seminaries, our churches, and our mission.

    Revisions for the Right Reasons

    The Baptist Faith and Message has been revised three times—in 1963, 1998, and 2000—but not to chase cultural trends. On the contrary, these revisions came in response to cultural and theological drift.

    • In 1963, under the leadership of Herschel Hobbs, the BFM was revised to address theological liberalism and reaffirm the authority of Scripture.
    • In 1998, a statement on the family was added, affirming biblical roles for men and women in the home and church as culture increasingly redefined gender and marriage.
    • In 2000, under the leadership of Adrian Rogers, the BFM was revised again to clarify core doctrines, reinforce complementarianism, and underscore the exclusivity of Christ.

    Each revision was a response to error, not an accommodation of it. Southern Baptists have never been perfect, but we have long recognized that faithfulness requires clarity, especially when the truths of Scripture are under attack.

    Our Future in a World of Noise

    We now live in an age where truth is treated as personal, feelings are elevated over facts, and cultural winds shift by the day. Social media reshapes public opinion in hours. Newsfeeds flood us with competing narratives. Even among churches, doctrinal conviction is often traded for cultural acceptance or organizational pragmatism.

    But if we lose our doctrinal foundations, we lose everything.

    The Southern Baptist commitment to sound doctrine is not just a nod to the past—it is a necessity for the future. We cannot fulfill the Great Commission without the true gospel. We cannot build healthy churches without a right understanding of Scripture. We cannot pass the faith to the next generation if we don’t clearly articulate what we believe and why.

    Our confessions are not relics of a bygone era. They are roadmaps—guiding us back to the truth in every generation. And in a day of chaos, they call us to stand firm.

    A Call to Hold Fast

    As Southern Baptists, we must hold fast to our confessional heritage—not out of nostalgia, but out of conviction. The winds of culture will continue to shift. Pressures will mount to soften our doctrine, redefine our beliefs, or remain silent for the sake of acceptance. But we must be people who, like Paul, say: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).

    We have a gospel to proclaim, a truth to defend, and a foundation that cannot be moved.

    Let us be the kind of people who know what we believe, hold it with courage, and teach it with clarity. Let our churches be marked by doctrinal soundness, gospel conviction, and missional urgency—not because the culture demands it, but because Christ is worthy.

    The world will keep changing. But God’s Word will not.

    And neither must we.

    Let us remain steadfast—rooted in Scripture, faithful to our confession, and unwavering in our mission to make Christ known among the nations.

  • Our Heritage, Our Mission, and Our Future: A Call to Southern Baptist to remain faithful to our common confession and united in our common mission.

    Baptists have a rich and deep heritage, long predating the Southern Baptist Convention. Emerging from the English Separatist tradition in the 17th century, Baptists were a people marked by a commitment to the authority of Scripture, believer’s baptism, regenerate church membership, and the autonomy of the local church. These convictions took hold in the American colonies, where Baptists began organizing themselves not under a national banner, but through local associations—voluntary partnerships for mutual encouragement and gospel cooperation.

    But as the 19th century unfolded, a new and urgent burden was growing among Baptists in America: the call to the nations. Baptists believed that obedience to Christ meant more than local faithfulness—it meant global proclamation. In 1814, that burden led to the formation of the Triennial Convention, a national missionary society committed to foreign missions. From the beginning, national cooperation among Baptists was not built on bureaucracy, but on a shared passion to see Christ preached among the nations.

    That same passion gave birth to the Southern Baptist Convention in 1845. While its origins were marked by the painful reality of division over slavery—a reality we must acknowledge and grieve—what united Southern Baptists from the outset was not merely a shared regional identity, but a commitment to the Great Commission. The first entity formed by the newly established Convention was the Foreign Mission Board, a signal that reaching the unreached was not a peripheral concern but the very heart of our cooperative efforts.

    Throughout our history, Southern Baptists have been at our best when we’ve kept sound doctrine and global mission at the center. We have launched seminaries, supported missionaries, planted churches, equipped pastors, and trained future generations—not for the sake of building a name, but for the sake of making Christ known.

    And yet, along the way, there have been distractions and dangers that have threatened to pull us from our task. Internal squabbles, theological drift, political entanglements, and personal rivalries have, at times, threatened to fracture our fellowship and obscure our mission. There have been seasons when the mission suffered because the messengers lost sight of what mattered most.

    But by God’s grace, there has also been repentance, renewal, and recommitment. Time and again, Southern Baptists have come back to our roots: a people gathered around the Word of God, united by a confessional commitment to the gospel, and driven by a burden to reach the nations.

    Today, we face new challenges—cultural upheaval, generational divides, declining baptisms, and growing polarization. But our calling remains unchanged: to proclaim Christ faithfully and to cooperate for the sake of the gospel.

    We must not let secondary matters derail our primary mission. We must not trade doctrinal clarity for cultural relevance. We must not allow our cooperation to become cold bureaucracy or our fellowship to turn into factionalism. The stakes are too high, and the mission is too great.

    The world is still in need of the gospel. The nations are still waiting to hear of Christ. And our churches, large and small, urban and rural, old and new, still have a vital role to play in this sacred calling.

    Let us remember who we are: a people formed for mission, anchored in truth, and united in hope.

    Let us recommit ourselves to the task: making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded.

    And let us do it together—as Southern Baptists, not in name only, but in conviction, in cooperation, and in courageous obedience to the risen Lord

  • Celebrating 100 Years

    I was a Baptist before I was a Christian. Yes, I understand and affirm the biblical doctrine of regeneration. What I mean, is I have been in a Southern Baptist Church from the time I was born. I grew up in Southern Baptist childrens and youth ministries. I was a Royal Ambassador, I went to a Georgia Baptist College, and I got my M.Div. from Southern Baptist’s flagship seminary, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I was ordained in a Southern Baptist Church and I pastor a Southern Baptist Church. I am 40 years old, but I am grateful for the men and women who contended for the faith 100 years ago and cooperated together the make Christ known among the nations.

    Southern Baptist have a rich confessional heritage in the Baptist Faith and Message and have a rich spirit of cooperation in mission through the cooperative program. It was this 100 year anniversary of The Baptist Faith and Message and the Cooperative Program that prompted the creation of this ministry, “Doctrine and Mission: Grounded in Truth, Going Forward in Mission.”

    Doctrine and Mission are often pitted against each other, but Southern Baptist have proved they are not. We must be committed to both theological depth, growing deeper in our understanding of God and His word, and missional breadth, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

    This is what I love about Southern Baptists. We are fiercely committed to doctrine and mission. This ministry was established to encourage others in both sound doctrine, and in a commitment to the Great Commission. It is created with Southern Baptists in mind, by a southern baptist, but it is not exclusively for southern baptists. Perhaps you are from a different denominational heritage. I hope that you too will be committed to both doctrine and mission, developing your own mind as you study God’s Word, and directing your steps to make Christ known in the world.