Transformational Truth

DeVine Comments on Building Bridges

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 19:05:14 GMT

Dr. DeVine has done it again. On his blog you can read an astute evaluation of a very positive new publication by Docker and George. This is a timely word for our day in the Southern Baptist Convention. If we are to move forward in the furtherance of the Gospel, we must not compromise theological integrity for the sake of adding numbers. Yet, we must be willing to take the needed steps (inasmuch as they are not forbidden by or contrary to Scripture) effectively convey the Gospel to a generation void of interest or belief in the traditional church.

Contrary to what some maintain, any departure from traditional ministry methodology does not necessitate theological liberalism. We must get past this "us/them" mentality and focus on points of agreement for the furtherance of the Gospel. Thank you Dr. DeVine for your comments and your willingness to stand for truth.

What is Transformational Truth?

Thu, 03 May 2007 23:27:33 GMT

Last night we continued our study through the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and came to the article dealing with Peace and War. Amidst the discussion of how to be agents of peace in a world at war, one of my deacons raised a very enlightening thought. Sometimes in order to have peace you have to speak truth that has the potential to lead to war. In other words, there are times in which a compromising word is given which only produces a pseudo-peace. We know that the only true peace will come when the Prince of Peace reigns within our hearts and lives. As believers we ought always to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and aware of the ways in which our statements are perceived. Sometimes it's not so much what you say as how you say it.

Trip to the Dentist

I don't know about you, but sometimes I think I would rather die than to sit in the chair at the dentist's office. I don't think it would be nearly so bad if it weren't for that high-pitched sound coming from the drill that inevitably is going into my mouth. Just the anxiety caused by the sound is enough to bring me out of my chair. In fact, there have been times when I heard that sound from the other room and it had the same effect. And I wasn't even the intended recipient of the torment. However, I have noted something. I am so thankful after I have gone to the dentist for the work that has been done that has enabled me to keep my original teeth thus far.

But what is it that makes a person go to the dentist when he knows that the possibility exists that he will be told he has a cavity? Or perhaps that he is in need of a root canal? Surely it would be a far more pleasant experience had the dentist merely said that everything was okay. Aside from paying the bill, everyone would leave with smiles on their faces convinced that all was well with the world. There would be no whistling sounds of high-pitched drills or the picking and prying of teeth. There would be no shots administered, no bleeding from iritated gums. All would be peace and bliss. Yet all the while, the erosion process would continue to work its damage until it reached the point of becoming irreperable.

The reason is obvious; without a proper diagnosis there will be additional pain and destruction. The truth must be revealed because if it is not, devestation awaits. That is transformational truth. It is truth that makes a difference. Obviously, the greatest transformational truth is that we are sinners in need of a Savior and that Christ died for the ungodly who could not atone for their own sins. Apart from that truth everyone is destined for an eternity separated from God in a literal Hell. But there are other types of transformational truths.

Life after the Conservative Resurgence

Praise God for the transformational truth that led the body of the Missouri Baptist Convention to come to the conclusion that we needed to return to the roots of the truth of God's Word. Thank God that while the journey was difficult and painful, we have finally arrived at a day in which the leadership of our state, across the board, is made up of unquestionable inerrantists. Many of us suffered loss through this process. Our churches suffered loss. But, in the end it was the only choice in order to correct the erosion that had crept in.

Now we stand on a new threshhold. Instead of dealing with radical liberalism, we are dealing with radical fundamentalism. Many in our state wish that we would just stop talking about it. "Just go along and everything will be fine." However, everything is not fine. Throughout our state there are DOMs who have already met together to discuss leaving the MBC. There are pastors who have already spoken with their church finance committees to seek to redirect funds away from the MBC. We stand at the edge of the demise of the Missouri Baptist Convention and there are those who would say to us, "Be quiet!" "Stop stirring the pot!" While that may seem a desirable response, for certainly it is the path of least resistance, it is not, in my opinion, a Godly response. Even a secular dentist knows enough to know that you cannot treat a diseased mouth if you refuse to address the disease.

We need some transformational truth in our state to reveal the disease and to help usher in the healing. This is a God-sized task, but we serve a great God. Won't you pray with me that God will be glorified in the days ahead as some painful truths are revealed in order to bring some much needed healing? Without prayer, we are powerless. But with prayer, we will stand strong!

The MBC Today

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:07:50 GMT

Long Time, No See!

Well, I bet you all thought that I had dropped off the face of the earth. Especially given the fact that I had mentioned that once having moved to this site I might actually post more regularly. Well, to put it mildly, I have been in the midst of a whirlwind. As you know by now, the Investigative Committee presented its report on April 10 and the end result was that Dr. David Clippard was fired. It has been difficult to know exactly what to say since that time. Questions, confusions and warnings about prohibitions against revealing Executive Session material abound. Let me say this, without intending to re-open a very delicate yet explosive issue, Dr. Clippard is a wonderful visionary and great leader. He has, as always, my complete respect and utmost confidence in his leadership abilities. The massive amounts of speculation are, quite probably, unavoidable given the nature with which the proceedings occurred. With that comes a great amount of frustration on my part. I do not now, nor have I ever believed that Dr. Clippard has done anything of an immoral or unethical nature. I would, in a moment's notice, tavel anywhere at anytime to vouch for his integrity, moral character and wisdom. I have watched him function for some time under a cloud of suspicion that, in the end, could only produce a majority belief that his period of leadership in Missouri Baptist life has come to an end. It has taken some time for me to process all of this, and I'm still working through it. For the sake of healing within the state, it is my intention to not address that particular issue any further publicly. There is no way of undoing what has been done. My prayers are with Dr. & Mrs. Clippard. I count it an honor and privilege to call him my friend and to have had the opportunity to serve with him in the Missouri Baptist Convention. Wherever he lands will undoubtedly be a very blessed place. I look for tremendous reports of Kingdom growth in the years ahead as a result of his leadership.

So, Now What Happens?

What I believe this state has needed since the days of the conservative resurgence is the ability to disagree agreeably. For many years now I have sat through annual meetings and watched as "the slate" were presented by MBLA for us to elect and we elected them. Some time back, I attended a listening session that Dr. Clippard hosted at the Baptist Building about what issues we would like to see adressed within Missouri Baptist life. I expressed a concern at that point, which was shared by many if not all within the room, that we move beyond the realm of suspicion to a day in which candidates could be nominated by anyone without the fear of being branded a "liberal." It is understood that we now have a conservative Executive Board and conservatives serving in all the leadership positions of our institutions. So, for the health of the state, let's get back to sharing our individual perspectives without fear of marginalization.

If John over here says, "You know, I think Fred would make a great president." Then why should he feel like there is a cloud of suspicion placed upon him because he didn't vote "the slate." I'll be honest, I have every intention of being part of a process whereby an alternate candidate is nominated from the floor, but if someone wants to nominate someone else, let them. I will not view that individual in any less esteem because he/she may not agree with me. Since when was it a requirement for Baptists to agree on everything? We must move beyond this!

Dad, Can I borrow the car?

I was sharing the other day with a couple of friends of mine that my eldest son is seventeen. He is at the wonderful age of freedom. I have taught him all I know to teach him about driving. I told him to be cautious about "the other guy." I've told him to always be prepared should he have to exit the road in order to avoid a head-on collision. I've given him everything that I can give him. Now then, when he asks to go someplace, I don't check to make sure that my calendar is clear in order to either drive him or to go with him to make sure that he listens to sound advice. I have to come to the gut-wrenching point in parenthood where I let him go by himself and face the potential risk that he might make a wrong choice. The possibility is real that he might become the victim of another person's carelessness. But no matter how painful and burdensome it may be, I must let him go.

Friends, that is exactly where I see the Missouri Baptist Convention today. We have been through a lot together. I have no doubt that many with whom I disagree are convinced that it is still too early to let the Convention take the keys. But if not now, then when? When will this body of believers be mature enough to learn the lessons from the past and to move forward? Must we always have an ad hoc committee accompany our every move in order to insure that we make the right choices? Must we always have an organization to oversee our nominees to make sure that we don't elect "closet liberals?" At what point will we say, "Okay, we're ready?" Will it be when our grandchildren are in leadership positions? Or will we still be concerned that there might be a liberal somewhere unbeknownced to us seeking to devour the convention that we love.

I believe the time has come to hand the messengers the keys and let them drive. If we crash, we crash; but unless we drive, we will never be free to be the body Christ has called us to be.

We've Moved!

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:23:50 GMT

Hey everyone, I finally found a place that was easy enough for me to design a layout. I'm pretty cyber-challenged. Anyway, if this works,

this will be my new home. And perhaps, just maybe, I'll post a little more frequently. Things have been pretty nuts around here with the building program, MBC Nominating Committee, MBC Executive Board, SBC Committee on Nominations and the overall pain of enduring this investigation process. Please keep April 10 in your prayers. We need them.

Anyway, sit back, pour a cup of coffee and join in the discussion. Even if we disagree, it's good to be able to share ideas and information. My only rule is that we do it in a Christ-like fashion and focus on issues and not individuals. Thanks again.

Custom List: My Music

Fri, 04 May 2007 20:26:55 GMT

My Music

Tom's CD
Here is the website where you can hear my CD. If you like it, feel free to share it with others. The two songs which are not available for download are included on my CD which is $10. All proceeds are going toward our building fund. Just e-mail me.

Blog list: Blog list

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:46:30 GMT

Mark DeVine
A scholarly perspective of theology as it regards relavent issues for our day and their implications for the furtherance of the Gospel message.
Micah Fries
Perspectives of a young Missouri Baptist pastor. Very good blog site.
Wade Burleson
Wade is a very deliberate thinker and blogger. While not everyone will agree with all of his views, they are sure to at the very least, rethink theirs. Thanks Wade.

Book List: Book List

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 04:57:03 GMT

Movie List: Movie List

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 04:52:08 GMT