It Is Time for Me to Step Aside from Blogging
This is my 670th post at Grace and Truth to You, and unless circumstances warrant an occasional post in the near future, I will be taking a blog sabbatical for at least the next few months. I believe that blogging is here to stay in the Southern Baptist Convention, and unlike some, I think it can be a very beneficial medium. There are three primary reasons for my decision to step aside:(1). I believe the impetus for change in the SBC has begun, and there are others who will be able to carry on the needed dialogue, the exchange of information, and the much needed effort to facilitate increased cooperation among those in the Southern Baptist Convention with diverse backgrounds and theological views. The fact that there are six, maybe seven Presidential candidates for the SBC, all of whom are now focusing on the issues, is enough evidence to me that the stranglehold of a few is over. The more Southern Baptists who are in the mix of leadership, the better.
(2). I am working under deadlines for an additional two books and a contribution to a third. One book, an exposition of Jonah, is almost complete and awaits final edits before it can be published. The second book's manuscript is to be to the publisher by October 15th, 2008, and I must devote my time and energy to complete it. Blogging takes away from the time I need to write that manuscript.
(3). I have lost my enthusiasm for blogging. Either the absence will cause me to enjoy it again, or I will lay it down for good. A decision will be made in October. Again, I believe blogging is beneficial for the SBC when done in the spirit of Christian charity and for the good our cooperative efforts to reach people for Christ.
A couple of final words:
My friend and fellow pastor, Forrest Pollock, along with his 13 year old son Preston, died this past Monday in a plane crash outside Asheville, North Carolina. Both bodies were discovered in the wreckage yesterday. Forrest was born in Oklahoma City and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and became a successful businessman before entering the ministry. His death reminds me of the brevity of one's life and the need to be wise regarding one's time investments. This decision to step aside from blogging is best for me.
I have enjoyed becoming acquainted with many of you over the last two and one half years, and if you happen to be in Indianapolis, Indiana for the Southern Baptist Convention, I would love to have the opportunity to visit with you in person. Update: I would direct your attention to the rewritten Never Take for Granted the Freedom to Dissent
May God bless you, and may God bless the Southern Baptist Convention.
In His Grace,
Wade Burleson
posted by Wade Burleson | Wednesday, May 14, 2008
272 Comments:
Wade,
I will be in Indianapolis. Peg and I would love to see you. In fact, I know this great Italian Restaurant...
And I understand about stepping aside for at least a season. Not that I like it, but I'd have to agree with you in it.
God bless.
On behalf of this Southern Baptist who has read you faithfully for over two years, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done in and through this blog.
In the face of withering criticism, you remained gracious. In the midst of illogical actions against you, you remained steadfast, consistent and faithful to the cause of increased cooperation. In the middle of a huge struggle for the direction of the SBC you have almost singlehandedly turned the Titanic we call the SBC.
The hard, fallow ground has been tilled. You have, by the sweat of your fingers, done what no man or woman has ever had the courage to do. Though those who sought to marginalize you often said you were in it for personal notoriety or gain, you showed the rest of us how incredibly unselfish a Christian can truly be.
I have learned much from observing you from a distance, and I can assure you I am a better man for what I have seen, read and learned from you.
May the Lord continue to use you mightily in all the ways He intends to use your giftedness.
Howard Tillman
Wade,
I've wondered how you have found time to write as much as you've produced and still stay on the "cutting edge" with your messages?
H. Tillman says it well............
Having been a part of the SBC for over 60 years, and a pastor for 45 of those years, you have displayed for us to see.... a gentlemanly and Godly spirit of dissent, which, in spite of things some have said, has seemed to me to be balanced and fair.
Blessings as you complete those manuscripts and continue to serve our Lord and Kingdom purposes in those areas you've mentioned..... barrett
I agree with Blampp above.
I have listened to your entire series on James (the best I've heard on that particular book), your astounding 150 sermons on Romans, and your captivating dseries on Jonah. I pay little attention to SBC politics, but I can say without equivocation, if somebody ever criticizes you without hearing you preach, they criticize at the risk of being seen as foolish by those of us who feel like we know you by your voice, as well as your words. In truth, your sermons, manuscripts and tapes have helped me more than McArthur's Commentaries, Piper's on-line sermons, and every other resource I have used via the internet. My wife, who takes the CD's when I'm done, told me she was going to stay home to watch Emmanuel live on the Internet instead of coming to church with me! I'm not a preacher, just a lowly Sunday School teacher, but our class has profited much from your teaching - through me!!!
I don't care if you quit blogging, just don't quit preaching!!!!!!!!
I for one won't miss your blog, but I do have to agree with the sentiment by Howard that you have been gracious to those who disagree with you. From this unapologetic Fundamentalist who is an old path and unashamed Landmarkist, that is as much of a complement as I can give you.
Wade,
I have wondered how you do all you do...and have wondered how you have weathered all the attacks and kept a gracious spirit...so I wish you well...and as an outsider of the SBC (except for those 200 decisions growing up made at the Baptist churches in my hometown...when did the stats start going down? HA!) I have been challenged and blessed by your blog...now where do I get those sermons BJ talked about...may you and the misses be blessed in every way...I will be praying for your endeavor with the new books!
Ron Fisher
Ron,
You can get all of Pastor Wade's Sunday morning sermons by clicking here
His secretary told me that his Sunday night and Wednesday night series are not on-line, but available by order through the church office via manuscript or audio. You MUST get his "Portraits of Christ in the Feasts of Israel" and "The Offerings of Israel."
They are not online, but absolutely the best I've ever heard in terms of exalting Christ in the Old Testament.
Thank you for the last 2.5 years that you have blogged. I know that I have personally been enriched by the discussion/dialogue that has taken place on this blog. I have learned how to have courteous disagreements by reading this blog (the bad examples have at times taught as much as the good ones). I also felt well prepared to take my Baptist Heritage class as I had read differing opinions beforehand in the blogosphere. More than all that, your spirit in the midst of the initial controversy was inspiring to me. After such a long time blogging, I am happy for you that you will be moving on, at least for a time, from this medium. That being said I will miss your posts as I go through my google reader feed every day. Finally, thank you Wade for standing up for what is right, pure, and noble.
A Simple Student @ SWBTS
If you are an unashamed fundamentalist and landmarkist, then why are you anonymous? Show your face on this last post of Wade's...
Thanks Wade for what you have tried to do. Your graciousness has been abounding to those who still refuse to see a problem.
Bye,
M with YOUR organization
Wade,
Blessings on your endeavors. Hope to see you again soon with regard to Antioch Network happenings.
Blessings,
Jason
For those of you interested, you can watch our services, not just listen, at our 3:16 Network Video On Demand Archives.
Wade,
In some ways I feel like I’ve just heard an old friend has died.
The last thing I would do at night would be to bring up your blog, and it was the first thing I did in the morning.
I never started on that movie scrip of Acts 15; maybe this will give me time to do so.
You once told me that you did not believe as I, but through time and words, I believe we are closer than we were.
I will miss those that comment for I’ve learned much from their wisdom. So in saying goodbye to you, I’m also saying goodbye to them.
In parting, I wish I’d told more people how much their comments helped me instead of disagreeing with others.
At least I didn’t leave on a harsh note to anyone; even had a good word for Michel Crowder. Smile
Will look forward to your book.
Wade,
It has been a long time since I have commented. I just want you to know I have appreciated your writing over the past several months of reading your content. God bless you, your family and your church as you press on in what God has for you.
Blessings,
Glen Woods
Having heard and known you and your family for the past fifteen years, sat under your teaching which God used to transform me and many others, I can say without hesitation, when God empowers a man he can do mighty things. You do what you do because you are empowered to do all and do it well. From writing to sermons to sincerely caring about other people. Your church family loves you and Rachelle. I hope that one reason you have been able to weather the attacks, besides the fact that Rachelle has stood by you, is that your church family has stood by you and always will. I know you will do as God leads you to do, you always have.
I have not read many blogs today and so I just found out about the situation with Forrest Pollock. I am so sorry. My prayers go out to friends and family.
"Farewell Aquarius, and we thank you."
--- Apollo 13
I understand your decision, and probably need to exercise similar discipline myself.
Nevertheless, your words will be missed.
Yours,
Scotte Hodel
Whoops. I didn't realize I was posting the above comment under my son's account.
------------------------------------
"Farewell Aquarius, and we thank you."
--- Apollo 13
I understand your decision, and probably need to exercise similar discipline myself.
Nevertheless, your words will be missed.
Yours,
Scotte Hodel
Wade,
Very sad to hear this news. I was hoping that you would continue until the guidelines were removed, revoked or changed back. Regardless, you have been a great advocate for change in the SBC, towards cooperation and transparency. It's been a blessing to see how you handle conflict with those who disagree with you and through this blog I've been able to see more clearly the obstacles that Christ encountered against the Pharisees as he ushered in the "Kingdom".
Matthew 5:43-48
43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
Mark 8:34-35
34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Maybe your cross is to end the bureaucracy in the SBC.
Wade,
Your blog and voice will be missed. Thanks for taking a hit for all of us on the field....I wish we had more in the SBC like you. Have a great six months!
Wade,
Blessings to you as you write, teach, and preach. Your decision to take a sabbatical from blogging is unexpected, at least by me, but much respected. It is also an encouragement to the rest of us to always listen to the Spirit's leading and to always be willing to follow Him even if he leads us in a way we (or others) were not expecting. May the Lord bless you as you pursue Him with all your strength. I especially admire your forthright admission that you have recently lost your enthusiasm for blogging. Nothing wrong with that! Perhaps you will get it back, but whether you do or don't, I think you are wise to follow your heart as your heart follows the Lord.
I might add my blessing to all others who have posted here. I know this blog has often (usually) witnessed much controversy, but I sincerely trust and hope that we can all respect, encourage, and especially love one another as we part ways for a season. May we all daily experience the joy, power, hope and peace that comes from knowing and walking with our Savior, Jesus!
EA IMB M
Wade:
Thank you for all the work you've done keeping this blogsite active during the past 2.5 years. It's been enriching and enlightening to interact with others posting comments here; most of us are now better informed about SBC happenings than we were before--there certainly is an interest in the convention, what it does and/or doesn't stand for, and what its future will be. I also appreciate your permitting ones like myself to remain anonymous if we chose to be for our own reasons; what the anons have to say is, for the most part, no less true and important than those able to type their names.
Life is is fragile and its length is uncertain. The Pollock family's circumstances today demonstrate those realities yet again. Bro. Forrest, I think, certainly would want bloggers here to re-examine what it is we spend out time doing--and to do more of those things which prepare us and others to stand well before the Lord. If each of us internalizes and acts on the right things posted here since 2005, a good standing is more likely. May God bless the Pollocks and their friends now with comfort which is as outstanding as their tragedy is sudden.
Get those books finished!
David
(David Troublefield; Minister of Education, Lamar Baptist Church-Wichita Falls, TX)
I have rarely commented but have followed you for nearly two years now. I suspect I am one hundreds who have been influenced by the blogs who do not comment but who read faithfully. I would be totally ignorant of most that goes one in SBC if it were not for this blog. It has caused me at times to want to leave the SBC but then being from a small town, where would I go? I guess I will remain for better or worse but I believe it is getting better and you surly have a large part in that. You will be missed but I will still check the sight from time to time to see if you have shared any fresh insight with all of your faithful readers.
Bry McClellan
More than once I've wondered, how does this guy not flame out with the seemingly endless time demands he must face? I appreciate being informed about convention life and have come to the conclusion that it doesn't operate much differently than regular office politics.
You've taken quite a few shots--some most well deserved--but have proven more formidable than Rocky Balboa. At the risk of you getting a big head from all these showers of praise I will simply say: do what your wife says and life will be much simpler.
Wade,
Thank you for being a voice for so many who had no other voice. I appreciate all the work you put into this blog for so long, as well as the opportunity to foster dialog.
For our Landmarkist brothers, I have recently found evidence that the church of Corinth was Baptist, after all. ;) They they were enmeshed in problems akin to recent Baptist politics. They argued over who was worthy, and who was not. They worried about one group being right and another wrong. They pitted one set of leaders against another. It was "us" and "them" all the way. In all the "I’m right, you’re wrong" mentality, they missed the point of their real identity.
In the midst of all that, thank you Wade for being a reasoned, gracious voice, willing to speak truth, even when it would not be well-received. As others have mentioned, I also will miss the dialog with others.
wade,
thanks for showing the way to cooperate by living according to The Way.
robert
Wade,
Very sorry to hear about your friends. Just know that my prayers are with you!
On another note,
It looks as if you are having a Jeremiah moment. Jeremiah 20. When have true prophets not come to a point where they are sick of the attacks and just want to throw up your hands and tell God "just go ahead and burn them up"?
When you have recovered or when your heart burns again to say it on a blog, you may want to start with a good Jeremiah expo as you are apparently well thought of on your preaching. Jeremiah is the church today as we know it and He speaks through him to a hard hearted, stiff necked people. Just as it is today.
Blessings and peace of Christ be with you and yours!
Wade - Blessings from the field.
Can you please leave the comment section open for just general comments? I sure would miss Knucklehead M. Crowder and Peter Lumphead.
I can't go to their sites due to my "antivirus" program...if you know what I mean.
:)
Thanks, Wade, for what you have tried to do.
I do not share your sense of optimism about the future direction of the SBC, but I hope that you are right and that I am wrong.
Blessings to you.
Wade,
Thanks for all that you have done, I will miss " Grace and Truth to You".
You have touched many lives and have impacted the direction of the SBC.
In the words of Aaron " May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, may He lift up His countenance on you and give you peace"
Peace my brother.....
Dave Broughton
Blessings Wade,
You will be missed.
Before you go, would you mind revealing the identity of the person who wrote the multi-part series on women in the ministry?
Wade, over the years we've been blessed to watch real reformation begin. We've seen you stand up and encourage us to do the same when dealing with the oppressed and we've found a friend and so value that friendship.
Mackey and I will be in prayer for you and we know you will choose the right path.
Blessings and grace to the Burlesons.
Godspeed.
Hurry back.
Wade,
Thanks for keeping the issues before us. It has come at a terrible cost to you and your family. Should you come to Montana, we would love to meet you and hear what God has given you.
Ken Colson
Montana Southern Bapt Convention
Thanks for keeping me up to date with things that were happening in SBC life. Your blog encouraged me to attend the the convention meeting in San Antonio last year.
I will be unable to make it to Indy because that week conflicts with my church's youth camp.
May the Lord continue to bless you, your ministry, and your family.
Grace and truth to you, my friend.
"Wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Wade - Thanks for your time and may God bles you as you look to His Direction for your next move. I don't know how you have been doing this and writing and keep up with your church and family.
Can you please leave the comment section open for just general comments?
Fox from Virginia
Here is the article from the local (Asheville) paper on Rev Pollack, It sounds as if he were a remarkable man. Hail and farewell! May the Lord use this tragedy to energize that church even more.
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080514/NEWS01/80513143&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
I hope the hiatus from blogging will indeed be temporary. Through your blog, I have met so many friends that I never knew existed. I also would like to add to the chorus of praise for the manner in which you have handled yourself during a very turbulent era in the SBC. I'll see you in October, if not in Indianapolis!
Kurt A. Ehrsam
Thanks for your gracious tone and for letting this former fundamentalist know that there is "a light that is coming for the heart that holds" on in the SBC.
Jeff Parsons
Amarillo, TX
I believe that the fact that there are so many announced candidates for SBC presidency is an indication that
"good old boy" type of governance is breaking down. Maybe a new spirit of cooperation between those holding various views on secondary matters is in the offing.
It is too early now to determine if this spirit of openess and cooperation will flourish or not.
I know you have taken some heat over the last couple of years. Maybe, in some cases, you have chased rabbit trails by focusing too narrowly on specific individuals. But the overall result of your blog has been to lay the foundatation for a new day in the SBC on cooperation and working together.
I believe COOPERATION is the only reason the SBC exists; cooperation to fund missionary operations and the seminaries. Otherwise we might as well shut down the SBC and just continue as a bunch of local congregations each doing its own thing.
Thanks for blowing the cover on those whose actions need to be exposed to the light of day. Thanks for being a sounding board to give missionaries in the IMB a platform as they call for help.
Roger Simpson
Oklahoma City OK
Wade, I respect your decision, but I'm disappointed in it. You were one person willing to shine a flashlight on all those dark corners of the convention and show us what was there. Now that the flashlight is being turned off, the rats will come out of their corners again without fear.
As I am often reminded by Henry Blackaby...
We can't stay where we are and go with God
May the SBC move forward with God's guidance.
Anonymous,
Guess it is time for others to take up the mantle Wade has been carrying, putting their own reputations on the line, huh? Wade has done a great job of shining lights. The SBC needs more than one person holding a flashlight, though.
Wade, I hope to see you at Indy.
Who's # 6? BP's latest release was Les Puryear. Here's the list in that release
Les Puryear
Frank Cox
Johnny Hunt
William L. (Bill) Wagner
Avery Willis
Thanks, Wade, for making us Baptists in the pew believe that we can cooperate in a revitalized Southern Baptist Convention free of those who want to dictate terms (of surrender?) to the Bible-only, no-rules-of-men Baptist Christians out here. Keep up the good fight after you get books finished. As our freedom fighting forebear Patrick Henry once said -
"It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
God bless Wade.
Wade:
We have never met, but I hope that we will.
I understand your decision completely.
Blogging takes a lot of time. When considered with your other responsibilities (leading your family, pastoring a big church, trying to write books, denominational responsibilities etc.), keeping up with a blog can be difficult. And if you blog for 2 years, at the end, you don't have any work written work product that endures. In your case, you have pointed to developments that occurred. But you don't have a book or anything like that - which you might have if you spent the same amount of time on a book.
Forrest Pollock's death probably helped put all of that in perspective for you. I met him once, and he was nice guy. He will be missed, and his family will be in our prayers.
So, all that being said, I can understand and respect your decision. I will miss the dialogue with all of these folks.
Good luck and God's blessings to you.
Louis
Well, Wade,
It has been a real trip.
See you around sometime.
cb
Wade,
Thanks for the valiant efforts. You've helped start a good work. May the ball keep rolling and even gain speed toward a missional and cooperative resurgence.
God bless your family, book writing, pastoral work, and denominational efforts.
Todd Nelson
Kuala Lumpur
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! While I am sure you are a good man and good pastor, you're constant rips, rants and banging on the SBC, IMB and anything else SBC related grew tired quickly. You have not initiated change in the SBC, you have only divided it further. You and Bishop Ben's hatred for Dr. Patterson is shameful. Good luck.
Wade,
As a person who found your blog only last January, I can say, without a doubt, I will miss it. Guess I will just have to keep up with the "stuff" that's going on by reading the Outpost. :)
I was just thinking about how some people say that people who point out problems in the Body tend to drive people away, or things along those lines. And, no, it's not the ones that point out the problems that drive people away - it's the ungodly actions of the people who cause the problems. People are not stupid. When there's stuff going on under the surface, they can see it. And they are a whole lot more likely to stick around through the probblems when there are some people that take the leaders to task for their ungodly actions. When everybody lets the leaders get away with whatever, then others think that everybody's okay with the leaders' ungodly actions. Then is when people get tired and disgusted and quit.
Thank you for taking leaders to task for their ungodly actions and letting others know that not everybody's okay with the leaders' actions. You have done a good work with this blog.
Wade,
God has used you well. I am thankful.
Jim
Wade, since you have not enjoyed blogging of late, I leave you with a story I hope lightens your mood:
A professor of “Baptist Identity” at Southern Seminary walked into a pet shop and asked the owner, "Do you have a Southern Baptist dog?"
The surprised shop owner thought about it for a while and then nodded, saying, "Yes... yes, I think we have a dog that will fit your description."
A dog was produced and the Seminary professor said, "Let's see if this is a real Southern Baptist dog."
“Bring me the word of God,” he commanded.
The dog ran over to a table, pawed through a stack of modern translations of the bible until he found a dusty King James Bible and deposited it at the professor’s feet.
The Southern Baptist Seminarian was impressed, but still not convinced.
"Let's see if this dog knows proper Southern Baptist doctrine,” he said. “What is the role of a woman in church?” he asked.
The dog began growling, then opened the Bible with its snout and placed its paw on 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
Very pleased, the seminarian bought the dog and presented it as a gift to the president of an SBC Seminary in Texas.
He was shown the Southern Baptist dog and the things it could do.
The SBC Seminary president was delighted and asked if the animal was also trained to do things normal dogs do.
The Southern Baptist professor said, "Hmm, I don't know. I've never tried."
He then ordered the dog, "Heel."
Suddenly the dog leaped onto the SBC Seminary president’s lap, placed its paw on the man's head and began howling.
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed the seminary president, "This dog isn't Southern Baptist! He's Pentecostal!"
Wade,
As one who has read your blog faithfully for the past 2 years but seldom left comments, I must say that I'm sad to see this end. I do, however, totally understand your decision given the demands placed upon a pastor.
You've really opened my eyes to some of the problems in our convention. Although I don't always agree with you on everything, I will always fight for your right to be heard. Those who would try to silence you are, in my opinion, bringing shame upon the SBC. I believe our convention is strong enough to share some differing opinions on tertiary doctrines.
My friend Jonathan Merritt has recently experienced a little of what you've been going through. As the leading force behind "A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change," he's run into his own resistance. You can read about that here:
http://jonathanmerritt.blogspot.com/2008/04/it-is-no-secret-that-baptist-news_13.html
Although I believe what he's doing is unnecessary and not even a good idea, and even though I couldn't personally affix my name to his declaration, I believe he has every right to be heard in our convention.
And so do you.
Thank you for shining a light into some of the dark corners of the SBC. Transparency and accountability are good things, and we need more of it. I believe your efforts over the last couple of years have paved the way for more openness in our convention.
Once again, thank you!
Wade,
Thank you so much for your work on the national level.
I believe God's grace has been working in you so that your integrity has protected you.
However, let me also say that I believe God has used you to help me understand better how to shepherd the flock.
I thank God for you Wade
Grace and Truth to You,
Benji
Anonymous - who - didn't - sign - a - name:
You said "..you're constant rips, rants and banging on the SBC, IMB and anything else SBC related grew tired quickly .... You and Bishop Ben's hatred for Dr. Patterson is shameful."
Your comment is either ignorant or stupid (if not both). And cowardly for being anonymous.
I'm personally hoping it's ignorance.
wade what about the identity of the seven articles on a womens role in the church
help? was that ever given?
One more for the road,
Anony,
Bob is right. You are a coward. Wade may be ending his blog, but he has always owned his words.
You, on the other hand, can't even look in the mirror with a straight face.
cb
There will always be those who think it is a sin to speak negative truths. That won't change. But, you shined a light in dark, closed places with grace and love even when shunned and censored for it. And you have showed grace and love to those who have tried to intimidate you and even ruin you.
May this kind of tribe increase in the SBC. Blessings!
Wade,
Thank you for your wisdom and grace. God used this blog as one of the reasons I began my own blog, and, I know that learning to interact with others here and around the internet has greatly contributed to my own personal growth. Thank you for all that you do.
Wade,
You have fought the Good Fight (2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith) and God has surely Blessed You in that Endeavor. You have opened the eyes of those that with Blind and setting in their Pews. And you did all this with GRACE and TRUTH. We were able to see the ones that came out of the woodwork and try to silence you with their Poison Pens and Spewing their Venom. Thank you Brother Wade Burleson for sharing you Love for the SBC and your Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ.
Did you know Forrest Pollock was a Pastor of Corinth Baptist Church Bonham, TX from 1992-1994?
Two of His children were born here during that time.
Looking Forward to meeting you’ all some Day.
Love to You and Yours
Wayne Smith
Father
Thank you for the ministry You’ve directed in and through Wade. It has been an empowering ministry to Your Kingdom as a whole and an enlightening ministry to the SBC in particular. Lord, thank you for Your messenger Wade Burleson. He has delivered Your message and he has done it in the fullness of Your Spirit. In the onslaught of personal attack, bullying politics, and the rejection of his personhood he has ministered Your love, grace, and mercy in a manner that can only be explained as a “God thing.”
To some, this ministry has been a breath of fresh air, a reason for renewed optimism, an ember of hope that Ichabod has not been written across the doorpost of our convention, evidence of the dawn of a reformation among Southern Baptist. To others, this ministry has been a nuisance, a flag of liberalism waving in the storm, a threat to their standing and influence, a distraction to their cause. Regardless, Father, may history record that IT has been Your ministry in the early years of this 21st century not unlike Your ministry in the early years of the 16th century.
And Lord, just as in years past, may you raise up men and women who will accept the call to lead in reforming a convention in a gospel resurgence. Leading, as exemplified by Wade, with a graciousness and Christ-likeness even when grieving over attackers. May You raise up leaders in the pulpit, business life, blogosphere, publicly, and privately, without regard for reputation except to be faithful to YOU.
Now, Father, may you bless Wade, Rachelle, their family, and Emmanuel Baptist Church Enid, OK. Please give to Wade all that he needs to complete the writing ministry You have given him. May You give him the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation with strength as You call him forth from this break from blogging into a more public and prominent role of leadership, whatever that might be.
Father, protect all of us from the root of bitterness.
In the Name of Christ,
Amen.
Chuck Andrews
Let the good times role
There is a Party on SBC Street
You congregations thanks you
The SBC Leadership thanks you
The Lawyers Don't thank you
Take your time,enjoy the Pax Romana
Wade,
Well thanks loads for messing up my morning routine which always included looking in on your blog. Why can't some folks be more considerate of middle-aged man's comfort zone?
Seriously my brother, you've done great work and it's deeply appreciated. I'll be looking forward to the books and expect, of course, an autographed copy.
Doug
I am sad. I understand. You have been a great inspiration. I have grown from your thoughts and your heart for the Lord. I will miss your graciousness. You are to be admired. Please hurry back.
wtreat
Wayne, Forrest's bio and resume say he was at Prestonwood during those years?
To Chuck Andrews:
WOW!! AMEN!!
ML,
I believe if you ask the People That Forrest Pollock Pastored here, after Seminary, at Corinth Baptist Church Bonham, TX you will find the truth. From 1992-1994 Forrest who made a small fortune in TV & Communications prior to committing His Life to Full Time Ministry did the following here? The church only had a Fellowship Hall and not many members. Forrest took the reins of the Church with Grace Plus Humility and Built a Brick Church, while his family lived in a less than Adequate Small House. His Humility and Grace was in all things with very Simple Farm People.
Wayne
Dr.Wade
I promise not to have withdrawals nor lose any sleep.
Wade,
Will you still let us know who wrote the 6 part series on women?
othoniel a valdes sr:
You are such a wise guy. Even at this important point in Wade's life you are disrespectful to him. May your tribe decrease and yes people like you make me angry.
If this blog has done anything, it has shown the bitterness, arrogance, pride and deception of your detractors. Many of whom think of themselves as our authorities! (Scary thing, that.) And, I had NO idea there were so many mean spirited pastors in the SBC. It is scary and has been a wake up call.
It has just been further proof that titles conferred by men does not automatically mean a deep spirituality, humility and servanthood.
However, you have turned the other cheek while speaking truth and opening up the doors to transparency. Well done.
Lucy
This is my opinion of blogs, they are a tool of the devil. People can say whatever they want about anybody they choose and most of the time have no idea what they are talking about. I'll suggest that you spend your time studying the Word and that time will be well spent and in doing so you will not want to blog and then God will be glorified.
Pastor Wade,
This blog has been helpful to someone like me that is not SBC. I gained an understanding of how the convention is supposed to function and the struggle for its future. Several of my friends are with you in spirit sincerely praying that a consensus will happen. You are all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope that in six months you will start up again. I totally understand the time in trying to blog on a regular basis. I started one last year and have only posted two posts:)
May all of you in the SBC be blessed as you pursue the Lord with the passion you have. God bless you all.
Wade
In contrast to Mr. Valdes, I do anticipate withdrawal. Being divisive because you are mean or selfish or determined to manipulate the system to gain or maintain control is wrong. I don't think there would be much disagreement about that.