Join Us in Honoring Mission:Dignity Recipients This SummerDr. Aaron Meraz, Director of Mission:Dignity at GuideStone® Both the Old and New Testaments speak to the responsibility of the church to care for widows in need, none plainer than what we read in James 1:27 (CSB): “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in …
A Plea for A Confessional Convention
Written by Ben Lacey NOTE: This is an opinion piece from Pastor Ben Lacey about the role of the BFM2000 in the SBC. B21 believes this to be an important conversation and will likely have an article from a differing point of view as well. What does the SBC need right now? Clarity. Why? Because as a friend of mine …
3 Ethical Considerations: How to Choose a Health Plan Without Compromise
By Nadeena Kersey, GuideStone Chief Insurance Officer When evaluating how to choose a health plan, some questions automatically come to mind about costs, deductibles, networks and prescription medication coverage. After all, these factors directly affect your wallet and access to the medical care you need. However, have you ever considered that just as important are the Christian ethics in this …
Property Preservation and Stewardship: A Christian Approach to Church Risk Management
By Nadeena Kersey, GuideStone Chief Insurance Officer Planning events, preparing sermons, meeting with members, recruiting volunteers, paying staff and scheduling building maintenance — these activities are likely a familiar part of your day-to-day tasks. Daily duties can become so routine that it’s easy to lose sight of potential risk exposure that could damage your ministry without the protection of church risk management. …
The hopeful future of theological education
By Dr. Jonathan SixTheological education is at a point of transition. Some have even called it a crisis. Delivery methods have changed, educational approaches are ever evolving, and seminaries and divinity schools find themselves in some of the most challenging days. In addition to the rise of online learning, the general reluctance for traditional educational practices creates intimidating challenges for …
Baptist21’s Guide to SBC 2023
B21 has you covered for all things related to the SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Note: Our B21 Lunch Panel will run at the lunch break of the SBC Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 13th from 12PM – 2PM. This event will be held in the The Sugar Mill directly across from the Convention Center. Tickets for this event are …
In More Ways than One, Mission:Dignity Gives Dignity
By Dr. Aaron Meraz, Director of Mission:Dignity, a ministry of GuideStoneWe are on a Mission to provide Dignity to retirement-aged Southern Baptist ministers, workers and their widows — the dignity that comes with knowing they’ve served the Lord faithfully and can pay their bills at the end of the month. Michael and Sandra Dowling have served the Lord together for …
What We Have Learned Since Last Week
Over the past week, since we posted “A Time for Clear Complementarianism and Wise Cooperation,” several responses have been written and we have heard from many pastors. Denny Burk and Mike Stone responded early in the week. Recently, both Robert Hefner and Cody Cunningham shared thoughts in general agreement with our original proposal, with Cody responding directly to Burk. We’re …
SBC 2023: A Time for Clear Complementarianism & Wise Cooperation
Every year Southern Baptists face challenges. This year is no different. Southern Baptists are wrestling over how to address issues related to sexual abuse prevention, women pastors, and the nature of cooperation. All of these discussions are taking place at a time when trust is low and tribalism is on the rise. Nuance is difficult. Yet, that is exactly what …
Three Retirement Best Practices for Pastors
By Hance Dilbeck The first sermon I preached was on a Sunday night at a small Oklahoma church. I preached on Revelation 2 and 3, the letters to the churches. I delivered it in about seven minutes. It was a train wreck. I’m thankful there are no recordings of that first sermon on YouTube! Through training, first at Oklahoma Baptist …










