The other day I ran into one of the strangest things that I have seen in a while. There’s a guy living and working in town like he’s living on the other side of the world. You see, over twenty years ago, he moved here to Louisville, but he never changed his schedule. He still gets up and goes to …
Why Are Churches Leaving the SBC?
With a decline in baptisms and membership in Southern Baptist Churches for the third consecutive year, many are asking the question, “Where is everyone going?” Some suggest that the strong leaders of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s are dying without a strong legacy behind them to take the reigns. Others suggest 20 something’s do not really care and are leaving …
“Baptist21 is Thankful for Johnny Hunt and the Days Ahead”
Baptist 21 is grateful for Pastor Johnny Hunt’s preaching passion, personal evangelism, and missions focus. We are excited about his leadership within the SBC, especially in his new role as President. We are energized about his term and the direction that he hopes to take the SBC. Here are some excerpts that give a taste of what he hopes that …
“The New Look of Evangelicalism?”
“Do you think Jesus is THE way or merely A way?” Franklin Graham posed this question to presidential hopeful Barack Obama some time back. The answer, some say may be reflective of the new face of Evangelicalism. Barack Obama answered saying, “Jesus is the only way for me, I’m not in a position to judge other people.” Is this a …
Preaching the Gospel Every Week
One of my favorite movies is the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and some of my favorite parts are the songs of the Oompa Loompas: Oompa Loompa doompety doo; I’ve got a perfect puzzle for you Oompa Loompa doompety dee; If you are wise you’ll listen to me What do you get when you guzzle down sweets; Eating …
Is there Ageism in the SBC?
1 Timothy 4:12 is one of our generation’s favorite verses to quote, is it not? “Let no one look down on you because you are young” we say to the teen in the youth group, the college graduate heading out into the work force, and the seminarian accepting the call to his first pastorate. Since all Scripture is profitable (2 …
“Adam, Where Are You?”
A recent story in the USA Today cites poll results that should come as neither shocking nor revealing to any local church pastor. According to the article, “Women outnumber men in attendance in every major Christian denomination, and they are 20% to 25% more likely to attend worship at least weekly.” The article goes on to document several other percentages …
Baptist 21’s Purpose
Baptist21 exists to contend for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).We embrace our past, believing this faith has been proclaimed in our Southern Baptist heritage. We work in the present, believing the Kingdom effectiveness of Southern Baptists will be in proportion to our fidelity to the Gospel. We cooperate for the future, believing the only …
Baptist21 Doctrinal Affirmations: What We Believe
We provide the following doctrinal affirmations as a summary of our convictions. However, in keeping with the introduction to the BF&M 2000 we affirm that “the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.” Baptist Faith & Message 2000 …
Baptist21: Who We Are
Jonathan Akin is Lead Pastor of the Valley Station Campus of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Jonathan has a BA from Boyce College, where he also teaches part time. He has received an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently working on a Phd in OT at Southern. Jonathan is married to Ashley, and they have …