On Nov. 3, I had the privilege of participating in the 10th anniversary celebration of the New Beginnings Baptist Church in Lewisville. It was also the 10th anniversary of founding pastor, Pastor Joseph Fields. You may remember that Pastor Fields recently served as the second vice president of our Texas Baptists’ Convention. It was a wonderful Sunday morning.

Thank you, Texas Baptists, for your gifts to the Cooperative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering because the financial support from these sources form the bulk of our church-starting monies. Those dollars were used 10 years ago to help New Beginnings get started.

New Beginnings will be moving into a new and larger facility in January. Their current location is their second building. The Lord has blessed, people have come and bright days are ahead.

Church planting a priority for the BGCT

Church planting continues to be a priority for the BGCT. For example, from January through September, our Missions Funding Group, chaired by Pastor Bill Skaar of First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, has approved funding for 51 new church starts.

We also start churches by partnering with a sponsor church, the local association and the church planter.

Mario Gonzales is the director of Texas Baptists’ Multi-Housing/House Congregations. Under his leadership, seven new house churches were started in September, bringing the total number of BGCT house churches to 673.

Re-planting churches for renewed vigor

While church starting will always be important to us, going forward, we will focus much more attention and resources on “re-planting” churches all across our state.

If you are a part of a church that has declined over the years, your community has or is changing, and your church would be interested in a conversation about how to become something new and probably different, please contact Tom Howe, Texas Baptists’ associate director for missions, by calling 214-828-5278 or emailing him at tom.howe@texasbaptists.org. He would be glad to talk with you and discuss possibilities.

Thanks for your continued support.

Blessings!

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The BGCT and Baptist Standard are independently related partners.

There are some things you will never hear. Ever seen those lists?

“On tonight’s news, we have nothing but good and uplifting stories to report.”

Sorry, that’s just not going to happen.

Or maybe you’ve seen the list of comments a pastor likely is never to hear:

“Pastor, I hope you’ll do that 10-week stewardship sermon series again this year.”
“Since we’re all here early for Sunday school, let’s go ahead and start.”
“I just love singing hymns we’ve never sung before.”
“I think the temperature in the sanctuary was just right for everyone today.”
“Pastor, would you consider letting me be the permanent teacher for the middle school class?”
“Hey, it’s my turn to sit on the front row.”

Things we do hear, maybe too often

While there are some things you will not be hearing any time soon, the Bible is filled with familiar sayings and ideas we hear quite often. In fact, one of our problems is becoming so familiar with biblical texts we no longer hear them. That familiarity allows us to repeat life-changing words while not allowing them to change us.

Commands like: “Pray without ceasing,” “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” have been handled so often we have rubbed them smooth, and they have lost their bite and become tepid.

Things we think we hear but don’t

Another issue with our Bible reading and understanding is our tendency to inject into the Scripture tweaks or modifications of its wisdom that actually are contrary to its teaching.

See if the following list of “things Jesus never said” rings true for you.

Jesus never said that the end justifies the means. To see how some of us go about doing church, you would be hard-pressed not to believe this.

The tendency for congregational leaders to try just about anything to get people in the pews or money in the plate is toxic. The effect either is to water down the scandal of the gospel in order to make it more palatable to the public or to use unethical or dubious methods to insure our success.

What Jesus did do was to present a demanding call to discipleship and not back off, even when it proved unpopular (John 6).

Jesus never said that the first would be first, the last would be last, so look out for number one. Twenty-first century Christianity seems to have lost its way with regard to our place in the world. To hear some, the church’s appropriate role is at the head of every line in culture. We want acclaim, political power, recognition and status.

The same goes for our parishioners and clergy. We easily overlook those in need and on the fringes of our society. Our practices belie an insatiable appetite for the limelight that seems incongruent with the one who “came to serve, not to be served.”

Jesus never said we are to live by the rule of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. In fact, that ancient code of retribution and retaliation was overturned overtly when Jesus offered a radical alternative in Matthew 6:39-42.

Our calling is to be unreasonably gracious and generous. Watching us nurture our grudges, wounds and prejudices while allowing them to cripple our witness must be heartbreaking to Jesus.

Jesus never said when we come and follow him, we will find success, fame and fortune. In fact, the biblical and historical witness is directly contrary to that silly folk wisdom.

The cross most people bear in order to be faithful is real and significant. Some of God’s most faithful servants seem to have suffered the most.

The benefit of biblical faith most often is internal, not external. Our most meaningful rewards cannot be deposited, driven or worn, for they are eternal, not temporal.

Restoring our ability to hear Jesus

We all are guilty of distorting the gospel to make it fit our preconceptions and personal convictions. A needed antidote to this illness is a hearty dose of biblical truth.

Try this: Read the Bible regularly without anyone telling you what it says and means. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and see what emerges. If you need a place to start, try Matthew 5-7, the finest and most famous sermon ever preached.

Warning: This is dangerous and will change your life.

Bill Wilson is the director of the Center for Healthy Churches and has been a leader in local church ministry for over 30 years. This article has been adapted from the original post. The views expressed are solely those of the author.

Stephen Boynton, a member of Acton Baptist Church in Granbury since 1967, recently retired as a lieutenant after 34 years of service with the Fort Worth Fire Department. He currently serves on the volunteer fire department in his community, which he has done since 1979. Boynton also published The Adventures of Slade the Fire Dog, a children’s book illustrated by fellow church member Katie Toon.

From deep in the heart of one Texan, Boynton shares his background and thoughts on being a follower of Christ in public service. To suggest a Texas Baptist leader in public service to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.

Background

Where do you currently serve?

My wife and I—along with another couple—teach a married couples Sunday school class at our church. I have taught Sunday school for 35 years. I sing in the choir, serve on the hospitality committee, the Missions Advisory Council, the security team and have served as a deacon since 1991.

Where else have you served, and what were your positions there?

I have been yellow cap certified with the Texas Baptist Men for many years, working in Texas on Hurricanes Ike and Harvey; the West, Texas, disaster; and in Florida on Hurricane Irma.

Where did you grow up?

After my dad retired from the Navy in 1967, we moved to Granbury, my mother’s hometown, and I have lived here in the Acton community ever since.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

After a good old Southern Baptist revival at our church, I asked Christ into my heart. I was 7 years old.

Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

After two undisciplined years of college at Tarleton State University, I took a job in Fort Worth in 1982. About 10 years ago, I returned to college and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Mountain State University in West Virginia.

Life in public service

Why do you feel called into public service?

As my career started out, God opened doors for me that only he could. I always had been drawn to disasters and times of trouble, especially the aftermath. My interest in those things led me to being called into the fire service.

How does being a Christian influence your decisions in public service?

I think it was because I was a Christian that I was drawn to help people physically during perhaps the roughest moments of their lives. As Christians, we are reminded everything is temporary—even terrible, heart-wrenching times. It also helps to remember God is always in control.

What is your favorite aspect of public service? Why?

It might sound funny, but saving people’s lives is incredible. But probably being able to bring order from chaos, on a personal level and a community level, is my favorite because we do it so often.

What one aspect of public service gives you the greatest joy?

It has to be saving people’s lives, or more appropriately, helping in saving someone’s life. To see and be a part of a well-trained crew, working swiftly and quickly to save a person’s life is beyond words. The satisfaction the Lord gives you in that situation is terrific.

What one aspect of public service would you like to change?

The impact it has on responders and, ultimately, their families. The stresses of the work schedule and the impact of the trauma responders see regularly are very damaging. As a civilization, we need people to do the work of a public servant, but we are not taking care of those who take care of us.

What is the impact of public service on your family?

Without an understanding wife, I wouldn’t be writing this today. She understood my calling and has been dealing with it ever since we started dating. I missed important family times, church events, all measure of things during my career. I hope it has shown my sons how important public service is and how satisfying it is to be in God’s will for your life.

What did you learn on the job you wish you learned elsewhere?

How beautiful and selfless people can be. Sometimes it takes a disaster to remind us of that.

How has your place in public service changed you?

I am much more aware than a lot of people of just how fragile this life really is. I’ve been beside lots of people when they died, and that tends to affect your outlook. I know the Lord can call you at any moment. I strive to be ready.

How do you expect public service to change in the next 10 to 20 years?

In urban and suburban areas, I think the sheer number of calls for service will become the most pressing problem. However, each advance in emergency medicine and firefighting—especially in what we call PPE, or personal protective equipment—will make it safer for first responders in all phases.

In rural areas, funding for all aspects of the service will need to be secured.

Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your area of public service.

As always, funding is a very big challenge.

As a volunteer fire chief, I am very concerned about the lack of people willing to make the commitment to volunteer in their community. Without volunteers, there is no volunteer fire or EMS service.

Mental health for responders will need to get more coverage. People can’t see the things seen by first responders and not be affected.

What do you wish more people knew about public service?

The satisfaction one gets by being part of a family of people dedicated to a common goal. The camaraderie of the service. Yes, it is a big commitment, but it is worth it.

About Baptists

Why are you a Baptist?

Well, first off, our fellowships are the best, no doubt. And I love the Cooperative Program, as well. But seriously, when I was young, I was a Baptist probably because my parents were. We were at the church every time the doors were open. As an adult and having studied the Scriptures, I think the Baptists have it very close to right. There are some things we do that make me scratch my head, but overall, I like what we stand for.

What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?

I think we Baptists have allowed ourselves to be painted into several corners where we don’t need to be. On many current issues—homosexuality, immigration, the authenticity of the Scriptures and feminism, just to name a few—our silence or passivity has allowed the media and other groups to define to the public where we stand and what we believe, and most times this is incorrect, of course. The church’s silence has harmed us.

What would you change about the Baptist denomination—state, nation or local?

To quote one of my favorite jokes: “How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Change?”

I guess I would lighten us up from our desire to follow all the rules perfectly. Following the rules perfectly can’t be done; people are imperfect. Love people like God does, and the rest is easy. Focus on the sinner, not the sin.

About Stephen

Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

My father’s service to his country during World War II and Korea probably shaped my career more than I really know. Both my parents were godly people and a great influence on me. I miss them every day.

I had many great Sunday school teachers in my day. They showed me commitment to my home church, to the Scriptures and to the Lord.

Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.

C.S. Lewis is a hard one to top. He just says things the way they should be said.

After having two sons, Robert Lewis’ book Raising a Modern-Day Knight was a great influence on me and my circle of friends.

Norman Maclean and his son John N. Maclean both wrote great books on very tragic forest fires, and those books helped us understand things like we had not previously. Great storytellers.

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

Psalms 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in all the earth.”

I love the idea of being still. Easy to say, hard to do. I guess in my line of work, in all that I’ve seen, peace and silence look very good to me.

Who is your favorite Bible character, other than Jesus? Why?

King David. How can you not love and admire a man God said was a “man after my own heart?” He was such a man’s man, flawed and all, yet God used him in such great ways. I’ll take some of that.

Name something about you that would surprise people who know you.

I read a lot of books as a child and still do. I remember some great children’s books. After I retired, I wrote a children’s book and had it published. I have now written 6 more books and am waiting to get those published, as well.

If you could get one “do over” in public service, what would it be, and why?

I would pay more attention to the hurt people suffer. At the least, a kind word here or there might make a difference in someone’s life.

RE: Climate change at Southwestern Seminary?

As one of those who did some difficult work related to our Southern Baptist seminaries and their relationship with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, I was encouraged to read Ken Camp’s article about the new president Dr. Adam Greenway.

The figures cited in Camp’s interview with Greenway show that Southwestern Seminary has been hollowed out from the inside as a result of the Baptist war. Dr. Greenway’s candor about the true numbers of students helps a lot to lay a foundation of integrity. His humility may help Southwestern recover some of the legacy lost to the war.

Michael Chancellor
Round Rock

The city is loud. It’s even louder during disaster recovery. The elevated noise of recovery is sound in search of a song. Christians carry the tune for the occasion.

Stormy times in the Bachman Lake area of Dallas

A few weeks ago, Pastor Ricardo Brambila and I set a date to get together for lunch in the Bachman Lake area of northwest Dallas. Brambila is the pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista en Dallas. Little did we know what would happen just a couple of weeks later.

Around 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, an EF-3 tornado plowed right through Primera Iglesia Bautista’s building.

A week later, after driving into the parking lot of Primera Iglesia Bautista and turning off the engine, I listened. With the radio and engine off, I heard chainsaws, generators, skid steers, semis and tree grinders; rubble falling into trailers, haul-away dumpsters and truck beds; contractors, insurance adjusters, onlookers and well-wishers.

All of that sound represented the demolition of dreams and decades of hard work.

Over the top of all of that was the regular jet noise of Southwest Airlines 737s landing over Bachman Lake, the strange sound of the world still turning.

I watched for at least 30 minutes as Pastor Brambila took phone call after phone call, received visitor after visitor and coordinated contractor after contractor.

There was a lot going on. There was a lot of noise. It sure looked like chaos in search of a melody.

Those who have lived through disasters and recovery know the sounds and silences. They can feel them.

I walked up to the remains of the building and saw the church’s piano in the middle of the room. It looked ready for an open-air concert. If only I knew how to play the piano.

Stormy times call for songs of hope

To get to Primera Iglesia Bautista, I drove past and through about 10 miles of tornado-ravaged neighborhoods. Recovery was underway the full length of the trip. Under all of the noise of recovery work was a hush, a hush like missing birds, a hush like missing songs.

When you’re in the middle of stormy times, how do you sing? I don’t know that you do.

Well, maybe you do, but I’ve watched people in the thick of things, and it seems like they’re doing everything they can to keep things moving forward. For them, there’s no time for singing.

I’ve watched others so overwhelmed by the storms, they have no breath for singing.

In those times, someone else will have to do the singing.

Pastor Brambila told me about the many people, churches and organizations that have reached out to him and Primera Iglesia Bautista to help them recover after the loss of their building. There’s music in that.

With particular gratitude, Brambila spoke of the connection between his church and other local Baptist churches, the local Baptist association, Baptist charitable organizations and the state Baptist convention. Through these relationships with others, Brambila and Primera Iglesia Bautista en Dallas don’t feel alone. That sounds like singing to me.

Through these relationships, Primera Iglesia Bautista is lifted with songs of hope. In the relief and recovery work, Baptists and other Christians are embodying the music of Jesus’ promise that the heavenly Father looks after the needs of those who seek him.

Stormy times are all around

The Bachman Lake area of northwest Dallas is not the only place impacted by storms—literal and figurative. Stormy times are all around.

Just as tornadoes are surgically precise and random at the same time, so are the storms ripping through communities. Some look small from the outside: financial distress, marital strain, parenting struggles, unemployment and others.

Other storms are fearsome to all who see them: gun violence, drug addiction, racial injustice, family violence, economic disparities, sexual predation, human trafficking and abuses of power, to name just a few.

Storms are raging in homes, neighborhoods and schools, in governments, along borders and throughout nations. In their wake, people are trying to recover, sometimes even as the storms still rage.

There are so many storms. There is so much sound and fury. And it seems to overwhelm to the point of silencing any song of hope.

But hope is one song that can’t be overwhelmed or silenced.

Let the people of God sing into the hush underneath the noise of our world. Let us sing our songs of hope.

Now, we sing

Given our long tradition of hymns and spiritual songs, Christians can do the singing, but in these times, the song must come through our lives more than just our mouths. Our singing on Sunday mornings is rehearsal for the performance.

Let’s respond to the storms around us. Let’s join together as the people of God and sing into the wake of the storms. Yes, Jesus said we would have trouble in this world, and he also told us to take heart because he has overcome the world. Let the music of our lives embody that hope.

Let’s work together to right wrongs and correct injustices.

Let’s join hands to carry each other’s burdens.

Let’s do such good that the music of our lives will be light drawing all people to glorify God in heaven.

Already, this work is underway. There’s still room in the choir—or the band, if you prefer.

Stormy times are all around us. Let’s sing for those who can’t.

Eric Black is the executive director, publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard. He can be reached at eric.black@baptiststandard.com or on Twitter at @EricBlackBSP. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

When my mom heard what I was preaching, she couldn’t pay attention to the pastor in her church that morning. From 334 miles away, she and my sister prayed during their entire 11 a.m. worship service for me.

I texted my sister the previous week with the Scripture passage I planned to preach. Like many others in the church, she had never read that particular Old Testament passage. I asked her to read it and give me her general thoughts.

Her response: “What could you possibly say about that? I’m literally going to vomit. I wish I never read that!”

That was my initial reaction to Judges 19 as well.

What could possibly be said about that passage? Why is it in the Bible at all? Why would God allow this to happen?

But I was determined to preach it.

The horrible story in Judges 19

In Judges 19, a Levite—an Israelite clergyman—and his concubine find themselves trapped by a group of vile men in the city of Gibeah. Their intent is rape and humiliation. They demand to “know” the Levite man. In response, he shoved his concubine out the door.

WARNING: Here’s where it gets graphic.

The men of Gibeah rape and abuse the concubine all night long. At daybreak, she makes her way back to the house and collapses at the door.

After a good night’s sleep (Judges 19:27), the Levite opens the door and says, “Get up; let’s go,” but she is unresponsive.

He tosses her limp body onto his donkey, they head home, and when they arrive, he chops her up into 12 pieces and distributed them among the 12 tribes of Israel as a declaration of war against the men of Gibeah.

Israel is launched into a costly war with the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe is nearly annihilated. Six hundred more women are abused, kidnapped and raped. And that’s how the book of Judges ends.

What can be said about that?

Now you can see why my mother and sister were praying for me. What could possibly be said about this story?

Naturally, I turned to commentator after commentator for help. One said the best thing to do with this passage is to leave it alone.

But I couldn’t leave it alone. The passage doesn’t allow us to. Once you read it, there’s no escaping it. It has you, and it won’t leave you alone.

My sister testifies to as much. Later, she was still texting me about it. “It just keeps running through my head,” she said.

When she said that, something significant occurred to me.

Why these stranger texts are in the Bible

Maybe that’s why these stranger texts are in the Bible: So we don’t forget.

In an odd way, the stranger texts of the Old Testament address our idolatry. Idolatry is blinding, not only of God, but of others as well.

One of the biggest idols for middle-class Americans is happiness. We can get so entangled trying to keep our kids happy, our spouse happy, ourselves happy and the dog happy, that we turn a blind eye to the need, sorrow and pain all around us.

Anything that distracts us from the idol of happiness automatically goes ignored. The elderly are neglected in nursing homes. The poor are trapped on the other side of the railroad tracks. Women who are sexually abused are quickly discounted as liars or promiscuous. Refugees on the border are labeled “lazy” and “criminal.”

We know these things aren’t right. We know these areas—and more—need help. We know there is a biblical mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves.

But loving our neighbor as ourselves interferes with ourselves.

The way of Jesus interferes with our pursuit of happiness. If happiness is our idol, then we will constantly be blind to the need of humanity, the church will constantly be stale and irrelevant, the power of Christ’s death and resurrection will be castrated of the power to change lives.

If happiness is our idol, all the unnamed people of Judges 19 are forgotten.

Paying attention to the stranger texts in the Bible

The solution is remarkably simple: Take a stroll through the stranger texts of the Old Testament.

Don’t forget Judges 19. Look at it, and remember. Dwell on it. Be disturbed by it. Vomit if you must. Contextualize it. Wrestle with it. Read testimonies of other unnamed women who were raped and abused. Weep and cry aloud. Pray. But whatever you do, don’t look away. Don’t forget it; remember Judges 19.

Join your voice with the Israelites who witnessed the horror: “Everyone who saw it was saying to one another, ‘Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Just imagine! We must do something! So speak up’” (Judges 19:30, NIV)!

The reality of stranger texts

The week after preaching Judges 19, one of my congregants asked me, “Do you think this story actually happened?”

I know why they asked because I found myself asking the same question and for a specific reason: If the unnamed woman doesn’t really exist, I can sleep better at night.

If she’s only a fabricated metaphor for what was really happening in Israel at the time—which is the way this text often has been taught—then I don’t really have to deal with her. I can say, “Whew,” wipe the sweat from my brow, smile and forget about her.

That’s the danger of reducing the stranger texts to allegory or metaphor.

I told the congregant: “What does it matter? Whether this unnamed woman existed or not, we know that women were abused and mistreated like this during this time. And furthermore, women are abused and mistreated like this today. Whether this unnamed woman existed or not, unnamed women exist all over our world today.”

Christian theologian Dr. Daisy L. Machado wrote on Judges 19 through the lens of one of these unnamed women. The woman was an illegal immigrant living in Los Fresnos, Texas, a small town deep in the Rio Grande Valley. The woman was fleeing a Central American village where her husband had been killed by a local drug gang. The gang repeatedly raped this woman and then cut off her nose. She fled to the United States seeking refuge for her and her children.

When I read Machado’s article, my stomach was a cavern because I went to elementary school in Los Fresnos. All around me, these unnamed people lived in fear. I went to school with their children. We worshiped alongside some of them at church. My parents worked with them. They were constantly in and out of our lives, and yet, I wonder why we didn’t see them.

Did this story really happen? Does the unnamed woman from Judges 19 exist today? The answer is yes, she exists. You can meet her every day at H-E-B buying groceries. She exists. You can meet her walking down the sidewalk, holding a toddler by one hand and pushing a stroller in the other.

She exists. You can meet her sitting at Orange Christian Services, waiting to see if she can get some help paying the electric bill this month. She exists. You can meet her in the waiting room at the pediatrician with a sick child. The answer to the question, “Does the unnamed woman exist?” is, “Yes, the woman in Judges 19 exists.”

Will we see the unnamed woman of this stranger text?

But the real question is, will you see her?

Will you notice her? Will you acknowledge her existence? Will you join your voice with the other Israelites: “We must do something! So speak up!”

Otherwise, she will remain unnamed forever.

Yes, I think that’s the real purpose behind these stranger texts, to remember the unnamed.

Ryan Chandler is the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Orange, Texas, and blogs at cassryanchandler.com. This article is adapted from the original. Chandler’s sermon on Judges 19 can be heard here. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Grant Byrd has been a youth minister since 1981 and has served First Baptist Church in McKinney since 1991. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated minister to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.

Background

Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?

While in college and seminary, I served churches in Burleson, Throckmorton and Mount Pleasant, Texas, and Greenwood, La. I served for five years at Second Baptist Church in Baytown. I was the youth pastor in all of these and also led music in a few of them.

Where did you grow up?

Port Neches, Texas, and First Baptist Church there.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I grew up going to church with my parents, who loved and lived their lives for God, but at the age of 8, I understood I was lost with no hope for heaven and gave my life over to Jesus Christ.

Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I attended Texas A&M University for a year and a half, then transferred to East Texas Baptist University, where I graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in business and religion.

I earned my Master of Arts degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986.

I completed my Doctorate degree in Educational Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with an emphasis on leadership in 2003.

Ministry life

Why do you feel called into ministry?

I was called to ministry when I was 15 years old but didn’t really answer that call until I was at Texas A&M and realized God wasn’t joking and wanted me to be in ministry. I transferred to ETBU and have had peace since then in that calling to be an equipper. I love talking to students about their calling to ministry now.

What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?

My favorite aspect has to be seeing a student leading a friend to a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is the best when they understand God calls them to be his disciples who disciple others.

What one aspect of ministry gives you the greatest joy?

I love going on mission trips because it is like a “microwave of learning” for students—and adults—when they have to rely on God to lead and direct them.

What one aspect of ministry would you like to change?

One aspect of ministry I would like to change is students being addicted to their phones and social media, which draws them away from real relationships and conversations.

How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?

I thought I knew what I was doing back when I started in youth ministry. Now I know I don’t know what I’m doing.

How do you expect ministry to change in the next 10 to 20 years?

I think students desire relationships so much they will be drawn to the church and community, but the concerns youth pastors must face now, with the issues secular culture throws at us, will cause a return to the basics of a relationship with Jesus.

If you could launch any new ministry—individually, through your congregation or through another organization—what would it be? Why?

Either a ministry with students called to ministry or a ministry that gets students on the mission field. I think there is a great need for high school students to get training in “ministry calling” before college or seminary. I also would like to give every student an opportunity to serve on mission in a poverty-stricken community.

Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your ministry.

Social media influence on teens, LGBTQ issues, “busyness” of teens.

What do you wish more laypeople knew about ministry or, specifically, your ministry?

Youth ministry is vital to teens as they develop their foundation for the life of a disciple of Jesus.

About Grant

Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

My mentors were my parents, Zack and Cookie Byrd, who loved God and modeled what it looks like to follow Jesus.

Wilton “Tony” Anthony, Buddy Fortenberry, Doug Fields, Stan Blossom and Jack Haye have mentored me along the way and deeply influenced my life.

What did you learn on the job you wish you learned in seminary?

Just the day-to-day duties and requirements of a minister were things seminary didn’t really teach me. I learned so much in seminary, but to start out in a pastor role was something I was barely equipped to do until I got more experience.

What is the impact of ministry on your family?

Ministry has been tough on my family, but they have been gracious to me and have been a super blessing to me as I led both my kids as their youth pastor.

My wife has been amazing as a minister’s wife. She has helped so many as she counseled them and loved them to live for Jesus.

My son, Keegan Byrd, is serving as the minister of music at First Baptist Church in Van Alstyne.

My daughter, Darby Byrd, is studying ministry at Ouachita Baptist University.

One of my biggest concerns as a dad was that my kids might dislike the church because we were there so much, but God was good to allow them to fall in love with Jesus and the church at an early age.

Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.

Mark Batterson has a lot of books I love, but In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day is my favorite.

Doug Fields has many books that are helpful, but Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry is my favorite.

Andy Stanley, Jim Burns, Duffy Robbins and John Grisham are also are favorite authors of mine.

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared in advance for us to do.” God has a great plan for us. He made us and then laid out a great life plan for us to choose to follow.

Who is your favorite Bible character, other than Jesus? Why?

A little-known guy named Shamgar in Judges 3:31 did what he could with what he had where he was. What a great message for us today!

Name something about you that would surprise people who know you.

I really do believe this is the Dallas Cowboys’ year to win it all.

If you could get one “do over” in ministry, what would it be, and why?

I wish I would have written down more of my first learning experiences in student ministry so I could pass them along to younger ministers.

What are you excited about as you enter your 39th year in ministry?

I love working with teens and equipping them to lead their friends to Jesus and then disciple them; so, I look forward to discipling a small group this year.

I also am excited about being an adjunct professor of student ministry at Dallas Baptist University. This is a new adventure for me to teach in a university setting, and I am really excited about it.

In a previous article, I explained why I support women serving in every level of ministry. I made a positive case from Scripture using various texts demonstrating the Bible’s support for women in ministry.

That article was incomplete, however. As I noted at the time, there are key texts in the New Testament that would seem to contradict my stance. Because of space limitations, I was unable to address those texts directly. Now, I plan to finish what I started.

There are four New Testament passages I wish to explore, in order of ascending difficulty: 1 Corinthians 14:33-36; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Timothy 2:8-15.

1 Corinthians 14

In this text, Paul is addressing confusion and disorder in the Corinthians’ worship services. The key verses are 34 and 35: “The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church” (NASB).

The most important detail about this text is that, if taken in the absolute literal sense, it directly contradicts 1 Corinthians 11. In that passage—just three chapters prior to this one—Paul gives commands for how women are to conduct themselves while praying and prophesying in mixed worship (verse 5). If women must remain absolutely silent during worship, chapter 11 makes no sense.

There are multiple possible solutions, but I want to focus on the two I find most viable. First, it’s possible Paul didn’t write verses 34-35; they were inserted by a later scribe. The ancient manuscript evidence for this position is ambiguous, but there is a solid argument nonetheless. (See Gordon Fee’s volume in the New International Commentary on the New Testament.)

Another possibility is that Paul specifically is addressing Corinthian women who were disrupting worship by talking and asking questions. (See N.T. Wright’s Surprised by Scripture.) This is a possible reading, but not certain. Regardless, 1 Corinthians 14 cannot be making an absolute prohibition against women speaking in worship without utterly contradicting 1 Corinthians 11.

1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1

These two passages outline the qualifications for pastors. Some might note the passages use male pronouns throughout, but that’s only in most English translations. In Greek, the pronouns are almost all gender-neutral.

The more serious issue is the texts saying a pastor must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 NASB). Translated more literally, a pastor must be “a one-woman man.” That would seem to be open-and-shut. But is it?

Taken in the most literal sense, these two passages require, at minimum, that a pastor must be a man with one wife, must have a household, and must have multiple children. For one thing, even most complementarians don’t believe this. Such requirements would disqualify Jesus, Paul, maybe Timothy, and others.

Woe to churches that would refuse to hire Jesus or Paul as a pastor because of their singleness! Why would Jesus and Paul encourage celibate singleness in Matthew 19 and 1 Corinthians 7 if it disqualifies one from pastoring? Of course, many Baptist churches shamefully do refuse to hire single people as pastors, but that’s a different issue.

How, then, do we faithfully apply these passages? In their book Rediscovering Paul, David Capes, Rodney Reeves and E. Randolph Richards argue that these “qualifications have to do with character.” For example, “‘a-one-woman-kind-of-man’ [is] an individual capable of marital fidelity” (249). If we press these texts to restrict women from pastoring, we likewise must restrict single and childless men.

1 Timothy 2

This is the hardest passage in the entire Bible for people like me who endorse women’s preaching and pastoring.

Paul says, “But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (verses 12-14).

This text, more than any other, forces me to be humble in my dialogue with complementarians and admit I might be wrong. But Christians do not reach conclusions on important doctrines and practices by invoking only one passage without reference to the rest of the canon.

As I demonstrate in my previous article, there is a wealth of evidence in both Testaments that God endorses and encourages women teaching and having authority over men. Consider Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Junia and others.

The tension between 1 Timothy 2 and other texts becomes sharper when you pay attention to 1 Timothy’s details. Some complementarians soften the text by interpreting it only to mean, “Women can’t be pastors;” but it doesn’t say that.

The text is clear: Paul is saying—in the church, at minimum—women may not teach men or hold authority over them in any capacity. Women must be quiet. Does this text hopelessly contradict others in the New Testament? I don’t think so.

One of 1 Timothy’s key themes is the problem of false teaching spreading among the letter’s recipients. Women especially are being targeted by the false teachers. (See Philip Payne’s Man and Woman: One in Christ, pages 296-304.) I believe the instructions in 1 Timothy 2 were originally meant to stem the tide of false teaching, not to make an absolute rule for all churches everywhere.

Conclusion

My interpretation of these four passages may not convince you. I encourage you, though, to think deeply about what I say here, (re)read my previous article, and look at the sources I cite.

I understand why many Christians believe only men should preach and serve as pastors, but I also believe we are being unfaithful to Scripture and our sisters in Christ if we do not wrestle deeply with these questions.

Joshua Sharp is a Master of Divinity student and graduate assistant in the Office of Ministry Connections at Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

The words we say to and about one another and when we say them matters. We know this, which adds to the pressure we feel to say the right thing at the right time.

I’ve not always been good with words. Some would say I’m still not. Others would say that’s a gross understatement.

One of my earliest and most shameful memories is the day I waxed eloquent about a friend’s mom. Despite how nice I was trying to be to her, what never crossed my mind—until the next day when her daughters defended her—was how hurtful my words were. I was very young. I still wish I could erase those words.

In college, rather than taking the mature route, I took the lily-livered route in breaking up with a young woman. I was silent when I shouldn’t have been and stupid when I finally spoke. She was furious, and rightfully so. I wasn’t quite a man, yet, and I’ve not stopped wishing I’d been more mature sooner.

The wrong words

In certain situations, no words are better than wrong or weak words.

John MacArthur would have been less than honest if he had remained silent about Beth Moore. He doesn’t believe women should preach, but he could have said something other than “go home.”

Jesus didn’t tell women to “go home,” not that we can read in the Bible. He did tell men to go home after he healed them. He told a man who had been demon-possessed: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).

And I don’t think Jesus meant, “Go back where you came from.” The context is clear; Jesus meant the man was the best person to witness to the people near him.

Also wrong are the two words spray-painted on a “spirit rock” in Davidson County, North Carolina several weeks ago. They were covered quickly but shouldn’t have appeared at all.

Were those two words a stupid juvenile prank? Spray painting a call to kill certain people in no way can be defended as a juvenile prank, though it can be described as stupid.

Jesus simplified the Law and the Prophets into two commands we can paraphrase in five words: Love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Those are the right words every time.

The right words

We don’t always have the right words at the right time. We don’t always know what to say and when to say it, but some words are right more often than they are wrong.

Please.
Thank you.
I’m sorry.
I don’t know.
I love you.

These words are some of the first we learn and some of the first we forget. They are simple yet powerful. Though they knit us together, they go against the grain of our culture.

Among people who expect to get what they want when they want it, “please” and “thank you” are considered unnecessary and illogical, an affront and an offense against the self.

Among people who think they are never wrong and that their way is the only right way, “I’m sorry” is weak and shameful.

Among people who can never show weakness and must be fully capable, “I don’t know” is a sickening admission of incompetence.

Among people who are self-absorbed, “I love you” is a fetter to another person, an unthinkable admission that someone outside the self has inestimable value.

Despite flying in the face of our culture, all these words are right more often than they are wrong. We need to speak and live them more often.

Eric Black is the executive director, publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard. He can be reached at eric.black@baptiststandard.com or on Twitter at @EricBlackBSP. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Bruce Webb has been pastor of The Woodlands First Baptist Church since 2007. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated minister to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.

Background

Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?

While in college, I served on staff part-time at First Baptist Church in Stanton, Calvary Baptist Church in San Marcos and First Baptist Church in Floresville.

While in seminary, I served part-time at Creede Baptist Church in Creede, Colo., and University Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

Although they were summer and part-time positions, I mention those churches because they were very important in clarifying my call to be a pastor. It is probably safe to say those church experiences did more for me than I did for them.

I have had the privilege of being the senior pastor of three Texas churches: The Island Baptist Church on South Padre Island (1991 to 1998), Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville (1998 to 2007), and my current position.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Big Spring, Texas.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

My mother died when I was 6 years old. I learned of her death when some family friends brought my brother to my elementary school. When I saw them, I thought they were coming to take me fishing. Instead, the family friends drove off, and my 15-year-old brother, Bob Webb, walked me to my grandmother’s house and told me Mom had died.

I remember us both crying and Bob praying for us. From that moment, I had an awareness of the importance of eternal life, that it was possible to die, and that I needed to have a relationship with Jesus.

Our family did not have much money, and my brother Bob and I slept in the same bed. When I was 7 years old, I remember him sharing the plan of salvation with me as we were going to bed.

I understood what it meant to be saved, but I told him I wasn’t ready. He didn’t try to pressure me but told me I was going to be a great Christian someday. I always will be grateful for that.

When I was 15 years old, a girl I liked in the youth group at East Fourth Street Baptist Church invited me to go to youth choir. I already was a member of the Sunday School there, but I rarely attended after my mother’s death. But I liked to sing, and I liked girls.

When I went, someone invited me to play on the church league softball team. The rule was you had to attend church the Sunday before the game in order to be able to play.

So, I went to church because of girls, choir and softball, but as I attended the services, I became aware that God loved me and wanted to do something significant with my life.

During a Lord’s Supper service as the elements were being passed, I refused to take the bread or the cup because I knew I wasn’t a Christian. I determined when the service was over, I was going to commit my life to Jesus. For the first time I ever can remember, the pastor didn’t give an invitation, and we didn’t sing multiple verses of “Just As I Am.” It was very unusual.

When the service concluded, the pastor called on someone to close in prayer, and as he walked to the back of the sanctuary to shake people out, I stepped into the aisle, grabbed his arm and said, “Brother Guy, I want to be a Christian.”

I was saved at that moment. The Holy Spirit had spoken to me for months through Matthew 10:32-33, which says: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

I was afraid to be open about my faith. The moment I did, Jesus was right there to save me. I was 15 years old, and it was the best decision I ever have made.

Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I graduated from Big Spring High School. I have a music degree from Texas State University (1987), a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1991) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1995).

About ministry

Why do you feel called into ministry?

Because God called and motivated me to share with others the incredible grace and love I have received from him.

How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?

The last few years, it has become clear to me the importance of helping our youth hear the call to local church ministry. After spending my sabbatical in England preaching at a small Baptist church for 10 weeks, I think the Holy Spirit helped me see this. The people in the church I served seemed eager and ready to reach out to a growing community, but there are so few young people being called to Christian ministry. It is a crisis in Europe, and unless something changes fast, it will be a crisis in the United States, as well.

Churches needs pastors who are called, educated and enthusiastic about reaching people for Christ. Without them, the future is in question. This means Christian parents and churches need to find ways to encourage their students to consider a calling to local church ministry and provide opportunities for them to serve in the church as interns. A potential call to ministry is solidified by doing ministry.

Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your ministry.

• Handling the LGBTQ issue correctly.
• Addressing the destructiveness of internet pornography.
• Cultivating young, emotionally and spiritually healthy ministers.

About Baptists

What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?

One of the major issues facing Baptists is the acceptance or rejection of women in ministry.

It is absolutely possible to have the highest view of Scripture and believe women can serve as ministers within the local church. In fact, my belief in favor of women in ministry is not in spite of the Bible but precisely because of the teaching of the Bible.

I am not suggesting and would never ask someone to reject or ignore what the Bible says about women. I am asking people to be willing to look at what the Scripture actually teaches rather than allowing tradition alone to determine their position. Good, sincere Christian people disagree about the issue, but I respectfully am encouraging people to take a second, biblical look. I have a sermon entitled What God Wants Women To Be should anyone be interested in exploring this further.

Why is this so important? There is a shortage of younger ministers called to serve the local church. If we tell half the population of Christians they cannot serve the local church in ministry, we are working against ourselves.

We also are communicating by our actions that any young woman who does feel called to ministry needs to leave Baptist life in order to serve. The denominations to which young women are forced to move often do not have a high view of Scripture.

We need young men and women called to serve the local church to have a high view of Scripture, a firm commitment to its truthfulness, and a passion for Jesus and the local church.

About Bruce

Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

My three main mentors in ministry have been Bob Webb, Randel Everett and Paul Powell.

I learned from my older brother Bob what it meant to be an authentic Christian and pastor.

I served as Randel Everett’s pastoral intern when he was pastor of University Baptist Church in Fort Worth and while I was in seminary. His memorization of Scripture was inspiring to me, as was his preaching. Randel was the first pastor I ever encountered who knew how to cast a vision that was clear enough people could follow.

Paul Powell was my mentor for over 25 years. He didn’t choose me, but I definitely chose him. He and two other large church Baptist pastors showed up at South Padre Island on my second Sunday as a senior pastor.

My sermon wasn’t very good, but while the other pastors were talking Baptist politics, Paul went out to his car and got one of his books, signed it, gave it to me, and told me how proud he was of me. I followed up with a thank you letter and an invitation for him to come do a revival at my church. He accepted, and I pursued him until he adopted me as one of his boys.

When something great happened to me in ministry, Paul was always one of my first calls because he was legitimately happy for me. When something happened and I needed advice, he was my first call.

He recommended me to Central Baptist in Jacksonville and First Baptist Church of The Woodlands.

I remember telling him once that I didn’t know how I could ever appropriately do something for him to show my gratitude, and he said, “Do it for someone else.” I have tried.

One of the greatest privileges of my life was to speak at Paul’s funeral, and I didn’t know how much I would miss him until he was gone. I love Paul and Cathy Powell.

What is the impact of ministry on your family?

Nancy and I have served in three imperfect churches as senior pastor, and that has made us a really good match because we are imperfect, too. All three churches we have served have loved us and our three girls, and we have loved them, too. They allowed us to be ourselves, and our girls have had very positive experiences as pastor’s kids, for the most part.

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

I love the Bible far too much to be able to choose one or two as my favorites. It seems like the passage I am studying to teach on any given week is my favorite at the time, but here are several of my favorites.

John 1:14 says: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

In so many places, it’s all grace and no truth, or all truth and no grace. In Jesus, however, grace and truth intersect, and that is what I am going for in my ministry and our church is striving for, as well.

Galatians 5:22-23 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Too often, we evaluate ourselves and others in ministry by the gifts of the Spirit, rather than by the fruit of the Spirit. It was life-changing for me when I realized giftedness doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit is working through us. It just means we are talented.

The real measure of whether the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is the fruit of the Spirit. So, for me, the fruit of the Spirit is a constant check on authentic ministry that pleases God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

This verse is special to me because I memorized it when I was 15 years old and had just given my life to Jesus. I used to walk down the hall of my high school quoting that passage and praying God would help me be a good witness.

Whenever I hear or think of that verse, it reminds me of the passion I had when I first became a Christian, and it reminds me it needs to continue to be true of my life.

What is the key to a successful ministry?

One of the keys is a spouse who loves the Lord and is committed to Jesus, as well. I met my wife Nancy on a Baptist Student Ministry ski trip, and she has been a wonderful partner in ministry. My advice is to marry well.

The Apostle Paul commends Phoebe of Cenchreae, the female deacon (Greek: diakonos), as the courier and first interpreter of his magisterial Epistle to the Romans. He said she had done much for many.

In the same way, John F. MacArthur Jr., pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif. as well as a well-known radio preacher, has done much for many, including me. I still recall reading and learning from MacArthur’s The Gospel According to Jesus while a seminary student some 30 years ago.

MacArthur turned 80 years old this past summer. This year—2019—marks his 50th year of pulpit ministry at Grace Community Church. This ministerial milestone is being celebrated throughout the year by his syndicated radio broadcast Grace to You, most recently last week at Grace Community Church at a Truth Matters Conference on the sufficiency of Scripture.

MacArthur’s admonition to Moore and more

During a panel discussion at this conference on Oct. 17, emcee Todd Friel asked MacArthur to describe in a word the well-known Bible teacher and preacher Beth Moore. After having associated her with the term “heretic,” MacArthur opted to forego a reductionistic description to offer the uncharitable admonition, “Go home.”

Applause erupted from his erstwhile supporters in the audience. Once the clapping ceased, not unlike other things in MacArthur’s theology, the pastor-teacher went on to say: “There is no case that can be made biblically for a woman preacher. Period. Paragraph. End of discussion.”

Unfortunately, the discussion did continue, with fellow panelist Phil Johnson describing Moore as “narcissistic” and panelist Mike Riccardi affirming MacArthur’s contention regarding Moore’s preaching.

Unable to bridle his tongue (James 3:1-12), MacArthur went on to compare Moore to a well-spoken, persuasive jeweler hawking wares on television and to lambaste the Southern Baptist Convention for capitulating to broader ambient culture, not least the #MeToo movement.

A more helpful question and response

Even if MacArthur were to be correct in his assertions and assessments, in his disparaging remarks and condescending comments regarding Moore he fails to follow the very Scripture he proclaims.

A less personal, more insightful question Friel could have put to MacArthur would have been: “What roles did women play in the respective ministries of Jesus and Paul?” In order to answer biblically, MacArthur would have had to respond, “Any number.”

Instead of going home, appreciable numbers of women followed Jesus, supported Jesus and were taught by Jesus in their homes, even as they helped to bury Jesus and to offer winsome witness to his resurrection, despite the doubts of 11 male disciples (see, for example, Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-41; 23:55-56; 24:1-12).

Turning to Paul, one might note there also were a number of women actively involved in his mission including Phoebe, a deacon; Prisca, a coworker; and Junia, prominent among the apostles and perhaps as an apostle. (see Romans 16:1-3, 7; compare 1 Corinthians 15:6).

In addition to these three women, one also might note the names of these eight female coworkers of the Paul: Lydia, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Euodia, Syntyche, Nympha and Apphia (see Acts 16:14-15; Romans 16:12, Philippians 4:2; Colossians 4:15; and Philemon 2).

Part of MacArthur’s theology of women in ministry

To be sure, there are Pauline passages that preclude women from speaking in a gathered assembly of Christ-followers (see especially 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-15). These are undoubtedly the texts MacArthur had in mind when he declared, “There is no case that can be made biblically for a woman preacher.”

That being said, there are, in fact, contextual factors shaping these particular prohibitions that careful, faithful interpreters must consider. I have written more extensively elsewhere on the subject of women in the church’s ministry.

Biblical support for women preaching & leading in ministry

We do well to note that in the very Bible to which MacArthur appeals, there also are texts that presuppose women will pray and prophesy or preach (see 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; compare also, for example, Numbers 11:27; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Isaiah 8:3).

Additionally, Acts clearly indicates early women Christ-followers did prophesy, including the daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8-9; 2:18).

Furthermore, Paul exclaims that in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor is man independent of woman, for in Christ there is neither “male and female” (1 Corinthians 11:11; Galatians 3:28).

For Paul, spiritual gifts were not determined by gender (see especially 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; compare Romans 12:6). In particular, it must be noted and acknowledged that Paul did not limit the gift of prophecy, or “forthtelling,” to men.

Places women have preached

A fair and further question to ask MacArthur would be precisely what he means by the phrase “woman preacher.” Although he seemingly would preclude any and all females from anything approximating pulpit ministry, there are any number of Christ-loving, Bible-believing people who, while not supporting women as lead pastors, would warmly welcome a word of exhortation (Hebrews 13:22) from the likes of Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, Anne Graham Lotz and Joni Eareckson Tada, Priscilla Shirer and yes, Beth Moore.

As it happens, women have been preaching on mission fields, during Sunday gatherings and in various other Christian contexts ever since Mary Magdalene first declared to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18). What would Jesus and Paul say to this? Amen, I gather. Can I get a witness?

A place women will preach

Following the annual meeting of Texas Baptists in Waco next month, Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary will host a National Preaching Conference at the historic First Baptist Church of Waco. In addition to the likes of Alistair Begg, Tony Evans, Joel Gregory, Jimmy Mellado and Ralph West, Mary Hulst and yes, Beth Moore will be preaching.

Then and there, we will welcome Beth into our home and hearts as we listen to her expound God’s holy, authoritative word. As she and her fellow ministers preach, we will pray that the Lord will give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

All are most welcome to join us as we do so, including John MacArthur.

Todd Still is the dean and the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.

Atatiana Jefferson, affectionately known by her friends as “Tay,” was a 28-year-old African American woman who was shot and killed by a Fort Worth police officer before dawn on Saturday, Oct. 12, while she was inside her house with her 8-year-old nephew.

What happened to Atatiana Jefferson matters

A concerned neighbor, after he noticed the Jeffersons’ front doors were open uncharacteristically—though the screen doors were closed—called the Fort Worth Police Department’s non-emergency number to request a welfare check.

The police arrived on the scene, parked around the corner from the Jefferson residence, approached the house as if they were responding to an intruder call, bypassed the front door and went to the dark backyard. When Atatiana looked out the back window, one of the officers shot her through the window.

News of Atatiana’s tragic death spread like wildfire across Fort Worth’s African American community.

Who Atatiana Jefferson was matters

Atatiana was a young woman full of possibility and potential. She graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, where she was a biology major. She was gainfully employed as a pharmaceutical equipment salesperson.

Atatiana was so dedicated to her family that she moved back home to help care for her ailing mother.

Her life was cut short by a person whose job it was to “protect and serve.”

How we feel about this matters

The person who killed Atatiana no longer is on the police force. He has been arrested, charged with murder and is out on bond.

His arrest and the charges leveled against him do nothing to assuage the grief or mitigate the angst of African Americans, not just in Fort Worth, but across the length and breadth of America.

Why we feel this way matters

As I write this, I’m in Chicago, and throughout my stay here, I’ve heard and engaged in numerous conversations about the killing of Ms. Jefferson. As an African American pastor, I have been asked by white pastors and laypersons why there is so much anger, even after the arrest of the former police officer who pulled the trigger that ended Atatiana’s promise.

One response I have given to those well-intentioned inquisitors is: African Americans are informed by a hermeneutic of suspicion. There is versed skepticism in my community regarding the American justice system, skepticism born out of experience. We have been here before.

It’s important to pay attention to these matters

Atatiana’s death at the hands of police has brought into the open the exasperation, frustration and distrust that has been seething just below the surface of public awareness. Her death brings to the fore so many inequities.

We perceive a willful indifference on the part of many in the white community about past and present inequities and racist practices that militate against so-called minorities, particularly African Americans. We perceive resistance to us receiving adequate education, economic opportunity and equal justice.

What we feel and our perception of Atatiana’s untimely death is built on the cumulative impact of the intense racial violence visited on African Americans since before the Mayflower.

The killing of Atatiana is another “last straw” that contributes to the stress on racial relations in this country.

Atatiana matters, who she was matters, what happened to her matters, how we feel about this and why matters, and inasmuch as the church is the earthly representative of Atatiana’s Creator, what the church does matters. The church cannot afford to sit this one out.

The church has a role in this that matters

What can the church do in these situations besides pray and host periodic interracial worship services?

There are many Jesus strategies the church can employ to help move us away from current racial tensions. One strategy is to learn about race. Books by Robin DiAngelo and others are good starting places for those willing to learn.

Beyond reading, there is one thing the church must do if America is to reclaim its prophetic voice. The church must emulate Jesus Christ and speak up for the marginalized, the underserved and those who are excluded systematically from full participation in the American dream.

If the church chooses not confront a culture of inequity, it runs the risk of becoming increasingly irrelevant.

Dr. Michael Bell is the senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Church in Fort Worth, having served in that role since 1985. He was the president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 2005 to 2006.