by Bret Capranica | Sep 11, 2013 | Christian Living
Here are a few notable quotes from John Piper’s chapter on John G. Paton, nineteenth century missionary in the South Pacific (from the book, Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ). I encourage you to read these quotes and consider how we approach the difficulties of our own lives from a God-centered perspective: Paton’s ministry’s lasting effect Today, over a hundred years after the death of John Paton, about 91 percent of the population of Vanuatu identifies itself as Christian, perhaps 14 percent of the population being evangelical (57). Responding to cynics who told him not to go: A certain Mr. Dickson exploded, “The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!” . . . . Paton responded: “Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen redeemer” (58). Various quotes: I do not pretend to see through the mystery of such visitations – wherein God calls away the young, the promising, and those sorely needed for his service here; but this I do know and feel, that, in the light of such dispensations, it becomes us all to love and serve our blessed Lord Jesus so that we may be ready at his call for death and eternity (61). My...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 3, 2011 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Video
Pray for our Prague team – particularly today around 1:00 p.m.
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by Bret Capranica | Jun 22, 2011 | Pastoral Ministry, Southern Baptist Issues, Video
Report from the 2011 Southern Baptist Convention Links related to the video post: On the NIV Issue, see a post from Southern Seminary professor, Denny Burk. On the Immigration resolution, see: The Adopted Resolution Russell Moore’s article To see video from the Convention click HERE. To see video from the Pastors’ Conference click HERE. John Piper’s sermon from the Pastors’ Conference – click...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 3, 2010 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, The Gospel
Last June, the Southern Baptist Convention authorized the President of the Convention to appoint a task force that would essentially re-imagine how we operate and function. Thus was born the Great Commission Task Force. Last week, the Task Force’s first report was given. Kelly and I watched it together just after it was released. I have yet to form significant opinions (significant as an ordinary pastor can have) worth public comment about it, and will be giving more time to reading the report and talking to some involved. I am excited for possible changes that will enhance our focus as a Convention, and concerned about how the implications of the Task Force will be applied. The Task force will present its final report in a few months and it will be considered at the June annual meeting in Orlando. Below is the video report of the Task force. GCR Progress Report from GCR on Vimeo. Here is the written report. Albert Mohler posted some thoughts on it today. Any thoughts from any of you as of...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 26, 2009 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Southern Baptist Issues
Much has been said and written about the recent Great Commission Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. Some of the key leaders of our denomination have prayed for, planned for, spoken to, written about, advocated, and lobbied for this present movement. I respect and trust many of the men who have so far provided GCR leadership. I have no doubt in my mind that without some significant changes in approaches and emphasis, the SBC is in for some difficult days ahead; some suggest extinction. I am no influential voice within the SBC. I am an ordinary SBC pastor. My church is not significant and we have many weak areas of ministry. My thoughts are limited. Obviously, I have not been in any back room discussions or present for any significant open discussions about the details of where the GCR plans to take us. But, like any and every Southern Baptist, I have a few thoughts. For the sake of my own conscience, to stimulate my own thinking a bit more, and to conduct this discussion within my own circles, I offer the following thoughts. What Concerns Me About the Future of the SBC. Character. I met Adrian Rodgers once. He was gracious to conduct an informal question and answer session while at The Master’s Seminary in the late 90’s. I had an opportunity to ask a question of the one who was the first president of the Conservative Resurgence and the first SBC president I sat under (1988). I asked Dr. Rodgers, “What do you see as the most pressing issue facing the future of the SBC?” He didn’t even pause to consider it. He quickly...
