Baptist & Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

FIRST PERSON: EASTER MESSAGE IS REACHING LOST IN DRAMATIC WAYS

By Jacob and Julie Stanley

A local believer portrays Jesus carrying the cross through a crowd, accompanied by Roman soldiers. The dramatization called, “Empty Tomb,” was performed at a local mall with more than 1,000 people seeing it in a day. — IMB photo

He has risen! As you celebrate this Easter season, please remember your many IMB missionaries on the field. In some areas, like where we live in the Asia-Pacific Rim, it’s the perfect time to explain the true meaning of this holiday.

We want you to know how Christians are presenting the gospel on the island nation where we live. A couple of years ago, we partnered with national believers to do a dramatic presentation of Jesus’ miracles, death, burial and resurrection in high-traffic public places in our town. This Easter, many local fellowships are producing their own dramas.

National believers graciously volunteer to fill all 24 roles in the cast. They serve as Jesus, Pilate, narrators, etc. It’s really a bonding time for our local churches. We even have a Deaf fellowship involved in the production. [Read more…]

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EASTER REMAINS A HIGH ATTENDANCE DAY FOR MOST CHURCHES

By Aaron Earls
Lifeway Christian Resources writer

BRENTWOOD — Most pastors are expecting one of their largest crowds on Easter, but those expectations have tempered some in the past decade.

The three highest-attendance Sundays for pastors—Easter, Christmas and Mother’s Day—have remained the same since 2011, but each is now less likely to be among the top days, according to a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors.

“While many churches consider high attendance as something from their pre-pandemic past, seasonal changes have resumed,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “Church attendance is predictable again with periods of consistency in the fall and early spring, as well as holiday crowds at Christmas and Easter.” [Read more…]

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IORG MAKES ABOUT FACE ON RETIREMENT PLANS, PREPARES TO ‘LEAD ON’ IN NEW ROLE

By Jane Rodgers
The Baptist Paper


SBC Executive Committee trustee Todd Stiles (right) of Iowa chats with Ann and Jeff Iorg prior to the special-called meeting March 21 in Dallas.
Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

Jeff Iorg has been discussing leadership, calling and ministry in his weekly “Lead On” podcast for nearly seven years. What he didn’t anticipate was that he would indeed continue to “lead on” in a major capacity after his time as a seminary president.

“It wasn’t very many weeks ago that we were tracking toward retirement plans,” Iorg, who is 65, said of his upcoming retirement from Gateway Seminary after 20 years as president.

Ready for the next season

Sharing during a March 21 press conference following his election as the next president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Iorg said he finds the turn of events surprising but that he and his wife, Ann, are committed to the move.

Ann told the Baptist Standard she feels good about the change in course and that she and Jeff are excited because they both believe this next season is what God has for them. “God gives you what you need for what He has for you,” she said.

Iorg explained at the press conference that he should be considered EC president-elect as he plans to finish the semester as president of Gateway, which ends with graduation May 11. He will assume the EC presidency May 13.

‘To God be the glory’

Ann and Jeff Iorg Photo by Jane Rodgers The Baptist Paper

The EC has been without a full-time president since Ronnie Floyd’s resignation in October 2021.

EC board of trustees chair Philip Robertson of Louisiana referenced the nearly two-and-a-half years of “praying and seeking and searching” for God’s choice to head the EC. “We all know that God’s directed steps are always better than man’s plans. … We say, ‘To God be the glory,’ for where we have come today.”

He even opened the special meeting in Dallas called solely for the nomination and vote on Iorg with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

‘Celebrate moving forward’

EC board secretary Pam Reed of North Carolina confirmed the attendance of a quorum. Sixty of the 83 trustees were present. The EC technically has 86 members but three seats are currently empty.

While only 31 votes were needed, Iorg received unanimous support — 60 affirmative ballot votes plus a variety of supportive comments flowing in from trustees who could not attend the meeting.

EC board member Dani Bryson of Tennessee shared with the Baptist and Reflector that “Dr. Iorg has humbly and competently served the Lord and Southern Baptists for many years and comes forward now as a continuing act of service.

“I look forward to continuing to serve Southern Baptists under Dr. Iorg’s leadership and celebrate moving forward together,” she said.

As the Iorgs entered the meeting hall following the EC board’s nearly hour and a half executive session, they were met with applause and a standing ovation.

Iorg’s faith journey

Addressing the EC trustees, Iorg shared about the significant role Southern Baptists had played in his life for more than 50 years, from the time he met Jesus through an outreach effort by a Southern Baptist church at a West Texas fair.

As a result of that gospel encounter with an SBC associate pastor, Iorg said he became a member of a Southern Baptist church where, for the next 10 years, he was “mentored in the Christian faith and in all aspects of life.” At the same time, his future wife had also come to faith in Jesus at a Southern Baptist church.

The couple met at a Southern Baptist college, marrying shortly after graduation. Iorg emphasized his long career in the SBC: from education at Southern Baptist seminaries funded by the Cooperative Program to pastorates in Southern Baptist churches to the leadership of a state convention to the presidency of Gateway.

‘A force for good’

Jeff Iorg (left) visits with EC board member Michael Farmer of West Virginia during the special-called EC meeting March 21 in Dallas. Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

“Southern Baptists are a force for good,” he said. “My story is just one of millions of stories of boys and girls who have been impacted by the gospel, nurtured in Southern Baptist churches, educated in Southern Baptist colleges and seminaries, and sent across the world … to make a difference.”

The EC is often tasked with dealing with the “difficulties of Southern Baptist life,” Iorg said, noting that “we face those honestly, with greater transparency than almost any other organization imaginable.”

The SBC story is not “all problems,” Iorg continued. “I am thankful to God for the privilege of leading in this new capacity and for paying back in some way for what Southern Baptists have been to me for now more than 50 years,” he said, thanking trustees for the honor.

‘Leader among leaders’

SBC President Bart Barber pointed out how Iorg, even before the election took place, had “already brought unity” to the EC and SBC. It was showcased through the widespread support for Iorg’s nomination and the “unanimous vote,” he said.

“Jeff Iorg has said … the SBC is a force for good. I believe that God will use Jeff Iorg as a force for good, and I will cheer him on and pray toward that end.”

Robertson added during the press conference, “Leadership matters, and we know that Dr. Iorg is a leader among leaders.”

EC board member Neal Hughes of Alabama, who served as chair of the presidential search committee, said he was reminded of the words of the psalmist: “’The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’ Today is one of those days when we can say this with every bit of our hearts.”

Praising Iorg’s leadership, Hughes said his own “boat rises up a little bit” each time he sits down with Iorg to talk.

Issues to address

Jon Wilke (right) prepares (l to r) Neal Hughes, Jeff Iorg and Philip Robertson for the March 21 press conference following Iorg’s election as the next SBC EC president.
Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

Iorg didn’t shy away from referencing issues he knows will be waiting on him to address — sexual abuse prevention and response, messengers’ motions referred to the EC from the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting, the conversation about amending the SBC constitution related to women on church staffs, the EC’s ongoing legal and financial matters, and the possible sale of the EC’s building in Nashville.

Asked about what he anticipates to be the most challenging aspect of his new role, Iorg said, “Keeping the focus of Southern Baptists on God’s eternal mission of getting the gospel to the nations.”

He added that the other concerns mentioned will be addressed but said they must be kept in perspective against the overarching mission of the gospel.

‘Trust is earned’

When asked how he intended to restore trust in the EC, given the controversies of the last several years, Iorg said, “Organizational trust is earned by … sacrificial service and demonstrated competence. You don’t gain trust by asking people to trust you. You gain trust by doing the right thing.” He promised sacrificial leadership with “competence and credibility.”

Concerning the Cooperative Program, Iorg said his “real challenge is lifting up the mission of God and calling Southern Baptists to that. The Cooperative Program is a means to fulfilling that. I don’t see myself as trying to convince people to give more money. My role is to try to convince people that the vision is worthy of more resources.”

He also reaffirmed his gratitude for the Cooperative Program in his life and ministry.

On a personal note, Iorg said he and Ann will reside in Nashville but also maintain a home in Portland, Oregon, to stay close to relatives requiring assistance. He added that their three adult children are fully supportive of his move to the EC.

[Read more…]

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EC MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY ELECT JEFF IORG

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist & Reflector

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information and quotes.

Members of the SBC Executive Committee pray for Jeff Iorg following his election March 21 as the new president and chief executive officer of the EC. -Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

DALLAS — Sixty members of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention voted unanimously in executive session to elect Jeff Iorg as its new president/chief executive officer during a called meeting March 21 in Dallas.

The election of Iorg comes after a lengthy search and a failed attempt to elect a successor for an EC president and CEO following the October 2021 resignation of Ronnie Floyd.

Iorg transitions to the new role after 20 years at Gateway. He enters the position at a crucial moment in SBC life, as the EC copes with financial and legal challenges amid the denomination’s reckoning with sexual abuse and declining baptisms, among other concerns. [Read more…]

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2024 SBC ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

By Diana Chandler
Baptist Press

INDIANAPOLIS — A preliminary schedule for the Southern Baptist Convention 2024 Annual Meeting June 11-12 in Indianapolis was released March 18 by the Committee on Order of Business.

Worship and prayer June 11 at 8 a.m. precede the official 8:15 a.m. call to order, launching two days of business and updates concluding June 12 at 4:45 p.m. The agenda includes a Tuesday night session for the first time since 2018.

“We didn’t want just any agenda for our time together, rather an agenda that seeks first the Kingdom and greater unity,” said Committee on Order of Business Chairman Heiden Ratner, senior pastor of Walk Church in Las Vegas. “I hope messengers and guests come optimistically eager to celebrate God’s activity through our convention, while at the same time remembering we are better together.” [Read more…]

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SEVERAL FAITH-BASED SCHOOLS PART OF ‘MARCH MADNESS’

By Tracy Riggs Frontz
The Baptist Paper

Samford University’s men’s basketball team members celebrate their selection to the NCAA tournament with a local block party in Homewood, Alabama, during a CBS selection show. — Photo by Travis Frontz / The Baptist Paper

Twelve Protestant and Catholic schools — three of which have historic Baptist ties — are among the 68 represented in the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament (see list below).

Ready for “March Madness” — the frenzy of championship postseason games taking place all over the country starting this week and leading into the championship game on April 8 — fans anxiously tuned into the selection announcement show last night on March 17 to learn the seeding and schedule of their teams. (Full bracket HERE).

Prayer surfaces in SEC tourney

And a few hours before the Selection Sunday announcements, it was two state schools that demonstrated the power of prayer.

During the SEC championship game yesterday afternoon, between the Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers, Gators’ Center Micah Handlogten severely injured his lower left leg during play.

While medics assessed his injury, placed an air cast on his leg and put him on a stretcher, the crowd was silent as each teams’ head coaches huddled up their athletes in prayer circles.

Handlogten, who chose the number three for his Florida jersey to represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, received a standing ovation as he left to go to Vanderbilt hospital. Teammates and fans were posting on social media how they were praying for him, demonstrating how the sophomore’s beliefs have impacted others.

Handlogten is reportedly doing well following surgery.

Protestant and Catholic schools selected to go to the Big Dance are:

EAST REGION BRACKET

No. 11 seed Duquesne Dukes (Catholic/Spiritans)

Duquesne hasn’t made it since 1977 but previously made the tournament in 1971, 1969, 1952 and 1940 where they made the Final Four. With a long basketball history starting in 1914, they did make a concession and shut down the program from 1944 to 1946 to help with the war effort.

SOUTH REGION BRACKET

No. 2 seed Marquette (Catholic/Jesuit)

Though Marquette is seeded No. 2 and has 35 appearances under its belt, including three Final Fours, one runner-up and one national championship, they also have a player who prioritizes more than sports. Forward Oso Ighodaro was named Big East Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The university is in the top 20 percent nationally overall but this is the first year to have a winner in that program.

No. 4 seed Duke Blue Devils (United Methodist)

Out of all the faith-based teams included in this year’s roster, Duke has by far the most wins, with five national championships, 11 championship games and 17 Final Fours. They lost their conference championship in the quarterfinals but are still considered one of the country’s best squads.

WEST REGION BRACKET

No. 3 seed Baylor Bears (historically connected to the Baptist General Convention of Texas)

Baylor has played in three Final Fours, with a long stretch in between the last two — 1946, 1950 and 2021. But no matter the outcome of March Madness, this year was one to remember. On Jan. 2, 2024, after four years of delays, their new 7,500 capacity Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion hosted its first game, which also happened to be a win for the Bears.

No. 5 seed St Mary’s Gaels (Catholic/Marianist)

St. Mary’s has made it past the first round four times — in 2010, 2017, 2022 and 2023. Though the wins are recent, the school was founded more than 150 years ago. Their unusual nickname originated when in 1926 sportswriter Pat Frayne called the football team “The Gaels” (which means “Irishman”) due to the number of Irish athletes. The Irish Warrior quickly became the college’s mascot.

No. 7 seed Dayton Flyers (Catholic/Marianist)

Dayton made the 11th of 18 total appearances in 2000 and will be playing for the 19th time in 2024. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the school may be rooted in faith and history but is known for the more than 150 patents that have been assigned to the university, including one for the Domino’s Pizza’s hot bags, used to keep delivery pizzas hot.

No. 12 seed Grand Canyon Lopes (Interdenominational)

While now an interdenominational school, Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention as Grand Canyon College. The Lopes have only been invited in 2021 and 2023 and both times they were defeated in the first round. However, they have seen one of the best comebacks of a player in the NCAA. After being resuscitated during a game due to a heart issue, GCU guard Tyon Grant-Foster made it back — after three surgeries, having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implanted and being told for two years he would never play again. He gives God the praise, saying, “God gives His strongest battles to His toughest soldiers, so it was something I felt I would overcome.” The guard is now a national top-20 scorer.

MIDWEST REGION BRACKET

No. 3 seed Creighton Blue Jays (Catholic/Jesuit)

With 23 NCAA Tournament appearances in their history, Creighton has never made it past the Elite Eight, and that was in 1941. Experts at CBS call Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Steven Ashworth a dynamic group that make a “nightmare matchup for any opponent.” Their odds are good for taking it all.

No. 5 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (Catholic/Jesuit)

Though having 24 consecutive tournament bids going into the 2024 Selection Sunday, earlier in the month Gonzaga looked like it might be left out for the first time since 1998. After losing to St. Mary’s in the conference championship, they were concerned about a loss in rank but ended up making their predicted fifth seed.

No. 9 seed TCU Horned Frogs (Disciples of Christ)

TCU (Texas Christian University) was founded in 1873 and was one of the first co-ed institutions west of the Mississippi. Only participating 10 times in March Madness, the team has one player who might not be the highest ranked but knows what’s most important. Sophomore Darius Ford started a nonprofit in high school called Change for Kids, currently runs a Bible study group called Army and hosted a clothing drive at a recent game.

No. 13 Samford Bulldogs (historically connected to Alabama Baptists)

Beginning in 2021, the Bulldogs have had three straight 20-win seasons under their head coach Bucky McMillan’s lead and just earned their first-ever Southern Conference (SoCon) tournament title. During Selection Sunday, the hosts predicted a win by the Bulldogs against 4th seeded Kansas, though they said the “altitude could be an issue.” This is the first year since 2000 the Bulldogs have gone dancing.

No. 15 seed St Peter’s Peacocks (Catholic/Jesuit)

In 2022, No. 15 seed St. Peter’s produced one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, beating No. 2-seeded Kentucky. That year they also made it to the Elite Eight, so they know what winning feels like against all odds.

Tournament Schedule:

First round — March 21 and 22

Round of 32 — March 23 and 24

“Sweet 16” — March 28 and 29

“Elite Eight” — March 30 and 31

“Final Four” — April 6

Championship — April 8

All games will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT or truTV. Consult local TV schedules for tip-off times.

For ongoing wins, bracket and schedule information, go to https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-tournament-schedule-march-madness-bracket-game-dates-locations-tip-times-tv-channels/

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FERGUSON TO CHAIR COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS THROUGH NEW PROCESS

By Scott Barkley
Baptist Press

NASHVILLE —SBC president Bart Barber has named Kristen Ferguson, associate dean of educational effectiveness and director of online education at Gateway Seminary, to serve as chair of the 2024 Committee on Resolutions.

It will be Ferguson’s third year to serve on the committee, having been vice chair at the New Orleans Annual meeting.

“The resolutions process empowers the messengers to speak with one voice on current and enduring topics that further our mission of making disciples of all nations,” Ferguson said. “As the committee begins our work, we ask that Southern Baptists would pray for God to give us a deep understanding of his Word, compassion for the lost world around us, and wisdom in how to speak the truth in love. [Read more…]

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CRIMINAL CONSIDERATIONS ASIDE, SOUTHERN BAPTISTS WANT ABUSE REFORM, ARITF SAYS

By Brandon Porter
Baptist Press

NASHVILLE — Southern Baptist sexual abuse reform leaders say work must persist even as investigations into allegations of the SBC’s mishandling of sexual abuse continue.

The SBC Executive Committee released a statement on March 6 saying it had been informed there would be no further action taken in the investigation that was launched in 2022. In August 2022, a statement from SBC entity leaders and SBC President Bart Barber said multiple SBC entities were involved in the DOJ investigation.

Legal counsel for the SBC has since confirmed that the investigation into the SBC as a whole remains open and ongoing, however, the DOJ has never made a public statement about the investigation and BP’s requests for comments were not returned on March 5 and March 7. [Read more…]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CONCLUDES EC INVESTIGATION; ‘NO FURTHER ACTION’

By Brandon Porter
Baptist Press

NASHVILLE — The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded its investigation of the SBC Executive Committee, Southern Baptist leaders learned Feb. 29.

In a statement today, Jonathan Howe, interim SBC EC president/CEO, said the DOJ has told the EC’s legal counsel there is “no further action to be taken.”

Email requests for comment from the DOJ were not returned by time of publication.

The SBC has been represented during the investigation by Gene Besen and Scarlett Nokes of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. [Read more…]

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DAVID ALLEN TO BE NOMINATED FOR SBC PRESIDENT

By Brandon Porter
Baptist Press

BP graphic

NASHVILLE — Well-known academic leader and preaching coach David Allen will be nominated for SBC president at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting this summer. Texas pastor Danny Forshee says he plans to nominate Allen in Indianapolis.

“He is a leader in the SBC having served our Lord faithfully as a local church pastor, professor of preaching, and mentor to literally thousands of pastors all over the world,” Forshee told Baptist Press in written comments.

He pastored two churches in Texas before joining the SWBTS faculty. He has served as interim pastor of 13 churches, the statement said. [Read more…]

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