BLOGS & PAGES I RECOMMEND -- CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY & MINISTRY:

I have a selection of blogs and web pages I check or read on a semi-regular basis when studying issues regarding CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY & MINISTRY, and I'd like to recommend these to you if any of the subject matter interests you, or for future reference in your study.  Some of the writers of these blogs I know, others I "know" only by reputation.  A few are even former colleagues or former students.  I'll try to give you a little information about each of the blogs/pages underneath each address so that you'll know what you're looking at for the sake of reference.  

SBC Tomorrow -  http://peterlumpkins.typepad.com/peter_lumpkins/  

       My friend, Peter Lumpkins, currently serving as Vice President of Communications for Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia, has long been one of the best bloggers, reporters and deeply devoted ministers in the Southern Baptist Convention, giving the "inside scoop" on many of the ministry developments, theological controversies and deepest needs and concerns of the SBC.  I highly recommend Peter's work, and the files he has archived.  Great writing!  Oh -- and pick up the books in his bookstore as well!

Matt Pinson – www.matthewpinson.com 

 I've known Matt Pinson for nearly 20 years.  He was a young, free-thinking, kinda rebelliousminister (in another life -- though it wouldn't pay for him to admit it now).  He currently serves as President of Welch College (formerly Free Will Baptist Bible College), which is where I taught from 1998-2001.  He began his tenure there in 2002.  Matt knows much about Baptist Church History and Theology, particularly with regard to General or Arminian Baptists -- which is what ORIGINAL Baptists were. 

The Helwys Society Forum - http://www.helwyssocietyforum.com/

       The Premise of the Helwys Society Forum is simple:

         Believers need a venue from which to engage deeply with the issues that matter most to them..... And so with this basic but simple thought, the Helwys Society Forum (HSF) was born.

The venue exists fundamentally to promote theological dialogue within the life of the Church, rooted especially within a Classical Arminian framework.  The Forum hopes to encourage a holistic approach to theological dialogue and to demonstrate that Christian thought and practice involves the whole person and has implications for every dimension of life.

        Several of the original HSF contributors, as well as occasional guest contributors, are former students or colleagues at Welch College.  They address matters relating to Christian theology, spirituality, ministry, and culture. They do this through researched essays, book reviews, biographical sketches, and interviews, which post each Monday. Their writing is scholarly, yet personable, and formal, yet accessible.

      I borrowed heavily from their own description of the site to explain where they're coming from -- excellent reading.  Worth regularly checking out.

James M. Leonard - http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/

     More specialized in nature, this is for the ministers and scholars among my readers who know Biblical Languages or who have an interest in the field of textual criticism.  Jim Leonard is a friend -- I can't call him a colleague for 2 reasons: (1) we've never actually worked together, and (2) he's WAY beyond me in the field of languages!  This Blog, and it's companion blog, www.arminianbaptist.blogspot.com when Jim has that one active, are both good works worth checking out.

The Society of Evangelical Arminians - http://evangelicalarminians.org/

     I am a member of the SEA.  The purpose of the SEA can be summed up as follows: "The Society of Evangelical Arminians (SEA) is an association of evangelical scholars and laymen who adhere to Arminian theology and are united in order to glorify God, edify his people, protect them from error, and foster the proper representation of our magnificent God to the world by lovingly and respectfully (1) promoting and advancing sound, biblical Arminian theology, and (2) refuting Calvinism and diminishing the number of its adherents, through the concerted, strategic effort of Arminians networked through the society for the accomplishment of these goals as well as (3) mutual encouragement, support, and growth in the truth of God’s word."

         Too often, Calvinists have simply misinformed or blatantly lied about what Arminian Theology is, what it teaches, and what the Scriptures say.  The best source online to find resources answering Calvinism, and explaining the Biblical foundations of Arminian Theology are at this site.  Check it out!

  Ben Henshaw - http://arminianperspectives.wordpress.com/

          According to the blogs editor, Ben Henshaw:

        "The purpose of this blog is to discuss the very important topic of soteriology (study of salvation) within the theological framework of Arminianism. This blog will serve as both an apologetic for Arminian doctrine and a polemic against the teachings of Calvinism. I hope that you will enjoy my posts and any interaction that they may generate. May God Bless you as you seek His truth (Jn. 17:17)."

       This is probably one of the most consistently good, productive, on-point, solid, and Biblical blogs I check on a semi-regular basis.  He does a great job putting his stuff together, he's disciplined and coherent, and most important, his authority is scripture. 

Baptist Center for Theology & Ministry - http://www.baptistcenter.net/

From the Baptist Center site:

"The Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry exists to provide theological and ministerial resources to enrich and energize ministry in Baptist churches. Our goal is to bring together professor and practitioner to produce and apply these resources to Baptist life, polity, and ministry. The mission of the BCTM is to develop, preserve, and communicate the distinctive theological identity of Baptists.

We believe that theology should define and undergird ministry in the Church. The mission of the BCTM is to assist churches realize this vision. We pray that the resources on this website bring glory to the Living God as we strive to strengthen our Baptist churches."

This is a ministry of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary -- one of the two best "official" SBC Seminaries today (and not coincidentally it has NOT been overrun by Calvinists).  One can find numerous articles, papers, interviews and other media on Ministry, Mission, Theology, document from Baptist History, as well as church interaction and forums there.  One can also find past issues of the Journal of Baptist Theology & Ministry.

EXCELLENT resource for all Baptists!


I hope this helps you in some way -- if for nothing else than a reference guide for future study. 


Blessings,

Dale