Like many of you, I have been disappointed with the tenor of the conversation on so very many of our Southern Baptist blogs. A couple of weeks ago I caught a vision to try something different … a collaborative blog in Southern Baptist life that emphasized respect, civil conversations, and a focus on ministry and missions.Fellow blogger Rob Ayers was catching the same sort of vision, and we started to communicate about organizing a new collaborative effort. We contacted fellow bloggers Hariette Petersen (known to all of you as SelahV), Tony Sisk, Bowden McElroy, Roger Ferrell, and Les Puryear … and sbc IMPACT! was born. We are waiting on responses from a couple of other bloggers that we have invited to the collaboration.
UPDATE: I just received an e-mail response from David Rogers, IMB Missionary to Spain, and am pleased to announce that he will be joining as a contributor to sbc IMPACT! Welcome, David!
Meanwhile, we invite you to visit what we have up and running so far. Browse around. Ask questions. Make suggestions. Meanwhile, we will be preparing for the launch on Saturday, September 1.
Below you will find the informational statement posted on sbc IMPACT!
I look forward to engaging all of my friends in this new forum. But please, please, please don’t abandon me over here at Along the Shore. I don’t want this to become my own private “beach.” 
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
From sbc IMPACT!-
sbc IMPACT!, an exciting, new collaborative blog site, will officially launch on Saturday, September 1.
sbc Impact! is the vision of a group of Southern Baptist bloggers who desire to host a truly edifying, thought-provoking, civil community for the examination and discussion of issues that affect Southern Baptist churches.
Instead of dwelling upon SBC politics and personalities, sbc IMPACT! will be a place where issues, even the tough issues, can be discussed and debated in a God-honoring manner. It will be a place where Southern Baptist ministries, churches, and missionaries can be highlighted and lifted up. It will be a place where differing views can be stated in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
In short, the contributors at sbc IMPACT! want to work to bring Christ-like character, honorable speech, and real ministry to the discussion of Southern Baptist issues in the blogosphere. Our contributors are SBC pastors, ministers, lay-people, and bloggers. Take time to visit our Contributors page and get to know us. Take time to send an e-mail of encouragement.
Tell everyone you can that an exciting, new blog community is coming to SBC life. Add us to your blogroll. Come and visit when we launch on Saturday, September 1. And please do not hesitate to join in the community and conversation. We value your ministry, your kinship in Christ, and your views. We know that you have something valuable to offer your fellow Southern Baptists.
We’ll be “tweaking” the site and making a few changes between now and the launch date, so be patient with us. Hopefully, if you will take a careful look at our Purpose Statement and Standards for commenting, you will truly understand our hearts and desires for this endeavor. Meanwhile … if there are any topics or issues that you would like to see discussed in this forum, just leave us a comment.
God bless all. We’ll see you on the 1st! 
August 24, 2007 at 10:53 am
Dude, you’re so yesterday now.
I like this lineup a lot. I admit I have preconceived notions about bloggers in the two opposing camps which cause me to grind my teeth from time to time, but this team has been pretty good at maneuvering in the minefields.
In addition to the list I left before about possible topics to discuss, please add these:
1) How to create a passion for theology (getting past the platitudes) among church members, or, discussion about whether that is even important.
2) How can the local church include more social work to the mission of the church without going over the edge of creating a social gospel.
3) How to leverage the skillset (I’m still a business guy so forgive me) of your members who are incredible physical, action oriented servants to create a gospel focused community outreach.
These things are all rattling around in my head. I need some answers!
August 24, 2007 at 10:53 am
Brother Geoff,
I am looking forward to this effort. I pray God’s blessings on you and your group as you begin.
Some you mention offer objectives with which I agree, while others do not. However, I will certainly visit and dialog as we are better able to allow iron to sharpen iron.
Blessings,
Tim
August 24, 2007 at 11:38 am
Mike,
Good stuff. I’ll pass all that on to our folks.
Tim,
Thanks. I am looking forward to what you guys have going on, too. I think our efforts will be a bit different … and that is a good thing. We are going to be a bit more focused on ministry, local church, missionaries, theology and such. We’re going to try to avoid camping out on the SBC political scene. And that is DEFINITELY a good thing.
I’m not sure I’m tracking with your comment, “Some you mention offer objectives with which I agree, while others do not.” Are you talking about the individuals involved?
Understand that we are bringing no objectives. You can find out group purpose/objectives on the site.
Geoff
August 24, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Mike. I have always contemplated Item #2, spoken about it in sermons and practically did a DMin project based upon the Scriptural imperative you outlined here – but I have never written or blogged about it. You have certainly brought it to mind, and it is a worthy topic. I will blog about it soon…
Geoff, I think Tim is referring to me rather than others. Tim and I got into a discussion one time on the efficacy of a $60,000 oil painting
All kidding aside Tim my brother, I think you will enjoy the environment. I will definitely enjoy hearing your thoughts, so I hope that you will show up often. God bless.
Geoff, my post is up and running on “The Fearful Teacher.” I guess I better start writing that first article though….
Rob
August 24, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Rob, good job, and good words.
The “efficacy” of an oil painting? You’ll have to explain that one to me sometime.
August 24, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Brother Geoff & Rob,
What I am meaning to say evidently is not being communicated in my words.
I have differences with some of your contributors that we have openly discussed and differed on. For example, Geoff, you and I discussed the administrator of baptism in one of your articles. I agree with the contributors that I know theologically, but would probably disagree with some methods that I feel my violate the theology that we agree on.
Is that better or is that just rambling? I do look forward to this site. Also, Brother Geoff, you said; “We’re going to try to avoid camping out on the SBC political scene.” I do not think we are planning a post that is political as much as it is to get issues out there that define us as Baptist. You see, our objective is for “Restoring Unity through Biblical Discipleship and Baptist Identity”. We believe the reason we seem to have lost unity within the SBC is that we have lost our focus on Biblical Discipleship and what makes us Baptist. One example. I just left a home where the Mrs. is a member but the Mr. will not join. He is an Episcopalian. We got into an excellent discussion concerning Baptism. He kept referring to what we do as Baptist. I finally threw him when I stated that I was not trying to get him to be a Baptist, I was just trying to get him to follow Scripture. One thing led to another and we went from there to communion. I asked him what the Episcopalians did with the left-over wine and bread. He told me there was nothing left over. Whatever was excess, they ate and drank. I asked him why and he said when the priest blessed it, the elements turned to blood and wine. I was able then to explain to him the scriptural differences. He and I are united and can be even further united through Biblical discipleship and pointing to why we as Baptist believe what the Bible teaches.
It is the same as what we are trying to do at SBC Today.
Sorry for the length.
Blessings,
Tim
August 24, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Tim,
I seem to remember something that we discussed about baptism. Was is during the series when I posted my pictures? Or way back in the baptism discussion re. the IMB? I can’t recall. But I don’t remember us disagreeing, per se.
I’m trying to figure out where my baptismal views don’t mesh with your idea of a “historical Baptist identity.”
August 24, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Brother Geoff,
It was during the time that you posted the pictures. We discussed the administrator being the one authorized by the church. It is in that area that you and I had a discourse that I believe it was even stated that we would agree to disagree. I may be wrong because I have not researched your archives. However, it was not a complete disagreement. And if I did not disagree with you, then I meant to. :>) Seriously though, I cannot remember. I do think that it was agreed that you coming from an elder rule and me coming from more of a committee structure was where our differences were.
I am going to stop now. I do not want to disagree with you before you start SBC Impact. :>)
Blessings,
Tim
August 24, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Ah… I understand … I think?
We’re not elder rule. We are elder-led/congregational. But I still don’t see the connection with baptism.
So, I’m still trying to understand …
Did you watch our video? Did you see something there that you interpreted as “un-Baptistic?”
August 24, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Brother Geoff,
Yes I did and I certainly enjoyed them. It was truly an encouraging series. Did I see anything unbaptistic? Not that I know of.
Our disagreement came during your 7/2 post. It was more a disagreement over working out theology than with theology itself.
Blessings,
Tim
August 25, 2007 at 6:57 am
Geoff: I won’t abandon the “Shore”. You never cease to add spice to the stew.
Tim, thanks for your input. I really look forward to reading SBC Today. I’m sure you guys will have us racing back and forth from one another’s blogs. I pray we can all see the best of each other in whatever we each discuss and focus on the positive differences rather than the flavor we find most unpalatable.
We are all hoping to “spur each other on toward love and good deeds” for the glory of Christ our Lord and that cannot be anything but worthy of consideration. “Let us consider how we may” do that with the deepest love and respect for our brethren. That is my hope and prayer. For apart from Jesus, I can do nothing. Blessings and grace upon all your endeavors at SBC Today. I will keep you in my prayers. Let me know if ya want a complimentarian female to talk about the virtue of a good wife. I’m game. selahV
August 25, 2007 at 7:52 am
[...] These look like exciting new SBC-wide blogs that are worthy of our attention. They have sprung up because of the tenor of a certain SBC blog has really gone south, if you’ll pardon the expression. We’ll see if these can do a better job. SBC Today sbc IMPACT! (HT: Geoff Baggett) [...]
August 25, 2007 at 8:19 am
geoff,
who will be in charge of controlling this blog, or editing this blog? there are some on your lineup who are quick to anger, and who start deleting comments on a whim. are you gonna be the editor who has deleting power? are you gonna be the one who says whether someone can comment or not? if you’re the man in charge, or if selah is the woman in charge, then i’ll come often to read and participate.
david
August 25, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Tim,
I went back and read that thread. I think we are simply going to have to agree that we really didn’t disagree.
Geoff
August 25, 2007 at 12:18 pm
SelahV,
Good words.
David,
There are two of us who will have some editing responsibilities. But don’t miss the point. We are “raising the bar” for interaction very high on this new site. I plan to make sure that a Christ-like tone is set. I think you know me. I won’t hesitate to confront anyone who steps over the line.
But the emphasis and subject matter are going to be so positive that I truly don’t feel that it is going to be such a big problem.
I do hope you’ll take part. (And I didn’t even put any “punctuation rules” in the Standards!
)
Geoff
August 25, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I am excited about both new blogs. Of course, I was also excited about SBCOutpost when it began, too. I think everyone needs to start praying right now, and continue, that these will remain civil and respectful.
Since I am a layman (laywoman), I have to wonder what a collaborating blog of Baptists that were not pastors, or seminary educated, people would be like. Would they talk about different things? I think so. I think pastors and seminarians talk about things that the general layperson is either not interested in or ignorant of. Most just don’t care. Having been a pastor’s wife for 10 years, I think I am interested at a different level than a lot of Baptists.
Do you think these blogs would be better served if they reached the general Baptist congregant, or should the conflict and disagreements in theology and method be isolated like it pretty much is now?
Liz
August 25, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Liz,
I think what we are trying to do is going to be a step toward increased involvement. We are going to focus upon local church issues, as well as matters of theology and practice in Baptist life. And you’ll notice that we do have a bit of a “spread” when it comes to our contributors. Besides pastors, we have former youth ministers, worship leaders, and church planters. We have a professional counselor and a missionary. And we have, not only a lay-person … but a lady … who is a phenomenal writer.
I truly think this “chemistry,” an some really thoughtful planning and management, are going to insure balance. We are actually going to publish posts on a set schedule. Everyone knows when their “stories” are due on the site. And I have tried to spread people out over a range of dates … to make sure that no on posts too often or hijacks the intent of the site.
I sincerely hope that what we do will reach beyond the typical pastor/blogger and interest the “people in the pews.” We shall see.
Oh … and one more thing … we are going to use guest writers (and not just doctoral/seminary intellectual types). If you ever have an idea for a post, I would welcome it … just send me an e-mail and we can “talk.”
We simply want to involve Southern Baptists (and other believers) in something that is truly edifying and production. Please do pray for us.
August 25, 2007 at 4:38 pm
geoff,
who is the other editor?
also, i’m very glad that punctuation and grammar is not a rule!
david
August 25, 2007 at 4:52 pm
David,
Like I said, we have editing “responsibilities.” We don’t have an “editor” per se, though I am doing more of the coordinating with regard to publication dates, etc… By editing responsibilities, I mean that we have the capability to fix grammatical errors, help the other writers with their timestamps for publication, and such. With a publication schedule, we will also make sure that on one particular contributor “over-publishes” or is perceived to “hijack” the entire project. We all have our own personal blogs to put forth the vast majority of our views.
But each person involved will be writing his or her own stuff … all within the framework of our purpose statement. Since we sort of cooked up this idea together, Rob Ayers and I are the “grammar police.” But we are, most definitely, not the thought police.
Sincerely, David, I think that the strength of this effort will be found in the diversity. You may have mixed words with one or more of the folks involved before. I have had blog disagreements with a couple. But they are still friends and brothers, and this blog will be one example that people with differing views, from different SBC “camps,” can, indeed, work together.
As I said before, we will also use guest writers from time to time. If you have an idea for a post, let me know. We will be happy to hear from volfan007!
It was great to have you and your wife with us in worship at Crossroads last Sunday. I might have to tell your church folk about that praise band … and did I see you clapping back there?
And I want to thank you, publicly, for treating me and my family to that fine lunch at the authentico El Bracero Mexican Restaurant in Cadiz, KY after church. It was a pleasure to finally meet you face to face.
Blessings, my brother.
Geoff
August 25, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Oh Volfan, volfie, my dear brother, cast “your cares upon the Lord, for He careth for you.” “the Lord will perfect that which concerneth thee,” my dear Volfan. “He will hide you in the cleft of His hand”.
Me, in charge? a woman? say you’re kidding my complementarian pastor friend. Preach real good tomorrow. selahV
August 26, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Well, I think I might introduce my pastor to the blogs. He is computer savvy, but I don’t think he blogs or reads them. If they turn out to be profitable, I may spread the blog addresses to other church members.
I wish both blogs to be very successful.
Liz
August 26, 2007 at 6:28 pm
SelahV … very funny …
Liz,
We are certainly going to work very hard to insure that our collaboration is profitable and God-honoring. I hope you’ll join in the conversation.
August 27, 2007 at 8:32 am
Liz,
I too am a layperson. I agree that laypeople don’t necessarily talk about the same things as pastors, but in many ways, shouldn’t we?
I fear we as laypeople too often outsource our theology to the professionals. Then we have a moment, like Pastor Tim Rogers describes, where our long held beliefs don’t match up with God’s word. Likewise, our practice may be in line with God’s word, but we have no clue why. For different reasons, both situations are dangerous.
I hope these new blogs elevate the discussion from debates about style of music to debates about the theology of worship.
August 27, 2007 at 9:01 am
Mike,
I agree with your point. The people of our churches need to be able to engage in some of these conversations. I don’t find that we use a lot of “textbook” phrases or “code-speak” in discussions of missions, theology, etc… There is such incredible potential for learning on blogs, so long as everyone can manage to check their attitudes (and leave the “chips” from their shoulders) “at the door.”
Truly, for far too long, our church folk have let their pastors tell them all of “what’s what,” yet many of those faithful, good-hearted pastors lack the training and experience they really need to be doing so. SO, in the end, we wind up with theology and practice that do not mesh very well biblically … and we keep doing those things simply because “we’ve always done it that way before.” Sound familiar?
August 28, 2007 at 9:37 am
Geoff
I too look forward to the possibilities and have been very disappointed with the dialogue that has taken place on other sbc blogs.
August 28, 2007 at 9:47 am
Brad,
Welcome to “Along the Shore!” Thanks for visiting and commenting. How did you find you way here?
I, too, have grown weary of the direction of things in many areas of the SBC blogosphere. Many of us feel it is time for a change. Please go ahead and subscribe to sbc IMPACT!, get involved in the community there, and join in the conversation.
Blessings,
Geoff
August 31, 2007 at 9:39 am
Geoff
I ran across a site that was discussing sbc impact and went to see who was involved and from there find your site. I will subscribe and jump in when I can. Thanks
August 31, 2007 at 9:43 am
Brad,
Glad to hear it. Where was that discussion going on?
Geoff