Archives for 2021

By Jeff Iorg More than 25 years as a Southern Baptist denominational executive, preceded by more than a dozen years as a Southern Baptist pastor, has shaped my perspective on navigating the vagaries of working among and with the large network known as the Southern Baptist denomination.  It can be a daunting, and at times disappointing task.  Here are eight perspectives (and one concluding story) which have helped sustain my spiritual, emotional, and strategic equilibrium – and helped me maintain a positive perspective on denominational involvement and leadership. Recognize there will always be imperfection There never have been any “good old days” when the denomination functioned without difficulty, divisions, conflicts, and scandals.  We have lived through moral failures, criminal activities, strategic blunders, and financial disasters throughout our 175-year history.  We have struggled with sins like racism and failures like mishandling sexual abuse.  We have always been, and always will be, an imperfect denomination.  While we must strive to solve pressing problems and build a healthier organization, we must also admit perfection will never be achieved. It is astounding, however, what this imperfect denomination has … [Read more...]