Being raised in a traditional mill village Southern Baptist church and later practicing faith in conservative suburban congregations “Advent” was both a foreign term and concept. After Harriet and I were married we became active members in a small town First Baptist Church. This was before my call to ministry and subsequent theological education. When… Continue reading To Advent or Not to Advent, That is the Question
Author: Sonny Holmes
Dr. Sonny Holmes is a retired Southern Baptist pastor. He is a blogger, ministry coach, and author of Finish. Period. Going the Distance in Ministry. Sonny was President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention in 2011. He and Harriet have been married for 43 years and are the parents of Liz Carpenter, husband Scott, and grandparents of John Lewis and Laura.
Manic Heights. Welcome to the Neighborhood
In his prophetic book The Secular City (Macmillan Company; New York: 1965) liberal Harvard Divinity School professor and theologian Harvey Cox predicted that the city of the future would be characterized by anonymity and mobility. As a seminary student years ago, my strongly conservative worldview and high view of Scripture found little resonance with Cox’s… Continue reading Manic Heights. Welcome to the Neighborhood
The Language of Faith
The Apostle Paul’s advice to the Corinthian church about the disruption of glossolalia can extend beyond that particular controversy. Yes, I know applying those truths to issues other than the confusion speaking in tongues created in the early church is somewhat out of context. Still, biblical truth is biblical truth and what he communicated to… Continue reading The Language of Faith
Praying for Your Spiritual Leaders
In retirement the question I am most often asked by church members is, “how should I pray for my ____________________?” The blank is usually filled by the position titles of the spiritual leaders associated with their church life. You know, the pastoral cohort, elders, deacons, Bible teachers, small group leaders, and so many others within… Continue reading Praying for Your Spiritual Leaders
Culturally dysfunctional?
It was supposed to be another hot cup of java before teaching morning classes at CSU. Instead, it was a teachable moment when two young women provided a tutorial about spiritual ideals right here in the Bible belt. They were having coffee at the next table. Like any observant and effective pastor type, even a… Continue reading Culturally dysfunctional?
That Was Then, This Is Now
Go ahead, think it! This is another geezer whine about the times. Let me assure you, that isn’t the intent. But, there is a reflection about the times that may stir us to reconsider priorities and take aim at the influence of God’s people in everyday life, and our impression on our children. Travel back… Continue reading That Was Then, This Is Now
The Resume Button
There was a subtle yet profound object lesson during our drive back to North Charleston late New Year’s evening. Of course my thoughts were more than a little preoccupied with the Orange Bowl playing on Sirius XM. Setting the cruise control on the freeway out of Greenville was part of the autopilot checklist for this… Continue reading The Resume Button
What 94 Students Taught Me This Semester
The other day a Post-it Note fell out of an old school paper file I was searching. It was imprinted with these words: To teach is to learn twice. There was a quick nod of agreement. Then, after a moment of thought, the nod of assent became a shake of the head. My learning as… Continue reading What 94 Students Taught Me This Semester
Identify the Cuspers
Thirty-eight years ago I asked God for guidance during a particularly difficult time in our seminary studies. Harriet and I, Elizabeth and Brian were adjusting to our relocation, my new circumstances as a thirty-year old student, and Harriet’s demanding work schedule. In a critical hour I escaped to Binkley Chapel at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary… Continue reading Identify the Cuspers
The Undisciplined Life
One day I listened to a sermon that altered the direction of my life in several distinct ways. It wasn’t in church, a small group, a conference, or a meeting. This sermon was delivered in the confines of a medical examination room. Our family doctor preached it. After a routine physical he told me I… Continue reading The Undisciplined Life