Mamaw with her grands at our annual Christmas Eve get together in Kennett. From left to right, Susan, Rob, Mamaw, Steve, John, and Dave. This is the only night of the year the Patton kids are together in one place. We miss Mom and Dad still but they're forever with us in memory.
I highly recommend the book below. A different kind of book is the autobiography of Cecil Sherman. I had never read a moderate Baptist's view of the SBC controversy of the 80s and 90s, which ultimately led to the formation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Sherman, a leader in the movement and first director of CBF, tells his story, which by his own admission is from his own point of view.
I appreciated reading his own account of the controversy, and although I still cannot hold to a moderate's view of the Bible, I've often wondered what our convention would look like today if everyone involved in Baptist politics had found some sort of common ground. Perhaps it just wasn't possible. I know there are always two sides to every break-up, and it was good for me to read about the Baptist divorce from one who was in leadership on the moderate side.
My favorite part of the book, however, is Sherman's account of his pastoral ministry. His fight against racism while at First Baptist Asheville is a story of courage and integrity forged in conflict. Every pastor, particularly young ones, would benefit from reading that section of the book.
The last section of the book is the story of his wife's [Dot] battle with Alzheimer's. It is a story of love and commitment that proves the words, "for better or for worse," mean something.
By the way, Paige Patterson has offered an interesting review of this book:
I recently finished this book and it is a must read for any pastor. D.A. Carson writes about his father, who ministered for many years in Quebec. Tom Carson was an ordinary pastor. He ministered in a difficult place with sometimes only minimal "results." He often questioned himself and his faithfulness to God. We've all been there!
This book would be required reading if I were teaching a pastoral ministry course. Its primary contribution is that success in ministry cannot be determined by budgets, numbers, etc. It is determined only by faithfulness!!
I want to encourage you to be involved in the 40/40 Prayer Vigil that has begun. It is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and the Ethics/Religous Liberty Commission of the SBC. It is one of the best prayer guides I've ever seen. Ultimately we pray for revival in this nation, but it begins with the individual and moves to the church before prayers are offered for the country.
Baptist Press has a great story on Josh Hamilton of OUR Texas Rangers. It needs to be said that my son, Andrew, had this pegged back in spring training. He kept telling me: "Watch this Josh Hamilton; he's going to be great." He also knew about his story. Way to go Andrew!!
