KANSAS CITY – “The history of the world is but the biography of great men,” argued Thomas Carlyle, the proponent of what has come to be known as the “Great Man Theory of History.” This theory suggests that the broader movements and contours of history all go back to the leadership of great individuals who exerted unique influence on their times. Whether or not Carlyle’s theory proves true is debatable, but that certain individuals cast long shadows is not. More than a cultural observation … [Read more...]
Denominational discourse & the future of the SBC
Klemens von Metternich was one of Europe’s greatest statesmen during the 19thCentury. Both as foreign minister, and then for nearly three-decades as chancellor of the Austrian Empire, his statecraft shaped Europe and prevented numerous wars. Most consequentially, Metternich presided over the Congress of Vienna in 1814-15, which determined the post-Napoleonic configuration of Europe. His era came to be known as the “Age of Metternich.” Metternich observed that nation-states are motivated to … [Read more...]
Seven years, seven leadership lessons as Midwestern seminary president
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) – For me, this week marks seven completed years as president of Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. Annually, this season prompts personal and institutional reflection and thanksgiving. This year, it's been doubly so. At the personal level, I'm astonished how quickly the years have passed. We arrived in Kansas City with five children, ages 9-4, in tow. Now those same children are 16-11. For the Allen family, Kansas City has become our home, and the seminary our … [Read more...]
Jason Allen: Four reasons pastors should guard their hearts
Discouragement is not an emotion with which I am very familiar, but when a scandal comes out in the church, I feel it greatly. In fact, at times I have found myself not wanting to check social media, dreading to learn about the next scandal. When they come out, it is easy to find ourselves asking, “How could he…?”. Yet, upon sober reflection, we are reminded of how dangerous our sin nature truly is; and that Total Depravity is not just a theological point, but a malignancy within each one … [Read more...]
Celebrate, strengthen the CP
The Cooperative Program ought not be a sacred cow, but it is close to one for me. Begun by Southern Baptists nearly a century ago, it has proven to be a most effective and enduring way to support our collective ministry and mission work. I often visit with leaders of other evangelical denominations who are envious of the Cooperative Program. And they should be; there is nothing like it in American Protestantism. I was reared in a Southern Baptist church, so I grew up with a general … [Read more...]
Five reasons sermons fail
To preach is to occasionally lay an egg. Every preacher has felt it, and every preacher hopes to never feel it again. What did I do wrong? Why did the sermon flop? How do I avoid this ever happening again? These questions, and many more, hound the conscience of the preacher who’s delivered a still-born sermon. Unfortunately, I’ve not only been on the receiving end of a sermon flop, I’ve been on the delivering end also. From observation and experience, here are five reasons why sermons … [Read more...]
Counsel for your year-end giving
The Christmas season is now upon us, which means year-end solicitations are upon us as well. I know this all too well. I am on the receiving end of scores of appeals, and, as president of Midwestern Seminary, I am on the requesting end also. With so many pressing needs and viable ministries to which you can give, how should you discern which causes are most deserving of your financial support? How should you consider year-end giving in light of biblical principles of Christian … [Read more...]
Leading kids to Christ
My greatest stewardship in life is not training a generation of students as a seminary president. It is training my five young children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I feel the weight – and glory – of this stewardship daily and find immeasurable fulfillment and joy as I see my children taking steps toward Christ. I am sure many Christian parents feel the same way -- awestruck by the opportunity and responsibility that is ours. My wife Karen and I are often asked about building a … [Read more...]
Jason Allen: On preaching, public invitations
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following essay was first posted on “For the Church,” a blog published by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary online at ftc.co. I once preached a series of renewal services at Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon, VA. Commonly referred to as a “revival,” or, in previous generations, a “protracted meeting,” each service carried a specifically evangelistic emphasis. I prayed the Lord would be pleased to honor the preaching of His Word, call many to faith in Christ, and … [Read more...]
What the Bible is and why it matters
I was in front of a group of Christians fielding questions about the nature of Scripture recently – what the Bible is and why it matters. I was struck by how many in the group, though they believed and appreciated the Bible, lacked sufficient grounding in the Holy Scriptures. They did not really grasp what the Bible is and why it matters. Do you? While most Americans grant the Bible unique status, and most churchgoers think of it – to some degree – as a book from God, confessional … [Read more...]
Jason Allen: Following the railway to a deeper prayer life
I had been anticipating a warm throwback to yesteryear when I boarded a train in Kansas City bound for Jefferson City to preach at the legislative prayer service marking the opening of the state’s legislative session. My trip, however, fell short of a Humphrey Bogart movie. At first glance, it was obvious Amtrak is government subsidized. In my car there were only three of us out of about 30 seats. The other cars were even less populated. Given the emptiness of the train, and the lack of … [Read more...]
Jason Allen: Pastor, guard your heart
Discouragement is not an emotion with which I am very familiar, but over the past several weeks I have felt it acutely. My sadness has been induced by the steady drip of ministerial sex scandals and the destruction they have wrought. In fact, I have found myself not wanting to check social media, dreading to learn about the next scandal. Most prominently, the Ashley Madison expose has shaken church after church, ministry after ministry, and family after family. And, as Russell Moore has … [Read more...]