By now I am sure you have been inundated with the story of Ted Williams. He is the homeless man with a golden voice who was given a second chance at life after drug abuse and time in jail. His story has become the feel good tale of the new year but what is most … Continue reading
Author Archives: jbriangreer
Faith Mosaic
In the past two weeks I have had the opportunity to reflect upon this year’s General Assembly in Charlotte. The moment which has stuck with me most, was a message given by Bill Leonard at the Coordinating Council Dinner. Continue reading
An Honest Confession from a Young Baptist
This past Sunday, I must confess, I didn’t attend church. I realize this isn’t very shocking for most people today but since my wife is on staff at a local congregation, this time alone on a Sunday morning was quite rare. I passed the time catching up on odd jobs around the house that I … Continue reading
Living the Resurrection: A young Baptist’s Easter Realization
While enjoying my church’s Easter service this past Sunday, I must confess I began to daydream. Now let me be clear, I wasn’t bored with the service or hoping I was somewhere else, I just began to think about my personal understanding of Easter. With most religious celebrations, I want to make them personal and … Continue reading
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Reflections from a Jewish- Baptist Dialogue
“No matter the label we wear, we are on a spiritual journey. Be thou a blessing.” These words spoken by Rabbi Alvin Sugarman resonated with me during Restoring the Neighborhood. This event provides a time for Baptists and Jews to gather and discuss their faith over a shared meal and reflect upon their commonalities. This … Continue reading
Tithing: A Millennial’s Perspective
The Millennial Generation (roughly those born between 1980-2000) tends to get a bad reputation with many people in local church communities. Members of these churches tend to say they are too open-minded in regards to society’s controversial issues or that they are too willing to do away with the established modern church traditions. But it … Continue reading
Easter Can’t Come Soon Enough
Most people cannot stand an open-ended story. Hollywood has for years made millions of dollars off of movies with a predictable yet happy ending. We love our stories to be wrapped up and presented to us with a neat and perfect bow. The thought of having to discern a plot or to live in some … Continue reading
A Reflection on my Seminary Experience
As I am approaching graduation from seminary, I think it is a good time to reflect upon the 4 things I wish someone had told me before I started my Master of Divinity, M.Div. Continue reading
Rauschenbusch’s Social Gospel Revisited:
During my time in Seminary, no movement within Baptist history has inspired me more than Walter Rauschenbusch’s Social Gospel. The son of German immigrants, Rauschenbusch’s ministry was defined by his time as a pastor at a church in the infamous Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. As the name suggests, the community was not … Continue reading
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
What does it mean to be a young Baptist today? I am sure the answer to this question has changed throughout the decades and depends on a myriad of factors. As for me, this question seems a bit loaded and to answer it would require reflection on my own worldview. Continue reading
