Listen "Being Southern Baptist - A Conversation with Pastor Will Basham"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, host Mason Ballard interviews Will Basham, exploring his unexpected rise to TikTok fame, his journey into ministry, and the nuances of Southern Baptist identity. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of church planting, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving landscape of faith in contemporary society. In this conversation, the speakers explore the cultural dynamics of Charleston, the complexities of Baptist identity, and the structure of the Southern Baptist Convention. They discuss the significance of baptism, the role of membership classes, and the impact of the Cooperative Program on church planting and community outreach. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding theological differences and the need for clarity in denominational identity. In this conversation, the speaker reflects on their journey within the Southern Baptist Convention, exploring their initial lack of awareness about church culture, their call to ministry, and the challenges faced in navigating the politics of the SBC. They discuss the importance of community, investment in church planting, and the need for cooperation among diverse theological perspectives within the convention. In this conversation, the speakers explore various themes surrounding the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), including the absurdity of baptism trophies, the politics within denominational life, the importance of local churches, and the dual identity of being part of both Acts 29 and the SBC. They discuss the challenges and optimism regarding the future of the SBC, the role of seminaries, and the need for theological reasoning in addressing cultural issues. The conversation emphasizes the significance of serving beyond personal interests and the importance of maintaining a gospel-centered mission amidst cultural tensions.Learn more about Pastor Will Basham and his ministry at New Heights Church: https://newheightswv.com/Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:52) Viral TikTok Moment (06:01) Journey into Ministry and Church Planting (08:54) Understanding Southern Baptist Identity (12:02) Engaging with the Community and Church Dynamics (13:26) Cultural Dynamics in Charleston (16:28) Understanding Baptist Identity (19:56) Denominational Structure and Autonomy (25:06) The Nature of Baptism and Its Significance (30:55) The Cooperative Program and Its Impact (31:00) The Journey to Southern Baptist Identity (34:00) Experiencing Church Culture and Community (36:51) The Call to Ministry and Church Planting (40:04) Navigating the Politics of the SBC (42:57) Challenges within the Southern Baptist Convention (46:38) The Absurdity of Baptism Trophies (47:24) Denominational Politics and Personal Engagement (48:49) The Centrality of the Local Church (49:49) Shifting Perspectives on Denominational Involvement (51:43) Serving Beyond the Local Church (52:11) Optimism and Challenges in the SBC (54:51) The Role of Seminaries in the SBC (56:41) Navigating Cultural and Theological Tensions (57:10) Acts 29 and SBC: A Dual Identity (01:00:11) Frictions Between Acts 29 and SBC (01:01:01) Cultural Issues vs. Theological Debates
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