Off the Record: Commentary on the Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention

'Katrina kids' recveive Gospel message
The Record's front page was dedicated to a wonderful summer ministry for children on the Gulf Coast. Many Mississippi Baptist congregations conducted VBS and back yard bible clubs among FEMA trailer communites. Good work ya'll.

'It will control you'
William Perkins editorial was a full throated call for prohibition. I live in Rankin County. We voted "dry" in the last election and supported NOAL. I do not drink. I won't lie and tell you I have not had a sip in my life. I have. I made a decision not to drink as many of you have. With that said, I think that the recent focus on alcohol is becoming an adventure in missing the point.
Perkin's editorial hype is staggering. He wrote, "Many Mississippians - and regrettably, some Mississippi Baptists - would agrue that the consumption of alcohol is a harmless social activity with little or no consequences, especially when used in 'moderation' (whatever that is)." I question the inability to distinguish the moderate drinking of a Presbyterian minister and the drug and alcohol abuse of death row inmate Bobby Glen Wilcher. Placing the issue in the context of the Wilcher story is over the line. It is time for Baptists on both sides of this issue to move on to something more fruitful.

Big ministry in a small town
The guest opinion was written by Russell Mord, pastor of Sturgis Baptist Church. He wrote about the upcoming evangelism efforts at the Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally. This sounds like and amazing and creative ministry. Way to go Russell! You have our prayers and support.

William Carey to formalize name change on Aug. 14
William Carey College (our college) will become a university. I hope a divinity school will one day follow!