2023 - Looking Back to Move Forward
It is common during this week to see numerous “end-of-year” compilation articles featuring the “Best of…,” “Most read…,” “Most impactful…,” and more stories of the previous year. So, why not add another?
Over the past twelve months, so many things have occurred (as is the case every year) that often we forget or minimize the impact over time. Things that occurred in January 2023 may seem like years ago. This just shows that the crisis or most amazing thing of the moment often gets lost in the shuffle as new things and events take place.
Nonetheless, here is my list (not a complete list, for the more I think about it, the more items come to mind) of stories, events, and items of impact from 2023. Some have a global impact. Others, primarily for my community and local church.
Big Stories and Events of 2023
Katie Cox’s Abortion – In what is now called “post-Roe” America, anti-abortionists (like me) celebrated the Supreme Court decision nullifying the historic Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationally. Yet, celebrations were short-lived in many cases as the ruling did not eliminate abortion-on-demand, but simply moved the laws back from federal to the states. Thus, states began to align with either more stringent pro-life laws or pro-abortion laws. This is an ongoing reality and will continue to be a front-burner for state elections for years to come. The push for a US constitutional amendment will continue so as to codify what is deemed “the right to an abortion” on the national stage as well. Even with all this happening, the Katie Cox story from Texas has become a huge story. Katie Cox, a Dallas mom appealed to the state of Texas for the right to terminate what had been called a “non-viable pregnancy.” At this point, the Cox story is over, at least the pregnancy is as she traveled out of state to end her pregnancy. This is a volatile issue and one that will remain in the courts for a while and, of course, be political fodder for upcoming elections across the country. This is a huge story and I believe will be just one of many to come in this area. Full disclosure – I am strongly anti-abortion and pro-life based on my personal convictions and my biblical worldview that life of the image-bearer is precious and begins at conception. Abortion is murder. Thus, this story is not one I enjoy reading, but I know the ramifications will continue. (Story here.)
States Pass Laws Protecting Children from Cross-Sex Hormones and Surgeries – It was inevitable as the T in LGBTQ+ gained more prominence culturally and in the news, that younger people, including teenagers and children would begin to desire gender-reassignment surgery or at a minimum hormone treatment so they could live as their desired gender. The bigger story is not the confusing feelings of children and adolescents, but the push by parents to provide life-altering surgeries and treatments for their children who declared their gender questions. Thankfully, some states have begun to tap the brakes on this growing trend. Depending on the worldview of the individual, what is now called gender-affirming medical care is needed for those living with gender dysphoria under the banner of LGBTQ+ rights. This is a hot-button issue for many, even within the church, but to hold to the biblical view of sexuality and gender does not provide affirmation for such transitions. The story is not over and much like the previous one on this list, this one will continue to grow, morph, and ultimately divide people across the nation. (Story here.)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes v. San Jose Unified School District – As a character coach for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for local schools, this case landed on the front burner for me. The case was brought in April 2020, but was decided by the Ninth Circuit Court (not a traditionally friendly court for religious-based cases) in September 2023. In an oversimplification of the case, FCA provided after-school clubs for students in the San Jose Unified School District for over a decade. In 2019, district officials derecognized FCA and forced the group off campus. This decision was made after a teacher verbally attacked FCA’s Christian beliefs in his classroom. The teacher suggested that FCA’s beliefs (the statement of faith is found here) was offensive and equal to sexual harassment and discrimination. The central issue was FCA’s statements regarding sexuality based on biblical standards. However, the next year the school recognized a Satanic Temple Club as an after-school student club as a protest against FCA. The court held up the rights of FCA to meet, as they have for years and affirmed the Equal Access Act of 1984 regarding such student-led groups and clubs. Their ruling was based o the Good News Club v. Milford Central School of 2001 where the Supreme Court set the precedent that religious groups have the same access to the public forum as other groups. This is huge decision for any religious, student-led group wishing to meet on public school campuses. Of course, another case will come up. It always does, but do not miss the significance of this one. (Story here.)
Hamas Invades Israel – The terrorists attacks of October 7 remain the biggest impacting event of the year. More and more details are revealed of the evil that took place that day. Yet, news cycles keep rolling and sadly many will just forget, ignore, or no longer care to hear about the Hamas-Israel War. Knowing young people who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) makes the news updates more than just a story about unknown people on the other side of the world for me. Relief efforts, prayers, and continued updates from friends and groups in Israel, in addition to what is read on international news, gives a clearer picture of what is happening in Israel. October 7 has been called Israel’s 9/11. This may very well be true and yet, the global response seems to be shifting. It remains to be seen which nations and groups will continue to stand against terrorism and support Israel in this war.
Universities and Antisemitism – The exposure of the growth and acceptance of antisemitism in America is troubling. The recent debacle related to the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT as they appeared before Congress continues to simmer. These presidents refused to declare euthanasia of the Jewish and other issues that ultimately find their roots in cultural Marxism to be wrong. Those who have been keeping up with educational shifts in higher education over the past few decades were likely not surprised by the comments from the presidents. However, for the majority of Americans who only think of colleges and universities during football season, the presidents’ revelations were shocking. Perhaps this story will continue to unfold. Prayerfully, the antisemitism that is hiding under the surface in so many areas will be exposed. Thankfully, not every college and university and their respective presidents affirm such evil. May the godly leaders’ tribes increase. (Story here.)
Politics More Divisive Than Ever – Political division has always existed. Nevertheless, in our current two-party system, the gulf between the major parties is seemingly growing. I have heard brothers and sisters lament the current state of politics and the current slate of those seeking votes. What seems to be changing now is the growth of independent voters as many are abandoning the major parties. This may be a hiccup in statistics, but polling (yeah, I know, polls are not one-hundred percent valid) shows a shift. We will see. (Gallup results here.)
Here is a list of stories that popped up, garnered headlines, created anger, support, division, and a host of emotions:
Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light
Target and transgender clothing for children
Disney v. DeSantis
Chinese spy balloons
House Speaker ouster and election of new Speaker
Tuberville’s blocking of military promotions
George Santos (if that is his real name?)
Hunter Biden
Trump and January 6
Riley Gaines and the battle for women’s sports.
Good Sports
It was a year of firsts for some leagues. The Texas Rangers won their first World Series. The Vegas Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup. The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship.
But…the biggest sports story of the year was the Jaguars winning against the Chargers in their playoff game at home on January 14. It was always the Jags (at least for a few days.)
Church and Christian News
As a Baptist, there is often a tendency to view stories from other denominations, mainline Protestant churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and even non-orthodox cultic groups with a “Can you believe that happened? At least it doesn’t impact us,” mentality. However, we (Baptists) are fooling ourselves if we believe that controversies and exposés from other groups are not impactful to all. Thus, it is wise to be aware of the issues on the forefront of the religion section of the news. Here is a sampling of just some of the stories that at first glance would seem to not impact us (Baptists) and other evangelicals. But…we would be wise to be informed and aware.
Increased number of clergy sexual abuse scandals (it seems these are never-ending.)
Pope Francis affirms same-sex marriage blessings while attempting to keep Roman church doctrine unchanged with a list of untenable and empty guidelines related to blessings being done without wedding vestments or sacramental status. This is an example of the proverbial camel’s nose under the tent.
The Anglican Church made a similar decision earlier in the year regarding same-sex unions. This is creating more division among Anglicans.
The evident disunity of the United Methodist Church (which actually was never as unified as the name portends) resulting in over 7,000 UMC churches leaving the denomination.
Not all religious stories were negative. For example:
The Jesus Revolution film and impact
The Baylee Holbrook story (teenager killed by lightning strike in Palatka) where many students surrendered their lives to Christ following a tragedy.
Hulk Hogan being saved and baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Tampa.
Over 51,000 students surrender their lives to Christ throughout the year at FCA huddles and Fields of Faith events.
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills almost died during a Monday Night Football game in January. The story stung the sports world. Thankfully, Hamlin recovered due to many prayers and the work done by the trainers, EMTs, doctors, and nurses at the game and in Cincinnati. During the game stoppage (the game was eventually canceled as players rightly refused to play on) ESPN anchor Dan Orlovsky boldly stated his faith in Christ and prayed in Christ’s name for Hamlin’s healing on live TV. Suddenly, amid tragedy and uncertainty, praying to God in Jesus’s name was acceptable. God was glorified in the moment and continues to be.
Southern Baptist News
As always, the SBC has newsworthy stories. Some are good news stories (I love those.) Others are tragic and still others are simply so frustrating that I mentally file them in the “Stop doing stupid stuff” file and pray they (we) will.
So, without going into each of these in detail, mainly because I have written about these prior and there are numerous articles online you can search already, here is a short list of significant SBC stories (good, bad, and frustrating.)
The President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) was fired.
SWBTS hired a new President, Dr. David Dockery and Chancellor, Dr. O.S. Hawkins.
Gateway Seminary President, Dr. Jeff Iorg announced his retirement.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) President, Dr. R. Albert Mohler celebrated his thirtieth year in the office.
We have experienced record giving to missions through the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board.
Send Relief along with state convention disaster relief teams responded to numerous natural disasters.
Send Relief responded to needs in Ukraine and Israel as result of respective wars.
Dr. Bart Barber was reelected as President of the SBC.
State Conventions made strides toward better sexual abuse reporting reforms.
The SBC Executive Committee continues to search for a President after one recommended failed to receive enough affirmative votes and the interim President was removed after falsifications on his resumé were confirmed.
Saddleback Church and others were removed from friendly cooperation as SBC churches by messengers at our annual meeting.
Questions related to complementarianism and egalitarianism as it relates to men or women serving in pastoral roles arose with more volume. Clarifications were made at the annual meeting with a vote on the Baptist Faith & Message coming in 2024 regarding these issues and others.
More SBC churches face sexual abuse scandals, most recently Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR.
Division remains in many corners of SBC life with the continued growth of mini-networks among the churches.
Unity, however, seems to be growing in states like ours as Florida Baptists are modeling how unity in Christ allows for Baptist churches to serve alongside one another for kingdom good and God’s glory. In other words, we seem to actually like each other among our churches in Florida.
FBCOP Stories and Updates
We are far beyond blaming COVID for any attendance or ministry downturns. Yet, we have been experiencing a healthy growth and 2023 reveals that as more individuals have joined our church, even after addressing some issues that allowed for membership in the past without commitment. In other words, we have fewer members today than a decade ago, but we have more on the rolls who are actually members rather than just names of those who used to attend.
A short listing of some things done in 2023
We were able to finish a major step in completing the remodel of our worship center by re-covering all the pews. No longer do we have the 1990s green everywhere.
Replaced broken air conditioning units in the gym.
John Green became our Minister of Young Adults and Administrator.
Entered a partnership with Foundations Counseling and host their counselors at our office.
Hosted the First Coast Churches Annual Meeting.
Entered into a church planting partnership with Grace Harbor Church and Neighborhood Churches in New England.
Hosted Faith, Family, & Football with Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Boselli and Tony Dungy at Daily’s Place with the Jaguars.
Sent students to youth camp for the first time in years.
Completed remodel of our offices.
Began hosting Sunday Seminars.
Hosted first DiscipleNow for students in years.
Received the Spurgeon pulpit (replica) and use it in our worship center now.
Children attended Super Summer for Kids.
Numerous baptisms of members of all ages.
Began our accreditation with the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention.
Provided winter ski retreat for students.
Hosted senior adult gatherings and special events.
Hosted concerts.
Updated church bylaws and documents.
This year I offered counsel and help for those who were sexually abused here at FBCOP back in the 1980s. This ministry will continue to grow as more and more come forward. The trauma is real. The victims are now in their fifties and as one told me, it is as if he was carrying a bag of excrement around for decades and suddenly it broke and all that was within spilled out upon him. In this age of addressing long-hidden sexual abuse in churches, we have a story. It is tragic and evil and there are numerous walking wounded in our community and from our area. I do not pretend to have the answers or fixes for long ago sins, but I know that the Lord is the healer and I pray we can be used by him to help, especially for those who continue to carry those bags around.
It's been quite a year and while this list is far longer than I had intended, it is evidence that each and every day is vital. Each day is a gift from God. May we look back and learn from days behind, live fully for God today, and faithfully serve him in the days to come.
Happy New Year.
