My theology is that of the majority of the Founders of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Baptist Confession of 1689 (also known as the 2nd London Baptist Confession) represents my personal beliefs as does the "Abstract of Principles" and the "New Hampshire Baptist Confession." I am thankful for the "Baptist Faith and Message" and believe it to be a good statement of faith compared to many modern confessions, yet I believe it to be weak in some points.

My philosophy of ministry can be summed up in the Nine Points mentioned by Dr. Mark Dever in his book, "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church".

I believe modern church practices are redefining the spiritual understanding of Americans. A new perception of religion has now become status quo; a personalized, customized form of faith that makes meeting personal needs the Golden Rule while minimizing commitments to God and others.

The church has come to reflect its culture rather than to shape it. In the quest to "be all things to all people," many churches move to be "audience-driven," "seeker-sensitive" and "full-service." On the surface these appear to be worthy goals, but too often this movement is synonymous with unhealthy compromise, replacing theology with shifting morality and sound teaching and right living with management theory.

Christian churches are leading a gigantic exercise in cultural accommodation and surrender. While many Americans are members of churches who affirm their belief in God, at the same time, they look more like the culture than the church.

Sadly the culture is affecting the church more than the church is affecting the culture. Pastors bear a great deal of responsibility for this. The pastors that should have acted as filters for the church instead have acted as conduits for the culture. The result seems to be the downward spiral of morality that is apparent even among so-called conservative churches.

I propose a new model (really an ignored, old model recovered for today). The church must again become distinct from the world if she is to fulfill her mission (John 13:34-35).