Jeff Iorg

Last week's actions by the SBC's Executive Committee and mission boards are directly related to Southern Baptists' mission of fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment, Jeff Iorg writes.

"We are being told repeatedly and often not to objectify women," says Gateway Seminary president Jeff Iorg. "That's a needed and important message. Then, in the most watched entertainment event of the year, we celebrated doing just that."

Through the Cooperative Program, Jeff Iorg writes, Southern Baptists have "stood together for decades to build the largest and most efficient missionary and educational support system in the world. May we honor their legacy by doing even more to advance God's Kingdom."

Pondering California Gov. Gavin's Newsom's selectiveness in which laws he will enforce, Jeff Iorg notes that "the rest of us are expected to remain law-abiding citizens."

Jeff Iorg recounts the baptism of a wounded warrior by a pastor who was sensitive to the veteran's struggle with PTSD.

Jeff Iorg is ready to answer the question, "How can you stand it out there?" when asked about the challenges of ministering in California and other parts of the western U.S.

How do you feel about the future of the Southern Baptist Convention? Jeff Iorg conveys his reasons for giving an upbeat answer.

It's not always a good thing to be comfortable at church, Jeff Iorg writes, particularly if there's a dearth of children and more memorial services are being held than adult baptisms.

Character still counts in leadership, Jeff Iorg writes; when key decisions must be made, "leaders (like every other person) revert to their basic convictions, guiding principles and core values for guidance. … When the pressure mounts, what is squeezed out counts."

Amid the world's tumult, Jeff Iorg envisions hope for 2018 by sharing the Gospel, making disciples, doing good works and aiding organized efforts for even greater works.