J. Blair Sanders

I follow Christ. Politically ambiguous. Theatre human. Atlanta explorer. Enjoyer of tacos. Dunk QT = block.
ISFJ | 9w1. I dislike the 280 character limit.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

There are faithful Christians who vote Republican.

There are faithful Christians who vote Democrat.

There are faithful Christians who spend seasons voting both or neither.

Our salvation and relationship with the Lord isn’t contingent on politics, despite what the world says.

[Mike Keahbone @keahbone]

The door we just opened…

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

Don't get me wrong, I personally believe scripture is clear about elders/overseers. But I feel that some in the SBC are using this amendment to apply scrutiny towards and silence any women in ministry (who aren't in an elder/overseer role).

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

The problem I have with the T&U amendment: Folks interpret "pastor" in different ways. I believe scripture is clear about elders/overseers. "Pastor" is used in so many different contexts: Preacher, minister, director, leader, all in addition to elder/overseer. It differs.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@ZacharyGarris Where did he say that he approved of female pastors? He said he approved of deaconesses (which are scriptural) and women ministers (who aren't pastors/elders).

[Mike Keahbone @keahbone]

If a church has a woman leading worship on Sunday mornings… is that church in friendly cooperation?

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

Reposting... because reasons.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

Almost 15 years ago, I founded my college's first campus ministry, Students 4 Christ. It was unintentionally woman-led for the vast majority of it. Looking back, I can't help but think how remarkable that was, especially when I think about how folks think of women in ministry.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@Noremac_Ma_i @DrAaronNew A deacon isn't a pastor/elder/overseer. There are deaconesses in scripture. Minister also has some gray area where someone can minister, but isn't a pastor/overseer/elder. (Think "Children's Minister", etc)

If it was just "pastor/elder", I'd be fine with it, but it's overreach.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@fivesolatyler @neilschori How?

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@DrAaronNew Is the amendment targeting deaconesses now?

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@korinreid That's the way to go. And in some cases, the couple should be fine with that.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

So, apparently "child-free" weddings are trending again.

It seems like the discourse is more to shame the couple because their kids weren't invited, rather than actually celebrating with children.

My response is if it's a deal-breaker, politely decline.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@SilentioDe48313 @housewelf Or, it can be a celebration of family and friends of folks the couple is close to. Invite kids that are close to the couple, but there's no obligation to invite all kids, especially if they aren't close to the couple. Even a "very private" gathering can fill up quick.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

For our wedding, we love kids and we invited kids that were close to us. But we limited children for friends and extended family because we weren't in a place to invite everyone's kids.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

Let the couple do what they need to do. They probably already have folks trying to commandeer the guest list, trying to add folks that the couple doesn't know. Check with the couple to make sure, but if they are adamant, don't hound them. Just politely decline and move on.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@housewelf While there are definitely bridezillas that want the day about them, there are some folks who have to take guest count into consideration. Families make the count go up really quickly. And sometimes, not all the kids are invited. Just politely decline.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@AmandaM340 And the fact that she's literally my representative proves that she represents me, even if I disagreed with everything she stood for. 😉

Also, for transparency, I'm politically independent. I typically base my vote by person than party.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@AmandaM340 She has a strong passion for our community, and knows the needs of her constituents, which makes her a good representative in my eyes. I do find her a bit more partisan for my liking, but generally, she represents my district well.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@PintlalaTyson @AmandaM340 @ruwaromman I agree. I love being in Gwinnett. 🙂

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@AmandaM340 Also, regarding Gwinnett, as someone who actually lives here (born, raised, and still here), I don't agree that it's a dumpster. I absolutely love living here. It may not be your cup of tea, but it's my home & I love seeing how it's grown. So many awesome places to explore here.

[J. Blair Sanders @jblairsanders]

@AmandaM340 I'm from GA, yes. And she represents my district. And if she was still running for Governor, then we could have that discussion, but she's not. She's currently representing Duluth and nearby areas. She may not represent you, but she represents us in her district.