Kevin Baird – Page 7 – True Disciples

Continuationism and Prophets (Introduction)

Posted on October 29, 2025Leave a comment

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (I Corinthians 14:1)

The last series of posts that I shared with you I mentioned that I sense a call to advocate for the theological position of continuationism. There is a spectrum of beliefs and convictions within this “lane” with various nuances and differences. As a whole, however, we believe that the “gifts” are still in operation which includes the revelatory gifts (tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy) rightly understood. I dealt with the differences in understanding revelation in the previous posts, but will continue to touch on points through this set of posts as well.

Cessationism vs. Continuationism: “I don’t want to fight, but I won’t be silent” (Part 3)

Posted on October 22, 2025Leave a comment

This will be my last post, for now, concerning the animus which revolves around cessationism and continuationism. I want to explore and offer some suggestions as to how the vitriol can get dialed down and preserve some semblance of Christian unity for the sake of the Gospel and our witness to the world (John 17:20-23, 13:34-35). Years ago, while pastoring a church in Charleston, SC., John MacArthur hosted the first Strange Fire Conference which solicited thousands of pastors to attend. The Strange Fire book and conference were basically an updated and expanded version of his 1978 original book entitled, “The Charismatics”, which attempted to address a relatively new phenomenon at the time best represented in the Renewal Movement. It was updated in 1980 and then retitled in 1992 to “Charismatic Chaos”. So, MacArthur was hot on the trail of Charismatics for many years. The Strange Fire Conference obviously solicited great attention which was a part of the reason it was held. MacArthur felt it was time to escalate his concerns and the challenges he perceived it represented. Hey, it’s America and everybody gets to declare their views and theology. But in an age of social media and incredible public influence, religious views get scrutiny too. I decided I could not let some of the accusations which originated from that conference go unchallenged. So, I posted vigorous rebuttals.

Cessationism vs. Continuationism: “I don’t want to fight, but I won’t be silent” (Part 2)

Posted on October 21, 2025Leave a comment

Hopefully you read part 1 of these posts and get the sense of why I am addressing this theological kerfuffle. I will say it again, I have no expectation of changing anyone’s mind or position. The divide between cessationists and continuationists is significant and passionate in many ways. Highly influential cessationist’s believe, as one notable pastor often put it, “that charismatics are a cancer in the body of Christ.” I will never forget years ago, attending a conference for pastors hosted and underwritten by a well-known activist organization that platformed a well respected Reformed/Cessationist pastor. It was the very first session and he was the lead-off speaker. He was tasked with giving the devotional to this group of highly diverse, orthodox evangelical pastors from various Bible-believing denominations and nondenominational churches. There were some notable ministries represented in the congregation of pastors. This gentleman chose to open his devotional by firing generalized condescension at Charismatics and Pentecostals. There were a lot of continuationists in that room. The remarks made a few chuckle, but you could sense the tension in the room immediately. As I sat there, battling no small sense of theological offense myself, I simply mused, “Why?” Why would someone go out of their way to alienate over half the crowd by declaring their theological elitism and superiority? Sadly, several workshops had similar moments of imprecision and generalization aimed directly at the Pentecostals and Charismatics in attendance. By the middle of the conference, over half the attendees had ceased attending. Why not? No one attending wants to endure having their doctrine assailed continually. Especially when that doctrine is scripturally, historically, and theologically sound.

Cessationism vs. Continuationism: “I don’t want to fight, but I won’t be silent” (Part 1)

Posted on October 21, 2025Leave a comment

I have a feeling the average American church member is not nearly as invested in theological fighting as many shepherds seem to be. For many, they will read a 5 to 7 syllable word and instantly check out mentally. “What does that have to do with my relationship to God”, they think. “I’m just trying to keep up with my marriage, my kids, and the job”, they say. “Anything over 3 syllables takes more attention and energy than I have time for”, they reason.

The average church member may have a point on most occasions, but this time concerning the words above, it may be worthy to consider this debate.

Important Update on Kevin and Tracie Baird

Posted on September 21, 2025Leave a comment

“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.”

– Hebrews 11:8 (AMPC)

Sometimes you just know that the Lord is changing your season and He solicits you to step forward into the next chapter of His good plan. As rational people, most of us like logical and easily identifiable transition. Sometimes the Lord works that way; sometimes He simply says, “Follow Me and I’ll provide the daily details”. It is with that in mind that I can announce publicly that our time as Pastoral Ministries Directors at Florida Family Voice is concluding. This was my decision, based on the unmistakable voice of the Lord. There are no conflicts, problems, or offense. For us, it is simply an act of obedience. We enjoyed almost 6 fruitful years of engaging the civic mission field in Florida and have so many incredible stories, relationships, and memories we take with us. We are grateful to God and FFV for providing a platform to have those experiences and we wish CEO, Erik Dellenback and the team continued success in the mission.