I have served almost twelve years as Disaster Relief Director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention and have been involved in countless disaster responses across our globe - from hurricanes on the Gulf Coast to tornadoes in the Midwest to famines in Africa. As I reflect on these events, there is no question in my mind... Continue Reading →
Seven Ways to Embrace the Displaced
Imagine being a refugee landing in the United States for the first time. You’ve been waiting for years for the opportunity to start your life again. You haven’t had a home to call your own, your children have only sporadically attended school, and your spouse suffers from insomnia and nightmares about the violence that drove you... Continue Reading →
They Went because They Were Sent
In response to Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15 and Acts 1:8), churches should be intentionally sending their members. Sending them on mission trips, church planting efforts, ministry projects and disaster relief responses. The church can reach our world with the gospel by putting the focus on how many we send rather than how many attend. ... Continue Reading →
What is Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief?
Our world continues to experience devastation and destruction annually. Man-made events as well as natural disasters continue to challenge our minds with “why.” Why has this happened? Why me? Why my community? As Believers, we cannot answer the “why,” but we can respond with love and compassion as we help those affected know that they... Continue Reading →
Strategy is a MUST for Baptist Associations
Most of the 2,400 churches of the Kentucky Baptist Convention have chosen to belong to an association of churches. Generally speaking, each association exists to provide support and assistance to member churches. But, the specifics of how that is done and what it looks like is up to each association and its member churches to... Continue Reading →
My Name is Alex and I’m a Missionary
There was a celebration reception at the Freeda Harris Baptist Center in eastern Kentucky earlier this month to recognize retiring missionaries Greg & Alice Whitetree and incoming missionaries Richard & Amy Greene. Richard served as a pastor in Salyersville before being called to come serve as director of the Baptist center in Pike County. He... Continue Reading →
Amazing Grace
Jesus demonstrated to a broken world that “grace” is more powerful, more inviting, and more life-changing than fear, lectures, or judgement. God’s truth is embraced when we understand that God is good and desires to give us life. Our Christian faith teaches that Jesus fully satisfied God’s wrath and judgement on the cross, and assures... Continue Reading →
Effectiveness of Baptist Associations Questioned
The Baptist association has been an important part of our history as Southern Baptists. It has been described as “the oldest cooperative unit in Baptist life tracing its existence back over 300 years.” Therefore, because of its long history, one could assume that the association must be effective in networking and helping churches in missions... Continue Reading →
What Is Our Answer When Disasters Come?
When disasters strike, we must avoid the urge to throw out pat answers or offer flippant explanations. So how do we answer those struggling in the aftermath of disasters? We grieve with those who suffer. Suffering causes us to pause, to look at the hard questions, and should move us to weep with those who... Continue Reading →
A Missions Team is a Must!
The church was founded as a missionary sending organization. It was not intended to be a religious organization with missions as only a department within the organization. Its primary purpose was missionary and its members were to be involved in the spreading of the gospel. Unfortunately, many local churches today are not engaged in missions.... Continue Reading →