Many churches count how many attend as if that is something that determines it’s success. How many we’re seating on any given Sunday was never intended to be a tool used to determine effectiveness. But, how many the church sends out each week is an indicator of a church’s health and Biblical obedience. "And how... Continue Reading →
Displaced
They often flee in the middle of the night, taking only what they can carry. They flee because their ethnicity, religion, or politics make it unsafe to remain in the place that has been home. They are refugees. People without a home, without a country. The decision to leave their homeland is not a easy... Continue Reading →
Community Ministry Involves 75% of Congregation
I may not have believed this if I didn’t experience it myself. September of 2015 marked the first year that Kentucky Baptist Convention churches were invited, encouraged and equipped to conduct a statewide Operation Inasmuch (OIAM) effort. We discovered that somewhere between 55-75% of a church’s Sunday morning attendance participated in their OIAM ministry. I... Continue Reading →
Rebuilding the Walls
The physical damage from disasters can be catastrophic to communities, families, and individuals. Everyone who is affected faces a long recovery. Once the immediate crisis has passed, it can be months and even years before lives begin to normalize. Rebuild ministry is a way to help families and vulnerable populations restore their lives and recover... Continue Reading →
Have It Your Way
For forty years, Burger King was known for its slogan, "Have It Your Way." It would be wonderful if one could order life like this. Give me a double blessing with pleasure, money, recognition, a little adventure, and hold the danger. Give me a mega church with extra good health, great leaders, and make it... Continue Reading →
A New Start Should Involve Reaching New People
The New Year’s Eve celebrations have ended and before us is a new year of new opportunities, new beginnings and new direction. This is the time of year that we find ourselves evaluating the past year and making new plans and resolutions for the coming year. Usually the new plans have something to do with... Continue Reading →
I’m Not Trained, But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Last Night
Believers often ask in Disaster Relief, “Why do I have to go through training to serve as a volunteer? Why can’t I just go help people?” Preparation is important in any area of ministry, because it enables us to be more effective in ministry. The wisdom writer in Ecclesiastes 10:10 declared, “If the ax is dull,... Continue Reading →
Grumbling
A sign leading into Yankton, South Dakota reads, "Yankton, S. D. The Home of 30,000 Friendly People and a Few Sore-heads." We understand the sign, because we all know a few soreheads. Grumbling and complaining are rarely labeled as being a problem. Grumbling is not one of the seven deadly sins. To my knowledge, there are no... Continue Reading →
Safe Church
Once upon a time, churches were considered safe havens that were untouched by the violence of our world. The recent mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina has again reminded us of the need to be prepared for the unthinkable. First Thessalonians 5:3 cautions us about the false thought... Continue Reading →
Go Tell it On the Mountain… and Everywhere!
We buried my father just two weeks ago after battling lung cancer, dementia, and finally, pnemonia. He had battled alcoholism in early adulthood, but experienced life transformation after accepting Christ as his Savior and Lord. Following his conversion, my father (who I affectionately called Dave) lived his life on mission, declaring to everyone he met... Continue Reading →