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 →
World Hunger Sunday October 11
When Southern Baptists observe World Hunger Sunday on October 11, they will be called to act on the commands of Scripture. The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the hungry and hurting multitude in Matthew 14, "He had compassion on them..." He healed and fed those who flocked to Him. Scripture is... Continue Reading →
Missions Thinking Doesn’t Fulfill the Great Commission
Acts 1:8 challenges every Christ follower to be a missionary everywhere - locally, regionally, nationally and around the world. All believers are called to this commitment, but sadly, we know that not all are obedient. Likewise, churches are to be Great Commission churches - sending people and making disciples everywhere, locally, regionally, nationally and around... Continue Reading →
Ready Church
Most churches, businesses, and organizations fail to prepare for any kind of disaster. The result is that each of these entities lessen their ability to survive and recover. However. a far greater tragedy is that the church often fails to minister in a positive and effective manner following disasters. Kentucky Disaster Relief's strategy plan, "Ready... Continue Reading →
10 Things Missionaries Won’t Tell You
I recently read a blog post introduced to me by one of our Kentucky missionaries that was written in July of 2014 by Adam Mosley. After working with missionaries for most of my ministry, I know that what Adam has written is so true. If you’ve not served as a missionary, you might not know... Continue Reading →
What Should We Ask of the Association?
Kentucky just finished our annual Director of Missions Leadership Advance which is an annual retreat and continuing education experience for DOMs. It was a great experience with many wonderful presenters who stretched, challenged and equipped DOMs in their role of associational leadership. Ed Stetzer of Lifeway Research did an awesome job challenging DOMs to... Continue Reading →
The Rise of the Nones
The single fastest-growing religious group in Western culture is those who check the box next to the word "None" on national surveys. This group represents almost 20 percent of the population in America. Sadly, most churches are reaching few of this group for Christ. We are living in a post-Christian world, and "Nones" are declaring to us,... Continue Reading →
Does the Future of the Association Depend Upon the DOM?
There’s a lot of discussion taking place today about the value of Baptist associations. Arguments can be made for their benefit and importance as well as against their outdated methodologies and ineffectiveness. Having witnessed both effective and ineffective associations first hand, I am convinced the difference is primarily due to leadership, or the absence of.... Continue Reading →