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 →
Where is God?
Natural disasters continue to strike with little warning across the globe. In the aftermath of these tragic events, people often ask, "Where is God?" Intellectual answers even when based on fact do not take away the pain or the loss of those affected by disasters. People need hope and grace amid the darkness, and I... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Crisis
Disasters are part of living in a fallen world, and Jesus taught us, "He makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust" (Matthew 5:45). Disasters come without warning and are no respecter of position, status, age, economic status, or belief system. Disasters have an equalizing... Continue Reading →
How Can the Church Help Disaster Survivors?
Hurricanes Floods Wildfires Earthquakes Tornadoes The year 2018 witnessed Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, the California Wildfires, the Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami, the Guatemala Mount Fuego Eruption, and Super Typhoon Manghut along with countless other smaller disaster events. Each of these events caused significant loss that left people and communities reeling in the aftermath of these... Continue Reading →
Importance of the Pastor as a Catalyst for Missions
The Pastor is called to be a preacher/teacher within the body of faith. This place of leadership gives him a unique authority and influence in the local church. When the shepherd of the flock leads, the flock will follow. This is crucial for the general health of the church but also for the missional health... Continue Reading →