In the same year that Ulysses S. Grant became president of the United States and the Cincinnati Reds were getting started, there was a lesser-known — but potentially more impactful event — happening in Louisville, Ky. The year was 1869 when three ladies from Walnut Street Baptist Church in Kentucky’s largest city saw a needContinue reading “Praise God for Sunrise!”
Author Archives: webmaster3375
Why Associations?
Southern Baptists have formed lots of cooperating networks. Whether state conventions, national entities, state agencies and institutions, we have lots of them and God has honored our efforts at working together. One example of our networking prowess is the local Baptist association. Baptist associations started in America in the early 1700s with the firstContinue reading “Why Associations?”
Preach to Yourself
Followers of Jesus need preaching. Hearing God’s word preached reminds us of the goodness of our God and His gracious plan for His people. In a typical week, I will listen to the Sunday morning sermon from my home church as well as a couple of other preachers God has used in my life. PreachingContinue reading “Preach to Yourself”
Welcome to 2024
I love starting a new year. There is excitement about what can happen, and the possibilities seem endless. My work schedule allows for a slower pace to finish out one year and prepare to start a new one in fresh ways. Every January is an opportunity for us to think about the year ahead andContinue reading “Welcome to 2024”
The Ministry of Presence
Bill Cutrer was a medical doctor turned pastor turned seminary professor. That’s where I met him and formed a profound appreciation for his ministry. He taught Crisis Counseling at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and I was blessed by God to have him as a professor. The class focused on the unfortunate reality that peopleContinue reading “The Ministry of Presence”
Getting Healthy Enough to Evangelize
I wish every member of a Kentucky Baptist church could participate in the monthly Kentucky Baptist Convention staff forum. Forum, as we call it, is a two-hour meeting where we celebrate ministry wins, challenge ourselves in our work, inform team members about upcoming ministry, employee benefits, etc. and talk about how we can improveContinue reading “Getting Healthy Enough to Evangelize”
Thank you, Gideons
This past Saturday I was asked to share a personal testimony at a gathering of Kentucky Gideons. Connie and I joined a group of about 150 Gideons and their wives at a restaurant near Simpsonville for a great time of reporting on their work and enjoying fellowship together. For those who are not familiar withContinue reading “Thank you, Gideons”
5 Reasons We Need More Churches
Whenever the conversation of church planting comes up in Kentucky, someone will inevitably ask, “Why do we need more churches?” It’s a fair question. Anyone who has visited our great state knows that church buildings dot the landscape of each Kentucky county. Kentucky Baptists have been prolific in planting churches. When we began in 1837,Continue reading “5 Reasons We Need More Churches”
Annual Meeting Takeaways
Last week we held the 186th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention in Somerset, Ky. First Baptist Somerset was a great and gracious host church. Its pastor, Ryan Coffey, church staff and members were outstanding. There were 830 messengers in attendance with 313 guests and 362 churches represented. It was an incredible celebration highlightingContinue reading “Annual Meeting Takeaways”
Happy Birthday to You!
I love birthdays. I started writing this post on the morning of my own 59th. My family and I celebrated the night before with a wonderful meal and a great time together. They gave me gifts that demonstrated their love and thoughtfulness. I am a blessed man living a blessed life — the kind ofContinue reading “Happy Birthday to You!”
Dr. Todd Gray 