It is hard for many Kentucky Baptists to imagine that sexual abuse could happen in their church. Churches are places where strong, healthy and trusting relationships are developed with other redeemed people and where we are taught to believe the best about one another. However, anyone who has watched the news or read aContinue reading “Preventing sexual abuse in the local church”
Author Archives: webmaster3375
Under investigation
There are few earthly experiences more concerning than being told that you and the organization you are leading are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Even if you are not aware of any wrongdoing, it still must be an unsettling experience. The DOJ has an annual budget of more than $30 billion andContinue reading “Under investigation”
Flood discoveries
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, I toured as much of the southeastern Kentucky flood area as I could in one day — starting in Hazard and swinging through Hindman, Whitesburg, Neon, Martin, McDowell, Myra, Jenkins, Carrie and more. My sole purpose was to encourage pastors, leaders and Disaster Relief volunteers in the good work they areContinue reading “Flood discoveries”
As the flood waters recede: How to love your neighbors
Like me, many of you are watching the unfolding devastation of the flooding in southeastern Kentucky. As of the writing of this post, we know that the death toll has reached 35 and is expected to rise. Thirteen Kentucky counties received a disaster declaration allowing them to receive federal aid. Four hundred people were rescuedContinue reading “As the flood waters recede: How to love your neighbors”
Becoming a Wise Person
Motivational speaker Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is known for saying, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Numerous preachers have said something on the order, “Show me your closest friends and I will show you who you are becoming.”Continue reading “Becoming a Wise Person”
The grass is always greener
Once during a particularly stressful time in my ministry, I found myself daydreaming about the situation of another pastor. I had taken a Sunday off and visited his church. As I was there, I found myself imagining what his weekly workload was like—his duties being far less taxing and his satisfaction level far higher thanContinue reading “The grass is always greener”
Time to think
I love solitude. I look forward to time alone with a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair — it is a life-giving and energy-restoring discipline for me. Ten to 20 minutes alone fuels me up for hours of productivity. But until recently, I did not know there was a term for what I wasContinue reading “Time to think”
Ministry lessons from the life of Brother Shorty
While I was standing line at Culver’s on Father’s Day, I received a text from one of our Kentucky Baptist pastors that his grandfather had suddenly passed away. His grandfather was John “Shorty” Hendrix, who was a deacon in a church where I served for 11 years. Shorty Hendrix was unlike any other manContinue reading “Ministry lessons from the life of Brother Shorty”
Lessons from an LGBTQ+ celebration
On Saturday morning, I accidentally ended up in the middle of an LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Louisville. I had a friend visiting from out of town and was driving him to see various parts of the city when we found ourselves in heavy traffic with hundreds of participants celebrating their LGBTQ+ affinity. During our briefContinue reading “Lessons from an LGBTQ+ celebration”
Remembering Oneida on Father’s Day
Every June, Kentucky Baptists and other friends of Oneida Baptist Institute, are invited to participate in the Barkley Moore Father’s Day Offering. This offering allows OBI to hear from some of its faithful supporters and receive funds to assist its ministry. What happens when you or your church give to Oneida Baptist Institute through theContinue reading “Remembering Oneida on Father’s Day”
Dr. Todd Gray 