Driving into eastern Kentucky at any time of year is scenic, but especially in the spring. Trees are coming into bloom and the grass is turning green as the mountains are teeming with new life. Turning off Hwy. 25E onto 190 in Bell County is also a blessing. Itis the final road leading up toContinue reading “Visiting Clear Creek “
Category Archives: Cooperative Program
A Night to Remember
Two weeks ago, Connie and I attended the International Mission Board missionary commissioning service held at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz. Sixty-two of Southern Baptists’ best and brightest were sent out to the nations with the gospel. That is a really big deal. The atmosphere for the evening gathering was celebratory and hope-filled.Continue reading “A Night to Remember”
Why Join the SBC?
Occasionally I hear someone say, “I am proud to be part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention but not so much the Southern Baptist Convention.” The person essentially means that they love their state convention but are not as happy about our national network. I am always glad to hear that people love the KBC, butContinue reading “Why Join the SBC? “
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”
Why Attend the KBC Annual Meeting?
On Nov. 12-14, Kentucky Baptists will gather in Somerset for the 186th Annual Meeting and other related events. Each year when we meet, we always have a strong attendance of messengers from churches, including pastors, staff, deacons, Sunday school teachers and others. There will be numerous guests who will join this gathering —Continue reading “Why Attend the KBC Annual Meeting?”
A Revitalization Story
I preached a weekend revival service recently for a Baptist church in the central part of our state. The pastor had prepared the church, made accommodations for me, invited a worship leader, planned our meals together and led the church to pray and attend. We had a wonderful time and experienced a sense of encouragementContinue reading “A Revitalization Story”
Why Do We Give Through the Cooperative Program?
At a recent lunch meeting with one of our outstanding young Kentucky Baptist pastors, our discussion turned to the Cooperative Program and the sacrificial generosity of the church he serves. It was a great opportunity to thank him for his leadership and to thank the church for its financial investment to advance the gospel. IContinue reading “Why Do We Give Through the Cooperative Program?”
This Is Why We Cooperate
When I saw the social media post from Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of our SBC International Mission Board, reporting that there are 1,268 candidates in the IMB’s missionary sending pipeline, my immediate response was, “This is why we cooperate!” I could give that same response daily while witnessing Kentucky Baptists working together to advance theContinue reading “This Is Why We Cooperate”
When a Brother Falls
The Apostle Paul, or more precisely the Holy Spirit inspiring him, saw this coming. God knows who we are and what we are each capable of. God instructs us through Paul in Galatians 6:1 which says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.Continue reading “When a Brother Falls”
Dr. Todd Gray 