Remember Your Pastor

Recently I was invited to give a charge to the church at the ordination service for a young Kentucky Baptist pastor. It was an inspiring worship service, and many attended to encourage him and his family and to celebrate God’s call on his life.   My text was Hebrews 13:7 where the author wrote to the believers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to youContinue reading “Remember Your Pastor”

It’s Been a Good Year

2025 has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists. As a convention of 2,350 churches, God has given us wonderful unity and noticeable fruit as we partner together to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ.  Here are seven ways it has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists:  1. God has provided servant leaders to help churches in our state: 2025 has been aContinue reading “It’s Been a Good Year”

Funding the Great Commission

“Massachusetts independent movie theatre turns 100 — and shows how to survive and thrive.” That was the headline from a Nov. 25 episode of a national radio show featuring The Capital Theatre in Arlington, Mass., identifying it as a success story in the context of 5,000 similar venues closing their doors since 2020.  What did this theatre do differently from their movie showing peers? They provided good service, expandedContinue reading “Funding the Great Commission”

I Love the KBC

I love the KBC. While that is my sentiment, it is also what I hear back regularly and consistently from Kentucky Baptist ministry leaders and church members from across the state. Kentucky Baptists are enjoying a sweet season of unity, joy, provision and gospel impact.   At the 188th Annual Meeting in Cold Spring weContinue reading “I Love the KBC”

Why We Associate

On a recent Friday night, I was invited to bring a message of encouragement to an associational gathering of some of our finest pastors and their spouses. While it would seem odd for any of those pastors to get together to show appreciation for themselves, it was completely appropriate for their local Baptist association toContinue reading “Why We Associate”

Leaders Need Anchors

My first real job growing up — apart from farmwork —was as a dock worker at a marina on Lake Barkley in western Kentucky. The job responsibilities included pumping gas for boats, dipping minnows for fishermen, taking out garbage and preparing fishing and sailboats for rental customers.  When it came to preparing the rental boats,Continue reading “Leaders Need Anchors”

I love Disaster Relief

In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes in the commonwealth, there was a compassionate and organized response from Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief.  When storms and floods come into our state, KBC Disaster Relief Director Ron Crow goes to work communicating with volunteers and preparing for mobilization. The response ranges from providing hot meals for firstContinue reading “I love Disaster Relief”

Growing into Your New Role

I’ve never accepted a ministry position that — in the first six months — I didn’t want to go back to what I was doing before.   In fact, if your new ministry position doesn’t require you to grow into it, then I wonder whether the Lord called you to that role.   The Lord stretches HisContinue reading “Growing into Your New Role”

Reaching Our Foreign-Born Neighbors 

I had an interesting experience a few days ago while eating at a Mexican restaurant with a KBC pastor in one of our Kentucky counties.   As is my custom, I learned the name of our server and offered to pray for her. The pastor already knew her and was doing his best to communicate inContinue reading “Reaching Our Foreign-Born Neighbors “

When the Fruit Doesn’t Come

Here is some good news: God does not evaluate us by our fruitfulness, but by our faithfulness.  God reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:2 that, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”   Faithfulness in doing the right things consistently with trust in the Lord often leads to fruitfulness. But whatContinue reading “When the Fruit Doesn’t Come”