Many Baptist churches schedule a homecoming each year. A homecoming service can be a great opportunity for a congregation to celebrate God’s past faithfulness over the congregation, recognize the present ministry of the church and look to the future in hopes that the best days of the church are ahead. Like anything else the churchContinue reading “Taking homecomings from good to great”
Category Archives: Evangelism
Stretched beyond repair
Have you heard the rubber band analogy? The idea is that a rubber band kept stretched out for an extended period will eventually lose its elasticity and never return to its original shape or strength. The point of the analogy is that leaders are like rubber bands. We cannot remain stretched out with busy schedulesContinue reading “Stretched beyond repair”
In this together
Ministry is lonely and friends are needed. However, many pastors struggle to build close friendships. A 9Marks article by Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile claims that 70% of pastors do not have someone they consider a close friend. This is both a tragic and startling statistic. Matthew Spandler-Davison, a Kentucky Baptist pastor in Bardstown, recently wrote anContinue reading “In this together”
Loneliness abounds
While knocking on doors with a Kentucky Baptist pastor, we met a man in his late fifties who I’ll call Ben. Ben was friendly, appeared healthy, and lived alone with his small dog who greeted us at the door. Ben is a Christian who was once an active member in one of our Kentucky BaptistContinue reading “Loneliness abounds”
The value of a good name
On a recent hot July day, a pastor and I went into his community to knock on doors and share the Gospel. We visited several homes, had engaging conversations, and shared the good news of Jesus with residents of nearly half the homes we visited. One of the highlights of the day happened at aContinue reading “The value of a good name”
5 Ways to Celebrate Baptism
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are abuzz with pictures of Kentucky Baptist Pastors baptizing new believers in Christ. Just this past week I saw snapshots—some on social media and others provided by friends—of a lady in Hopkinsville robed up, standing next to her pastor, and ready to enter the baptistry. I also saw a man inContinue reading “5 Ways to Celebrate Baptism”
Sharpening your axe
Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” Do you find yourself working harder and harder in leadership with little increase in effectiveness? Many ministry leaders around Kentucky work diligently each week to further the gospelContinue reading “Sharpening your axe”
Evangelism just happens
Contrary to popular belief, evangelism doesn’t “just happen” in church life. It requires intentionality, effort, and practice. Many of us have heard the contemporary mindset that says, “Get the church or ministry healthy and evangelism will follow.” In other words, instead of trying to motivate Christians to share the good news, let’s focus instead onContinue reading “Evangelism just happens”
Where are we going?
I love to hop in the car and drive without a particular destination in mind. Maybe one or two stops are rolling around in my head, but the potential of discovering new places and things is part of the fun. When it comes to leadership, however, most of your followers will want to know whereContinue reading “Where are we going?”
Time to celebrate with Ky. Baptists
Celebration is not a strength for me. I did not grow up with birthday parties or big celebrations for milestones met. Up until the last minute I was considering not attending my own college graduation ceremony. Given the delinquent approach I took to my college career it is nearly a miracle that I graduated fromContinue reading “Time to celebrate with Ky. Baptists”
Dr. Todd Gray 