Every pastor, elder and ministry leader who has been at their post for any reasonable period has felt like giving up. According to research from the Barna Group in 2022 and 2023, 42% of pastors had seriously considered quitting ministry within the past year. The good news is that most do not. Lifeway researchContinue reading “Stay Faithful”
Category Archives: Leadership
A Sound Investment
Since 1995, Kentucky Baptists have given to fund the ministry and mission of Oneida Baptist Institute through the Barkley Moore Father’s Day Offering. Since that time, we have sent $3,452,158 to help fund the faithful work of OBI. This does not include the amount we have given through the Cooperative Program. Each year aroundContinue reading “A Sound Investment”
Fundraising made holy
Most pastors, elders and ministry leaders do not see themselves as fundraisers, but some have discovered it is an important, and potentially God honoring, part of their work. Whether it is a building program, a mission offering or raising support for a new staff person, those in ministry leadership may be called upon toContinue reading “Fundraising made holy”
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”
Why celebrate CP?
I participated in two Cooperative Program celebrations in the past two weeks. One in Murray, Ky., at First Baptist Church recognizing the origins of the Cooperative Program and the other in Memphis, Tenn., commemorating its adoption by Southern Baptists nationally as our primary Great Commission funding tool. Both events were well planned and inspiring.Continue reading “Why celebrate CP?”
Longer Tenures
The days of Baptist pastors changing churches every 18 months are long gone. Many pastors and ministry leaders now stay 10 years or more in their assigned place of ministry. I was recently in a week of revival services with a pastor who has had long tenures in growing churches. He has been withContinue reading “Longer Tenures “
An Emotional Affair
What is an emotional affair and why must pastors, elders and ministry leaders fight against succumbing to this temptation? According to one online source, “An emotional affair is a non-sexual relationship involving a similar level of emotional intimacy and bonding as a romantic relationship.” The writer adds that emotional affairs often begin as a friendshipContinue reading “An Emotional Affair “
Sharpen Your Ax
Ecclesiastes 10:10 reminds us, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” Leadership burnout results from continually giving one’s energy and resources for the well-being of others without taking time to invest in one’s own well-being—or a failure to sharpen one’s ax. Some will immediatelyContinue reading “Sharpen Your Ax “
The Call to Self-Leadership
The concept of self-leadership has taken on a life of its own. A quick Google search reveals long lists of tips, books, seminars, courses, coaching opportunities and more on the subject. Self-leadership is exactly what it sounds like — leading yourself. A recent Forbes magazine article says this about self-leadership: “Leading oneself is critical toContinue reading “The Call to Self-Leadership “
When Giving is Soft
Pastors and ministry leaders pay close attention to several numbers in their ministry leadership context. Two of those — worship attendance and financial giving — can serve as early warning signs of the health of a church or Christian ministry. What should pastors, elders and ministry leaders do when giving is soft in the churchContinue reading “When Giving is Soft “
Dr. Todd Gray 