Preach to Yourself

Followers of Jesus need preaching. Hearing God’s word preached reminds us of the goodness of our God and His gracious plan for His people. In a typical week, I will listen to the Sunday morning sermon from my home church as well as a couple of other preachers God has used in my life. PreachingContinue reading “Preach to Yourself”

Welcome to 2024

I love starting a new year. There is excitement about what can happen, and the possibilities seem endless. My work schedule allows for a slower pace to finish out one year and prepare to start a new one in fresh ways.  Every January is an opportunity for us to think about the year ahead andContinue reading “Welcome to 2024”

The Ministry of Presence

Bill Cutrer was a medical doctor turned pastor turned seminary professor. That’s where I met him and formed a profound appreciation for his ministry. He taught Crisis Counseling at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and I was blessed by God to have him as a professor.  The class focused on the unfortunate reality that peopleContinue reading “The Ministry of Presence”

Getting Healthy Enough to Evangelize

I wish every member of a Kentucky Baptist church could participate in the monthly Kentucky Baptist Convention staff forum.   Forum, as we call it, is a two-hour meeting where we celebrate ministry wins, challenge ourselves in our work, inform team members about upcoming ministry, employee benefits, etc. and talk about how we can improveContinue reading “Getting Healthy Enough to Evangelize”

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”

Happy Birthday to You!

I love birthdays. I started writing this post on the morning of my own 59th. My family and I celebrated the night before with a wonderful meal and a great time together. They gave me gifts that demonstrated their love and thoughtfulness. I am a blessed man living a blessed life — the kind ofContinue reading “Happy Birthday to You!”

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?”

How Are You Doing?

I was on campus at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary recently when someone asked how I was doing. I looked at the books I had just purchased at the bookstore and remarked I just purchased three copies of a book entitled, “I Have PTSD” — one for me and two for friends —  if thatContinue reading “How Are You Doing?”