I recently wrote an article summarizing my time at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting. The link to that article is here. One of our faithful Kentucky Baptist pastors reached out sharing why he was unable to attend the SBC, and his reason for not going to the annual gathering of Southern Baptists highlights some of the challenges being faced by many of our Kentucky Baptists families. I found his feedback helpful and thoughtContinue reading “Helpful and Respectful Feedback”
Tag Archives: bible
Why Attend the SBC Annual Meeting
I didn’t attend the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting when I pastored churches in Kentucky and Indiana. The churches I served were all supporters of our SBC mission work through the Cooperative Program and the annual missions offerings, but attending the convention was just not something we normally did. My current role as the executive director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention assumes that I do attend the SBC Annual Meeting, and I am glad to do so. Continue reading “Why Attend the SBC Annual Meeting”
Lectio Divina
One of the most important parts of my daily routine is time with the Lord in His word and prayer. For all of my adult life I have been an early riser — greeting each morning with a cup of coffee, a journal, a Bible and prayer. This daily discipline stems from the pattern of Jesus in Mark 1:35. That verse says about Christ, “And rising very earlyContinue reading “Lectio Divina”
Maybe It Needs Polishing
In a recent conversation with one of our great Kentucky Baptist pastors, he shared an encouraging story. A dear older saint had reached out to hear an update on his ministry. He shared that the honeymoon phase was over and that the “shininess” was starting to fade. She exhorted him, “Honey, if you keep polishing something, it will keepContinue reading “Maybe It Needs Polishing”
Performance Evaluations
Every year Kentucky Baptist Mission Board staff members undergo a performance evaluation process. Each KBC team member completes a “self-evaluation” form and submits it to their supervisor who then reviews that form, fills out their own evaluation and meets with their team member for encouragement and feedback. This annual process provides an opportunity to encourage good work and point forward for continued growth and improvement. Every ministry leader needs theContinue reading “Performance Evaluations”
A Prayer for Churches
Prayer is the great elevator of hope for the people of God. Prayer holds out the possibility, even the certainty, that things can be different than they are now. Certainly, every believer prays for their own church, but could a kingdom mindset call us to pray for churches — all churches that preach the gospel,Continue reading “A Prayer for Churches”
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”
Jumping to Conclusions
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions. This well-worn jibe is used to describe those (myself included at times) who react rather than reflect and jump to conclusions about people and situations instead of considering whether there might be more to the story than meets the eye. The writer of Proverbs highlights the danger of this personal predilection. Solomon writes in Proverbs 18:13, “If one gives an answer before he hears,Continue reading “Jumping to Conclusions”
Should You Run for Office?
The Kentucky General Assembly has many followers of Christ. These are men and women who love Jesus and have answered a call from God to endure the rigors of politics. They campaign, raise funds and sacrifice time away from their families and vocations so they can make laws and shape public policy in a way that promotes human flourishing. These brothers and sisters are a gift from God and are making a differenceContinue reading “Should You Run for Office?”
Dr. Todd Gray 