While I was standing line at Culver’s on Father’s Day, I received a text from one of our Kentucky Baptist pastors that his grandfather had suddenly passed away. His grandfather was John “Shorty” Hendrix, who was a deacon in a church where I served for 11 years. Shorty Hendrix was unlike any other manContinue reading “Ministry lessons from the life of Brother Shorty”
Tag Archives: bible
Lessons from an LGBTQ+ celebration
On Saturday morning, I accidentally ended up in the middle of an LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Louisville. I had a friend visiting from out of town and was driving him to see various parts of the city when we found ourselves in heavy traffic with hundreds of participants celebrating their LGBTQ+ affinity. During our briefContinue reading “Lessons from an LGBTQ+ celebration”
Equipping the called
When only about 10% of the churches in your association are served by full-time pastors, you need a strong bench of biblically qualified men to fill the pulpits of the churches. That is the case with the Three Forks Baptist Association in eastern Kentucky, led by AMS Jamie Reynolds. In 2005, two local church pastorsContinue reading “Equipping the called”
Hispanic ministry stronger than ever in Kentucky
Did you know that there are many thriving Hispanic churches all across Kentucky? I had the honor of preaching at one such church recently in Mayfield, Kentucky. Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispania began as a ministry of First Baptist Mayfield and later became an autonomous church under the leadership of Pastor Jaime Masso. During the service,Continue reading “Hispanic ministry stronger than ever in Kentucky”
In our own backyard
I recently met a young man in Kentucky who claims he never heard the gospel. I haven’t been able to get past that experience. Here’s how the interaction happened … I was doing front door evangelism with a Kentucky Baptist pastor when we came to this young man’s door. We knocked on the door andContinue reading “In our own backyard”
Using your voice
As a young pastor, I was cautious about becoming overly involved in politics. I didn’t want to alienate anyone, and I certainly didn’t want to get off on the wrong foot in my new church. But the mistake came when I avoided such conversations so much that I was reluctant to speak on social issuesContinue reading “Using your voice”
Thank you, Kentucky Baptists
We just completed the 184th meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention held in Elizabethtown, Ky. This year’s meeting included an array of Crossover evangelistic events, the “Press On” Pastors’ Conference and — of course — the Annual Meeting itself. By all accounts, it was an incredible gathering of Kentucky Baptists. It felt like a timeContinue reading “Thank you, Kentucky Baptists”
Listen, please
I have a weird preaching peculiarity. In fact, it has become so obvious to me that I sometimes warn congregations where I preach so they can be prepared. It’s not weird like running up and down the aisle or jumping across the backs of pews. I lack the physicality for those antics. It is neverthelessContinue reading “Listen, please”
How to have a quiet time
“Sitting in a chair for twenty minutes every day with an open Bible and an open heart will cure 95% of your spiritual problems,” said Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City in a recent Twitter post. I agree with Pastor Jim. All Christians know that Bible intake is mandatory for personalContinue reading “How to have a quiet time”
Appreciate your pastor
October is recognized worldwide as Pastor Appreciation Month. Some will remember Focus on the Family in the 1990s encouraging churches to show appreciation to their pastors and staff — but to do so especially during the month of October. Since that time churches have found unique ways to honor their pastor and staff. Why shouldContinue reading “Appreciate your pastor”
Dr. Todd Gray 