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”
Tag Archives: bible
A Providential Misspelling
I don’t catch every misspelled word and an important one got past me recently. While skimming through a meeting I noticed the spelling of cooperation as “co-operation.” The dash in the word highlighted the “operation” part of cooperation. Operation, as defined by Cambridge dictionary, is “an activity planned to achieve something.” When you add theContinue reading “A Providential Misspelling”
How Door Knocking Can Change Eternity
Since becoming the executive director-treasurer for the Kentucky Baptist Convention in August 2019, I have had a long list of things to be accomplished. Given the challenges of our times, that list has changed some, but serving Kentucky Baptists remains the greatest joy of my ministry experience. One of my personal goals during my tenureContinue reading “How Door Knocking Can Change Eternity”
Overcoming Cynicism
Comedian George Carlin said, “Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.” He is probably right. Cynicism often comes from being let down by others or by circumstances of life. Jonathan Brush, being interviewed by Andy Andrews, said, “Optimism gives way to cynicism and cynicism gives way to bitterness.” I don’t know anyoneContinue reading “Overcoming Cynicism”
Do It Now
I worked in sales when I was in my 20s, and the vice resident of our company bought me a little book to help me in professional development. The title of the book says it all, “Do It Now.” The book addressed a topic that impacts every leader: procrastination. Leaders procrastinate for a variety ofContinue reading “Do It Now”
7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church
Finding a new church home can be a major challenge faced by many Christians. Each local church is a family. Leaving one, whatever the reason, is difficult — as it should be. Although saying goodbye to a church family is tough, what’s even more difficult may be finding that new church. How doesContinue reading “7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church”
Why Memorize Proverbs?
For years now, I have been memorizing Bible verses. It only requires a little time and yields great rewards. Don Whitney says, “Memorizing Scripture strengthens your faith because it repeatedly reinforces the truth, often just when you need to hear it again.” More recently, however, I have begun memorizing verses from Proverbs. I have foundContinue reading “Why Memorize Proverbs?”
Finding Hope in Depression
Years ago, I found myself in a tunnel of depression. I call it a tunnel because I came into it suddenly, but walked through it for a long time—several months in fact—before seeing signs of light on the other end. There were several factors that likely contributed to me being in a depressed stateContinue reading “Finding Hope in Depression”
Is God Calling You?
Dr. Tim Searcy, former KBC president and Kentucky Baptist pastor, often tells the story of his call into the Christian ministry. He was 12 years old, attending the church where his father was the pastor. The church had scheduled a revival and one of the older deacons did some research on the last timeContinue reading “Is God Calling You?”
Praying for Pastors
For a long while now, I have been praying for pastors — but maybe not in the way you might think. I pray for many pastors by name because some are facing ministry challenges. I pray for others seeking guidance on their current place of service. I pray for some who see great open doorsContinue reading “Praying for Pastors”
Dr. Todd Gray 