Do you have trouble being a good listener? I recently polled a group of some of the most effective Christian servants and leaders that I know with a list of 10 tips asking which one of the 10 was a strength for them and which was a growth area. Being a better listener cameContinue reading “Will You Please Listen?”
Tag Archives: church
What Happened at the SBC?
You may have heard from some media reports that messengers at Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis affirmed that women can serve as pastors. That is absolutely not the case. In fact, the messengers voted overwhelmingly that an historic Baptist church in Alexandria, Virginia, that does affirm women pastors is no longer in friendly cooperation withContinue reading “What Happened at the SBC?”
Will You Visit OBI This Summer?
When your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you are investing in gospel- advancing ministry not only to remote points of the globe, but also right here in Kentucky. Giving through CP allows your church, and you by way of your tithes and offerings, to fund the work of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College,Continue reading “Will You Visit OBI This Summer?”
Teach Me to Preach
When I first started preaching, I had no idea what to do. I had listened to sermons but had no concept of how to prepare one. So I prayed fervently and practiced reverse engineering to figure out biblical exegesis, sermonic structure, sermon content, illustrations, applications, introductions and conclusions. I remember hearing one preacher humorously sayContinue reading “Teach Me to Preach”
These Are Our Graduates
On May 10, 2024, I had the privilege of attending and reading Scripture for the 232nd commencement ceremony of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. This graduating class was one of the largest in the school’s history with 396 students receiving degrees. God blessed the day with beautiful weather and a large crowd ofContinue reading “These Are Our Graduates “
A Well-Placed Question
Jesus was known for asking questions. According to Bob Tiede of Biblical Leadership, the four gospels record 339 questions that Jesus asked. Others say the number is a little lower, but all agree that Jesus asked lots of questions. Tiede mentions, “He sometimes answered questions with questions of his own.” Jesus was the master of well-placed questions.Continue reading “A Well-Placed Question”
Fruit That Did not Last
I had dinner recently with a couple who were saved and baptized in the last church I pastored. This couple has walked with Jesus for several years now and raised children who are following Christ. They are faithful in their local church and have intentionally ordered their lives as ambassadors for Jesus. I rememberContinue reading “Fruit That Did not Last “
A Night to Remember
Two weeks ago, Connie and I attended the International Mission Board missionary commissioning service held at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz. Sixty-two of Southern Baptists’ best and brightest were sent out to the nations with the gospel. That is a really big deal. The atmosphere for the evening gathering was celebratory and hope-filled.Continue reading “A Night to Remember”
Why Join the SBC?
Occasionally I hear someone say, “I am proud to be part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention but not so much the Southern Baptist Convention.” The person essentially means that they love their state convention but are not as happy about our national network. I am always glad to hear that people love the KBC, butContinue reading “Why Join the SBC? “
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”
Dr. Todd Gray 