I’ve always loved “new” things. Whether it’s a project, idea, calendar or book, starting something new stirs up energy and creativity within me. January 2023 can be this “new” start we all need. Lots of folks will make resolutions and set goals, while others will move into it like it’s nothing more than the nextContinue reading “New Year, New Opportunities”
Tag Archives: leader
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”
Ministry Runs at the Speed of Trust
“Ministry runs at the speed of trust.” I am not sure where I heard the statement or if I coined it myself. Either way, I know it is true. When trust is diminished in a church, association or a convention of churches, then ministry is greatly hindered. But when trust abounds, much good gospel workContinue reading “Ministry Runs at the Speed of Trust”
Give Thanks Anyway?
One verse changed my perspective of hard times: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I came across these words during a particularly challenging time in my life, and they brought great comfort. I was hearing God say through His word that itContinue reading “Give Thanks Anyway?”
Where Do We Go from Here?
Where do we go from here? Sometimes that phrase is heard after a family tragedy, or an upending life or business event such as a divorce or bankruptcy. Many Kentucky Baptists and their neighbors were asking that very question after the historic west Kentucky tornadoes on Dec. 10, 2021, and the eastern Kentucky flooding thisContinue reading “Where Do We Go from Here?”
Associations and Church Planting
Last week, while attending an annual meeting in a Kentucky Baptist association, I witnessed something I had never seen before. Half of the churches represented in the meeting had been planted in the past 10 or so years. The Purchase Area Baptist Association in west Kentucky has eagerly embraced church plants and church planting. Continue reading “Associations and Church Planting”
Benefits of a Scheduled Revival
I still remember attending revival services at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Ind. I was a 24-year-old Christian — excited about Jesus and His church. I looked for opportunities to be with God’s people and saw every gathering as a blessing. During that week of gathering, singing and preaching, we witnessed God move the heartsContinue reading “Benefits of a Scheduled Revival”
Dr. Todd Gray 