There is an oceanic experience known as the doldrums, which refers to certain regions of the ocean marked by the absence of strong winds. Pastors and ministry leaders also experience what feels like ministry doldrums a season when the wind is not filling your sails and things feel flat. These can be discouraging times —Continue reading “The Ministry Doldrums “
Tag Archives: leader
Vacations Can Be Resets
Vacations are not only a great time for rest, relaxation and investing in important relationships, but they can also be a time of reset. To reset something, according to Webster’s dictionary, is to set again or anew. In life we need to occasionally reset our routines and vacations can be a strategic time to doContinue reading “Vacations Can Be Resets “
Thinking About Retirement?
Just in case the reader is wondering – I am not thinking about retirement. I am like the old man who jokingly said, “I can’t retire! I’m going to have to work half a day on the day of my funeral.” When I think about retirement, it is only in the way a pastor musesContinue reading “Thinking About Retirement?”
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”
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”
Visiting Clear Creek
Driving into eastern Kentucky at any time of year is scenic, but especially in the spring. Trees are coming into bloom and the grass is turning green as the mountains are teeming with new life. Turning off Hwy. 25E onto 190 in Bell County is also a blessing. Itis the final road leading up toContinue reading “Visiting Clear Creek “
Why We Need More Leaders
I began teaching a course on organizational leadership this past week at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. One of the goals of the course is to demonstrate how organizational leadership can promote human flourishing. What an encouraging possibility for those in leadership to think that they can contribute not only to the advancementContinue reading “Why We Need More Leaders”
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 