Some of us pray for Kentucky Baptist churches daily, or at least occasionally, the following prayer: That every KBC church will be a thriving church and that every leader will be a cared for leader. The heart behind that prayer is the conviction that churches were meant to thrive – to do well – impacting their communities with the gospel. The secondContinue reading “Praying Blessings on Churches”
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Maybe It Needs Polishing
In a recent conversation with one of our great Kentucky Baptist pastors, he shared an encouraging story. A dear older saint had reached out to hear an update on his ministry. He shared that the honeymoon phase was over and that the “shininess” was starting to fade. She exhorted him, “Honey, if you keep polishing something, it will keepContinue reading “Maybe It Needs Polishing”
Is It Time for Me to Go?
How do you know when it is time to leave one ministry assignment for another? Some ministry leaders seem to leave a church or ministry too soon while others may wonder if they stayed too long. At the end of the day, we rest in the sovereignty of God. But at the same time, weContinue reading “Is It Time for Me to Go?”
Embracing Limits for Healthy Living
I recently received a text from a friend who had suffered a mild stroke. He shared that he was okay and there were no long-term effects, but the experience was a wake-up call for him. He added that he had made lifestyle changes and was learning to embrace his limitations. Mark Dance, executive director for the Arkansas Baptist Convention, wrote on pastoral wellness, A decade-long study of United Methodist pastors inContinue reading “Embracing Limits for Healthy Living”
Stop Taxing Churches!
Did you know that many Kentucky Baptist churches are required by law, on certain transactions, to collect sales tax for the state? If your church receives $6,000 or more in a calendar year for church dinners, sports leagues, tickets for wild game suppers and the like, you are expected to collect sales taxes. You are also expected to file a tax form even if you did not have any eligible revenue. Did youContinue reading “Stop Taxing Churches!”
Are They Crazy?
In his recent State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump said the quiet part out loud. In reference to elected leaders who continue to advocate for, or refuse to distance themselves from, body mutilation surgeries for gender confused children, he said: “These people are crazy.” The Hill noted the President’s comments and the reaction in its story on the speech: “Surely, we can all agree no state can be allowedContinue reading “Are They Crazy?”
What is In Your Heart?
Each year I am invited to bring greetings at gatherings of faithful servant leaders. And each year, the organizer gives me the same instruction: “Just share from your heart.” Those instructions always make me nervous because I know the truth about the heart. Jesus informed His followers in Luke 6:45, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and anContinue reading “What is In Your Heart?”
Remember Your Pastor
Recently I was invited to give a charge to the church at the ordination service for a young Kentucky Baptist pastor. It was an inspiring worship service, and many attended to encourage him and his family and to celebrate God’s call on his life. My text was Hebrews 13:7 where the author wrote to the believers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to youContinue reading “Remember Your Pastor”
Celebrate Mission: Dignity
I am a Christian by the grace of God, Baptist by conviction and Southern Baptist by choice. I value cooperation and believe the kingdom of God and the gospel enterprise is strengthened when people of like faith and practice work together for the glory of God and the good of people. One reason I love being Southern Baptist is becauseContinue reading “Celebrate Mission: Dignity”
5 “I Wills” to Win Against Fear
Fear is an enormous challenge for many of God’s people. Milly Jones, in a blogpost under the heading of Milly’s Scribblings, discovered 145 Bible verses encouraging God’s people who battle fear. She wrote: “I have searched the Bible using an online tool for verses that tell us not to fear, not to be afraid, etc. I have added in verses that encourage us toContinue reading “5 “I Wills” to Win Against Fear”
Dr. Todd Gray 