I recently attended the 10th anniversary of a Kentucky Baptist Church near northern Kentucky. The church started out of a burden from the pastor to reach people who were not being reached with the gospel. Like most church planters, his desire was not about a musical or methodological preference but a concern for the unchurched.Continue reading “Why Do We Plant Churches Together?”
Tag Archives: learn
Caring for Your Pastor
Good pastors are hard to find. Some churches that are without a pastor have spent two years or longer in a search for their next one. Currently there are approximately 280 Kentucky Baptist churches searching for their next senior leader. But what if you already have a good pastor? What are you doing to helpContinue reading “Caring for Your Pastor”
Great Days at Clear Creek
By all measurable accounts, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College — nestled in the foothills of Appalachia — is doing great. A recent report shows enrollment at Clear Creek is up by more than 80 students since last semester. But not only is the school growing numerically; it is also growing spiritually. Over the pastContinue reading “Great Days at Clear Creek”
Embracing Aging in Leadership
I am living in my favorite season of life so far. Last November I turned 60 years old and found myself pleasantly surprised by that reality. Years ago, I read a book by Bob Buford called Half Time that focused on the second half of one’s life and the call to make the most ofContinue reading “Embracing Aging in Leadership”
Stay Faithful
Every pastor, elder and ministry leader who has been at their post for any reasonable period has felt like giving up. According to research from the Barna Group in 2022 and 2023, 42% of pastors had seriously considered quitting ministry within the past year. The good news is that most do not. Lifeway researchContinue reading “Stay Faithful”
A Sound Investment
Since 1995, Kentucky Baptists have given to fund the ministry and mission of Oneida Baptist Institute through the Barkley Moore Father’s Day Offering. Since that time, we have sent $3,452,158 to help fund the faithful work of OBI. This does not include the amount we have given through the Cooperative Program. Each year aroundContinue reading “A Sound Investment”
Why celebrate CP?
I participated in two Cooperative Program celebrations in the past two weeks. One in Murray, Ky., at First Baptist Church recognizing the origins of the Cooperative Program and the other in Memphis, Tenn., commemorating its adoption by Southern Baptists nationally as our primary Great Commission funding tool. Both events were well planned and inspiring.Continue reading “Why celebrate CP?”
Just Say No
Saying “no” to ministry opportunities can feel painful. But the reluctance to say no, even to good things, can negatively impact one’s life and ministry. A good friend and I used to compare our work schedules and one of us would inevitably ask, “Who plans your calendar? They must really hate you.” We both knewContinue reading “Just Say No”
God Honors Work
We are not saved by our work, but we are saved to do good work. Paul makes both points crystal clear in Ephesians 2:8-10. And God honors our work. Proverbs 12:11 reminds us, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” Since work pays off inContinue reading “God Honors Work”
Winning Against Insecurity
Insecurity is less of an either/or issue in the lives of most ministry leaders, but more of a reality on a spectrum. While not all leaders are debilitatingly insecure, most battle this malady at some level. I have met only one leader in my lifetime who I feel reasonably sure is not stricken with thisContinue reading “Winning Against Insecurity “
Dr. Todd Gray 