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 “

Growing into Your New Role

I’ve never accepted a ministry position that — in the first six months — I didn’t want to go back to what I was doing before.   In fact, if your new ministry position doesn’t require you to grow into it, then I wonder whether the Lord called you to that role.   The Lord stretches HisContinue reading “Growing into Your New Role”

From Adversity to Action

Not all opportunities present themselves as such. One showed up recently as a record-setting snowfall, and a good dose of ice that canceled most church services in our neck of the woods. My home church did not cancel services (no judgment here for those who did cancel because it is always a difficult decision).   Continue reading “From Adversity to Action”

Living in the Fourth Quarter

I turned 60 on Nov.3, and was more excited about that pending birthday than any other since turning 16 or 21.   The reason for the excitement is the potential for this season of ministry leadership. Those who are living in the fourth quarter have gained a lifetime of experience and should know themselves well enoughContinue reading “Living in the Fourth Quarter”

Join Us in Paducah 

On Nov. 10, Kentucky Baptists from across the state will begin gathering in Paducah for a variety of ministry-related activities, culminating in the 187th KBC Annual Meeting being held at Paducah’s First Baptist Church.   Many from our state convention have been to more annual meetings than they can count, while for others this annualContinue reading “Join Us in Paducah “

Will You Please Listen?

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?”