In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes in the commonwealth, there was a compassionate and organized response from Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief. When storms and floods come into our state, KBC Disaster Relief Director Ron Crow goes to work communicating with volunteers and preparing for mobilization. The response ranges from providing hot meals for firstContinue reading “I love Disaster Relief”
Tag Archives: ministry
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”
Praying for Sister Churches
The term “sister churches” refers to communities of like-minded Christian faith and practice who see themselves as united in relationship and mission — committed to following Scripture faithfully and working together to fulfill the Great Commission. In my first ministry assignment I would occasionally hear prayers for sister churches, especially at a Baptist association meeting,Continue reading “Praying for Sister Churches “
Longer Tenures
The days of Baptist pastors changing churches every 18 months are long gone. Many pastors and ministry leaders now stay 10 years or more in their assigned place of ministry. I was recently in a week of revival services with a pastor who has had long tenures in growing churches. He has been withContinue reading “Longer Tenures “
An Emotional Affair
What is an emotional affair and why must pastors, elders and ministry leaders fight against succumbing to this temptation? According to one online source, “An emotional affair is a non-sexual relationship involving a similar level of emotional intimacy and bonding as a romantic relationship.” The writer adds that emotional affairs often begin as a friendshipContinue reading “An Emotional Affair “
Sharpen Your Ax
Ecclesiastes 10:10 reminds us, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” Leadership burnout results from continually giving one’s energy and resources for the well-being of others without taking time to invest in one’s own well-being—or a failure to sharpen one’s ax. Some will immediatelyContinue reading “Sharpen Your Ax “
Numbers Tell a Story
“Numbers do not tell the whole story about a church or Christian ministry, but they do tell a story.” I have heard those words vocalized for years by one of our well-known Kentucky Baptist leaders, and I agree with him. For instance, if a church has annual undesignated financial receipts averaging $400K per year andContinue reading “Numbers Tell a Story “
The Call to Self-Leadership
The concept of self-leadership has taken on a life of its own. A quick Google search reveals long lists of tips, books, seminars, courses, coaching opportunities and more on the subject. Self-leadership is exactly what it sounds like — leading yourself. A recent Forbes magazine article says this about self-leadership: “Leading oneself is critical toContinue reading “The Call to Self-Leadership “
When Giving is Soft
Pastors and ministry leaders pay close attention to several numbers in their ministry leadership context. Two of those — worship attendance and financial giving — can serve as early warning signs of the health of a church or Christian ministry. What should pastors, elders and ministry leaders do when giving is soft in the churchContinue reading “When Giving is Soft “
Dr. Todd Gray 