The wise preacher reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:7b that there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” But if you are a pastor, elder or ministry leader then you may feel the tension of discerning which one you need to do at any given moment. Adding to the tension of speaking or remaining silent is the awareness that we are not equippedContinue reading “A Time to Speak”
Tag Archives: pastor
Who Will Fund the Mission?
A friend recently shared Pew Research data that stopped me in my tracks: Baby Boomers make up only about one-fifth of the population, yet they represent almost half of Southern Baptist church membership. Another friend shared that while his church had experienced an increase of 100 people in its services, there was barely a difference in the undesignated receipts received. These two matters are not unrelated. The headlineContinue reading “Who Will Fund the Mission?”
Pro-life After January
On Jan.22, 1984, Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday in January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. His directive encouraged all Americans to value life, both born and pre-born. Being reminded of the value of human life is important beyond January. The World Health Organization states that there were more than 73 million abortions worldwideContinue reading “Pro-life After January”
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”
Do You Believe in Tithing?
Tithing is generally understood as setting aside 10% of one’s income to be given to one’s local church as an act of worship to the Lord. I grew up in a home where my mother tithed off our household income. So, when I became a Christian, tithing was a natural expression of worship to God and support of my local church. When Connie and I married, we practicedContinue reading “Do You Believe in Tithing?”
It’s Been a Good Year
2025 has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists. As a convention of 2,350 churches, God has given us wonderful unity and noticeable fruit as we partner together to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ. Here are seven ways it has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists: 1. God has provided servant leaders to help churches in our state: 2025 has been aContinue reading “It’s Been a Good Year”
Jumping to Conclusions
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions. This well-worn jibe is used to describe those (myself included at times) who react rather than reflect and jump to conclusions about people and situations instead of considering whether there might be more to the story than meets the eye. The writer of Proverbs highlights the danger of this personal predilection. Solomon writes in Proverbs 18:13, “If one gives an answer before he hears,Continue reading “Jumping to Conclusions”
Funding the Great Commission
“Massachusetts independent movie theatre turns 100 — and shows how to survive and thrive.” That was the headline from a Nov. 25 episode of a national radio show featuring The Capital Theatre in Arlington, Mass., identifying it as a success story in the context of 5,000 similar venues closing their doors since 2020. What did this theatre do differently from their movie showing peers? They provided good service, expandedContinue reading “Funding the Great Commission”
Dr. Todd Gray 