My wife Connie recently discovered that we have bagworms on one of our evergreen trees. Bagworms can infest trees and shrubs and, if left untreated, can destroy your favorite sources of beauty and shade. We searched online to develop a plan for ridding the tree of these unwanted pests — which included removing theContinue reading “Do You Have Worms?”
Tag Archives: prayer
Check On Each Other
In a recent conversation with a retiring pastor, I was given a specific request. He said in essence, “Encourage the KBC staff, and they are already doing this, to keep checking on pastors and find out how they are really doing.” The Kentucky Baptist Convention was created by churches for churches to help churches reachContinue reading “Check On Each Other”
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”
Fundraising made holy
Most pastors, elders and ministry leaders do not see themselves as fundraisers, but some have discovered it is an important, and potentially God honoring, part of their work. Whether it is a building program, a mission offering or raising support for a new staff person, those in ministry leadership may be called upon toContinue reading “Fundraising made holy”
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?”
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 “
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 “
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 “
Dr. Todd Gray 