Whenever the conversation of church planting comes up in Kentucky, someone will inevitably ask, “Why do we need more churches?” It’s a fair question. Anyone who has visited our great state knows that church buildings dot the landscape of each Kentucky county. Kentucky Baptists have been prolific in planting churches. When we began in 1837,Continue reading “5 Reasons We Need More Churches”
Tag Archives: preaching
A Burden for Lost Souls
I remember hearing someone describe Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, as a “weeper.” Dr. Rogers was known for shedding tears over the lost condition and pending judgment of those who, because of their own sin and rebellion, were alienated from God. He went on to say that when it comesContinue reading “A Burden for Lost Souls”
Laziness is Unacceptable
Pastoring a church is hard work. It is not hard work like digging ditches, mining coal or cutting tobacco, but there is a toil and strain element to pastoring a church that is not found in those other occupations. The hard work of pastoring includes rigorous thinking as pastors study to exegete a biblical textContinue reading “Laziness is Unacceptable”
Workaholism Not Acceptable
At a funeral several years ago, I heard a pastor describe himself as a workaholic. But he quickly followed it up by saying that there are worse things one could be. It is true — there are worse things than workaholism, but that doesn’t take away from the problems with being addicted to work. WorkaholicsContinue reading “Workaholism Not Acceptable”
A Providential Misspelling
I don’t catch every misspelled word and an important one got past me recently. While skimming through a meeting I noticed the spelling of cooperation as “co-operation.” The dash in the word highlighted the “operation” part of cooperation. Operation, as defined by Cambridge dictionary, is “an activity planned to achieve something.” When you add theContinue reading “A Providential Misspelling”
You Talk Too Much
Are you guilty of overtalking? A University of Arizona study found that most of us speak around 16,000 words per day. Proverbs 10:19 tells us, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking.” Overtalking was such a problem for King David that he sought God for help. Israel’s king is recorded in PsalmContinue reading “You Talk Too Much”
Two ways to lead evangelistically
As a pastor, you probably won’t receive very much encouragement in your personal evangelism practices. I realize that is a little harsh, but true. Other more pressing ministry needs will likely pull you away from sharing Jesus with lost people. In fact, it is safe to say, you will have to personally prioritize personal evangelismContinue reading “Two ways to lead evangelistically”
Overcoming Cynicism
Comedian George Carlin said, “Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.” He is probably right. Cynicism often comes from being let down by others or by circumstances of life. Jonathan Brush, being interviewed by Andy Andrews, said, “Optimism gives way to cynicism and cynicism gives way to bitterness.” I don’t know anyoneContinue reading “Overcoming Cynicism”
Do It Now
I worked in sales when I was in my 20s, and the vice resident of our company bought me a little book to help me in professional development. The title of the book says it all, “Do It Now.” The book addressed a topic that impacts every leader: procrastination. Leaders procrastinate for a variety ofContinue reading “Do It Now”
7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church
Finding a new church home can be a major challenge faced by many Christians. Each local church is a family. Leaving one, whatever the reason, is difficult — as it should be. Although saying goodbye to a church family is tough, what’s even more difficult may be finding that new church. How doesContinue reading “7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church”
Dr. Todd Gray 