I had just begun my first pastorate when an older and wiser church member came by the church office and asked an unexpected question. “Have you prepared for your first funeral?” he asked. I probably asked him if someone from the church had died without me knowing about it, and I didn’t give any moreContinue reading “Three keys to a great funeral sermon”
Tag Archives: preaching
5 observations from a church anniversary
This past Sunday, Connie and I had the honor of attending the 10th anniversary service of Crossroads Baptist Church in Elizabethtown. What an exciting time to see a 10-year-old church that has survived its early days, only to thrive in its current ministry. The anniversary gathering contained all the elements of a typical Kentucky BaptistContinue reading “5 observations from a church anniversary”
Thank you, Kentucky Baptists
We just completed the 184th meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention held in Elizabethtown, Ky. This year’s meeting included an array of Crossover evangelistic events, the “Press On” Pastors’ Conference and — of course — the Annual Meeting itself. By all accounts, it was an incredible gathering of Kentucky Baptists. It felt like a timeContinue reading “Thank you, Kentucky Baptists”
Listen, please
I have a weird preaching peculiarity. In fact, it has become so obvious to me that I sometimes warn congregations where I preach so they can be prepared. It’s not weird like running up and down the aisle or jumping across the backs of pews. I lack the physicality for those antics. It is neverthelessContinue reading “Listen, please”
What to do when you feel empty
Every pastor I know considers it an honor to preach God’s word to God’s people and to those who are not yet His people. Every pastor also knows that preaching involves much more than the Sunday morning delivery of a message. There is a great deal of preparation that goes into preaching. Many hours ofContinue reading “What to do when you feel empty”
How did it go?
Whenever a leader finishes any major project someone will inevitably ask, “How did it go?” The question may receive an enthusiastic, “It was great,” or a less hopeful, “Not so well.” Most effective leaders will conduct some type of formal, or informal, evaluation of a major event, project or initiative for the sake of celebratingContinue reading “How did it go?”
Dr. Todd Gray 