Josh Hall is the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church in Ozark, MO. I always said I wanted to be a church planter someday. Even before church planting became "cool," I always thought it would be a great adventure to start a new church from scratch, particularly in an under-reached area. I distinctly remember attending a conference where a bi-vocational church planter spoke, and being moved to tears by his story of walking by faith and seeing God do amazing things. I thought, "I want to try that before my ministry is done." But then reality set in. I was the pastor of a 100 year-old church. I had … [Read more...] about The Story of an Established Church Pastor who Became a Church Planter… And Returned Again (by Josh Hall)
Finding Daily Delight in God (by Dr. Kevin Blackwell)
Dr. Kevin Blackwell is director of Samford University's Ministry Training Institute. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. One of the greatest tragedies of our lives is to let a day go by without finding delight in our relationship with God. We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us, the intercession of the Son for us and the daily love of the Father surrounding us. As believers in Christ we live in perpetual blessing as the whole trinity works in perfect union to fit us ready for heaven’s glory. Yet, most days we miss it. … [Read more...] about Finding Daily Delight in God (by Dr. Kevin Blackwell)
First World Problems (by Andy Addis)
Andy Addis is lead pastor of Crosspoint Church in Hutchinson, KS. I am attending a meeting this week in Atlanta… well, at least, I hope I am. Right now I am sitting in Dallas, stranded with about 300 of my newest friends at the airport. We should have been to Atlanta about…. wait for it… one minute ago, but here we sit in the Lone Star state. It started with the captain saying they couldn’t close the forward cargo door, and they were sending for a mechanic. I heard a joke a few rows up, something about getting a bigger hammer. A nearby gaggle of passengers laughed. But, the … [Read more...] about First World Problems (by Andy Addis)
Teens and the Bible—Hearers or Doers? (by Bernie Diaz)
Bernie Diaz is pastor of Christ Community Church in Pembroke Pines, FL. Our church launched a new congregation-wide Bible reading plan this month that has begun to stir up quite a bit of buzz, enthusiasm and anticipation of what God may choose to do with the intake of His Word in our community of faith this year. That’s a good New Year’s resolution I think, and am grateful for the momentum which seems to have begun among us, but am also wary of the fact that New Year’s resolutions- even the best of them, often fizzle out in many before even spring arrives. Do not merely listen to the … [Read more...] about Teens and the Bible—Hearers or Doers? (by Bernie Diaz)
What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
Tony Jones is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rich Hill, MO. I was watching the State of the Union address tonight. I have not watched one of these speeches in many years, but I am a history buff and State of the Union Speeches, especially final speeches, give presidents an opportunity to be and sound historic. I have no idea how history will judge the President's speech from last night, but I began thinking about what will appear in the social media news feeds of most politically motivated Southern Baptists. Sadly, I'm not expecting many positive thoughts. The following is my list of … [Read more...] about What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)
Barrett Case pastors in Rich Hill, MO. I just preached a bad sermon. Well, let me clarify: during this particular sermon, about 70% of the congregation seemed to fall asleep or check-out mentally; others opted to go see if the nursery needed help (true story). It was a deflating experience for a pastor whose main task each week is preaching. And it was a humbling experience for a pastor whose previous sermon was well-received and highly-praised. So I just preached a bad sermon. It happens. In fact, I’d say it happens every fourth or fifth time I stand behind that old, wooden pulpit. From … [Read more...] about I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)
Have We Forgotten What It’s Like (by Josh Hall)
Josh Hall is the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church in Ozark, MO. He blogs at his website: http://halljosh.blogspot.com/ I recently visited with a young woman that is fairly new to our church. In our conversation, she shared with me some of the fears she had when she first started attending. She told me when she first started attending Sunday School (which took some time) that she would silently pray before class that the teacher would not call on her, for fear she would not know the answer to the question. She thought she was the only one who wouldn't know the answer. When she attended … [Read more...] about Have We Forgotten What It’s Like (by Josh Hall)
The Spell of “the Lottery” has Bewitched the Nation (by Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at his site, "The Bridge." Where this post appeared originally as a lead-in to his podcast discussion. The Largest lottery prize in American history is currently sitting at $1.3 Billion. I don’t share that as a helpful reminder to go purchase a lottery ticket, and no! the sharing of the winnings with all does not solve poverty. I site it because it is showing to be part of the national frenzy at hand. A few quick passing facts: (source: www.erlc.com) legal in 44 states, Washington DC, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Powerball Jackpot is a government … [Read more...] about The Spell of “the Lottery” has Bewitched the Nation (by Paul Thompson)
The Paris Attacks and American Christianity: A French Brother’s Challenge (Joel Rainey)
Joel Rainey leads the Engagement Team for Evangelism and Missions at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. He is on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. He blogs at Themelios, where this was originally posted. "Government should be set up so that no man need live in fear of another." -Montesquieu The recent terror attacks in Paris ignited a fresh debate among many western nations, including the United States, about how we should relate to one another, and more particularly, how do we balance civil liberties with national security? For followers of … [Read more...] about The Paris Attacks and American Christianity: A French Brother’s Challenge (Joel Rainey)
Southern Baptists and IHOP-KC: An Appeal for Accountability and Circumspection (Anonymous)
I am often reluctant to publish posts that are critical and also anonymous, but this one had the kind of irenic, humble spirit we strive for in confrontation and the author had very good reasons not to attach his name. NOTE: The author requested a response from MBTS and Jason Deusing has given an unequivocal and clear response. We are grateful for his clear, biblical, and gracious response. The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary administration continues to have serious and substantial concerns over the teaching, practices, claims, and reputation of the International House of Prayer of … [Read more...] about Southern Baptists and IHOP-KC: An Appeal for Accountability and Circumspection (Anonymous)