I am deeply grieved by what I am reading online about the crisis at my alma mater, Southwestern Seminary. It is devastating to me learning of the women who have been hurt through this crisis. I have been a Southern Baptist (SBC) my whole life, all 44 years. Born and raised in a Southern Baptist church (baptized at age 7). I attended a Southern Baptist university for 4 years (BS degree), attended a Southern Baptist seminary 4 years (earned Master of Divinity degree in 2001), full-time pastored Southern Baptist churches for 5 years, bivocational preacher for scores of Southern Baptist churches … [Read more...] about 6 Ways the SBC Needs to Grow in Light of Our Recent Failures
5 impressive social media church leader ideas
Seeing church leaders take advantage of social media tools and engage with people is very exciting. It allows them to be more approachable and accessible to their audience in a casual and easy to use format. The tools they use are free (for the basic options), equipment can be as basic as one's iPhone and a tripod, and are providing much peace and insights to thousands. 1. Robby Gallaty—He uses Facebook Live to answer questions about the Biblical passage his entire church is reading as they go through the Bible (F260). Pastor Robby Gallaty at Longhollow Baptist leads people through a … [Read more...] about 5 impressive social media church leader ideas
“If I were 22 again . . .”
There is a series in LinkedIn titled, "If I were 22 again . . ." My contribution to the discussion is below. I was soon to begin my MDiv studies at SWBTS in 1997 at the age 22. At 41 years old today, my top 10 tips of advice, "If I were 22 again:" Be wise in marriage--Marriage can be such an incredible joy and add much solace to you. Seek a spouse to complement you in life but not have to bear the heavy burden of "completing you." You are not there to make each other "happy." If you cannot make yourself happy, your spouse will never fill your void. Find it in Christ for ultimate … [Read more...] about “If I were 22 again . . .”
So you just want to be called Doctor? 5 vital reasons Pastors should consider pursuing an MBA instead of DMin
This article is not for everyone and I am sure many will disagree with my statement. Not everyone is cut out to pursue additional degrees after the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree but we all need to think beyond the confines of theological education. My question to you is, what skills do you have other than being a pastor to provide for your family? If one is considering pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, what is your true motivation? Is it the "applause of men" so you can be called "Doctor?" I am starting my sixth and final semester toward a Master of Business Administration … [Read more...] about So you just want to be called Doctor? 5 vital reasons Pastors should consider pursuing an MBA instead of DMin
My Top Ten Tips of Advice to a Church Walking Through a Scandal
My Top Ten Tips of Advice to a Church Walking Through a Scandal Sadly, it appears church after church is having to respond to immoral actions of pastors falling from grace. It deeply grieves me and causes me to really hurt for those churches. Young Christians and seekers become disillusioned and it can become a major crisis of faith for many within the church. Doubt and gossip can spread like wildfire, especially with social media and blogs. It is a time to balance between healing the church from the pain of betrayal and moving forward as a congregation from the actions of one. It is a … [Read more...] about My Top Ten Tips of Advice to a Church Walking Through a Scandal
My ideas to help SBC survive for future generations
I have been a Southern Baptist (SBC) my whole life, all 41 years. Born and raised in a Southern Baptist church (baptized at age 7). I graduated from a Southern Baptist university after 4 years (BS degree), I graduated from a Southern Baptist seminary after 4 years (MDiv with Biblical Languages degree), full-time pastored Southern Baptist churches for 5 years, and have been a bivocational pastor for a Southern Baptist church for the past 2 years. I am knee deep in SBC. I have attended endless meetings and have read the latest statistics (all the numbers are DOWN). I LOVE the SBC and have a deep … [Read more...] about My ideas to help SBC survive for future generations
How to use Social Media in ministry presentation to GA Baptist
I am giving a presentation on "Social Media in Ministry" to the employees retreat of the Georgia Baptist Convention on Monday. I wanted to share it with SBC Voices. Hope it can be of benefit to you in your ministry. I have uploaded it to Slideshare including YouTube videos as illustrations. I am passionate about how Social Media can expand your reach in ministry exponentially. Here is the link to the presentation: http://www.slideshare.net/jaroland74/how-to-use-social-media-in-ministry … [Read more...] about How to use Social Media in ministry presentation to GA Baptist
Leadership for Dummies, it is not that complicated
What amazes me when I study leadership (in and out of the church) is how there are so many common themes I hear over and over again. Leaders (Senior Pastors, laypeople, etc) need to be honest, approachable, accountable, and consistent. What frustrates me is when I look back at myself, I knew what to do but too often failed at the most common things. Here are 10 reminders of the basics of leadership, "Leadership for Dummies, it is not that hard!" Genuinely care about people. People from all backgrounds and socioeconomic status, want to be cared for authentically and respected for who they … [Read more...] about Leadership for Dummies, it is not that complicated
My Social Media Marketing Strategy proposal for a church
Social Media Authentic–not focused on technological “FLASH” or even “ACTIVITY” but on ACCESSIBILITY of the ministry team, leading church followers to further ENGAGEMENT in God’s Word and how it applies to our lives, and over communication of the events and activities of the church. My four favorite Social Media channels—Twitter, Facebook, Google+ Hangout & Instagram Focus like a laser on what you want to drive home to your followers for that week. Have a message of the week tied in with sermon.What do you want them to do? Where are you taking them? How can you help them? Have a weekly … [Read more...] about My Social Media Marketing Strategy proposal for a church
What to do when the doctors say, “It is terminal . . .”
What to do when the doctors say, “It is terminal . . .” This sentence has been on my mind for the last week or so since I learned of the terminal diagnosis of a 52 year old friend of mine from Fort Worth. She and her husband were incredibly kind and compassionate to me while I was a seminary student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1997-2001. We were church members together, I played softball with her husband, and their kids were in my wife’s children’s choir. They are very bold in their faith and are pillars of our church in Fort Worth, Texas. Our paths crossed again last … [Read more...] about What to do when the doctors say, “It is terminal . . .”