I have seen the awesome power of guns. I have heard of people innocently cleaning their gun and shockingly a spouse, a child, a brother is killed when an unrealized bullet is shot. In the heat of the argument people are killed and wounded for life. Limbs are lost, lives are ended, and in the matter of seconds everything about a person’s life can be completely changed. Guns have awesome power and can be used for the good too. Guns properly handled can provide safety and security to a home from intruders. Guns can provide meat and nourishment for a family all year. Hunting together can bring … [Read more...] about Keep the safety on guns and marriage
Fundraising ideas gleaned from nonprofit fundraising
From my 15 years of fundraising as a senior pastor and later Development Director, listed below are lessons I have learned and hope they may benefit you in your nonprofit. Some may be adjusted for your church but much can be applied for a special fundraising campaign: Elements of a Successful Fundraising Campaign FOLLOW THE PLAN Select a campaign chair--an influential, rainmaker in your community who people (vendors, coworkers, potential vendors, clients, etc) want to make happy! Do not select a politician or other nonprofit leader who themselves will be asking people money for their … [Read more...] about Fundraising ideas gleaned from nonprofit fundraising
My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant
My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant Expository preaching–focus on the product we are producing–believers who KNOW God’s Word inside and out. See the pastor’s role as quartermaster giving the believers the tools they need for the work of service. Equipping the saints for the work of ministry through the teaching of God’s Word. Authentic worship–worship will be solely focused on ushering the congregation into worship. Worship Team is focused on those with a calling and unique giftedness to lead worship. Realization is it not about us … our style, our … [Read more...] about My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant
Why Pastors should pursue an MBA instead of DMin
Why Pastors should pursue 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 MDiv. But if one is considering pursuing a DMin, I am addressing this article to you. I am starting my second semester pursuing my MBA (completed 11 hours so far). I have earned my MDiv with Biblical Languages from SWBTS in 2001 and have completed 13 hours toward my DMin at Beeson Divinity School. Since 2001, I have pastored a total of 3 churches. I am pursuing my MBA at Kennesaw State … [Read more...] about Why Pastors should pursue an MBA instead of DMin
Why is the minister search process often so dysfunctional???
I am writing this post less as making a statement and more of actually asking for feedback. I graduated from SWBTS with my MDiv in 2001 and have probably gone through 20+ minister search processes in some form or fashion over the years. I have also served on a Director of Missions Search Committee as secretary and have hired staff persons myself as senior pastor and university director. For the last 8 years, I have been bi-vocational working for 2 universities and a major national non-profit. Please know I have had 2 wonderful pastorates serving incredible churches and have thoroughly … [Read more...] about Why is the minister search process often so dysfunctional???
How to lay the foundation for your career while you are studying in seminary
How to lay the foundation for your career while you are a student Volunteer—Volunteering can increase your chances of being hired if you’re strategic about it. It allows you to practically apply what you are learning in seminary and minister to others while you are learning God's Word. Volunteering builds experience, helps you network with people in ministry, provides opportunities for others to recommend you within your field, and allows you to learn the lingo. Register at your seminary's Career Development Center. Build a relationship long before you are about to graduate. Gain their … [Read more...] about How to lay the foundation for your career while you are studying in seminary
PREEMPTING CONFLICT FROM HAPPENING IN YOUR CHURCH by an Attorney/Mediator
PREEMPTING CONFLICT FROM HAPPENING IN YOUR CHURCH” BY ATTORNEY/MEDIATOR R. WILLIAM ROLAND----TRANSCRIBED BY SON, REV. JOHN ROLAND. I interviewed my Dad regarding church conflict on a webinar when I worked at Luther Rice. Here is the text of our interview. My Dad is a Martindale AV Preeminent rated lawyer (highest rating you can get) and practiced law in Florida for 30 years as a defense trial lawyer. For the last 12 years he has been a full-time federal mediator. He is the most Godly man I know and has been an active Southern Baptist deacon since 1973 serving as Deacon Chair, Pastor … [Read more...] about PREEMPTING CONFLICT FROM HAPPENING IN YOUR CHURCH by an Attorney/Mediator
Praying for Daily Struggles with Forgiveness
As pastors with extensive theological education, forgiveness is hard to do even though we can preach a sermon on it. When we are devastated by the destructive actions of others we need a daily prayer strategy to help us with our struggle to forgive. Here is a prayer for you as you offer your prayers to God to overcome your feelings of frustration, anger and hurt. How to Do This Prayer Practice We all are victims of life situations that aren’t fair and sometimes these situations can nearly ruin our lives. Our feelings of being wronged may last for years afterwards. I was deeply betrayed … [Read more...] about Praying for Daily Struggles with Forgiveness
My top 10 tips of advice to a church walking through a scandal
Sadly, it appears church after church are 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 delicate balance and one many churches need to act in a sensitive way … [Read more...] about My top 10 tips of advice to a church walking through a scandal
Leadership with my eyes WIDE OPEN! 13 Leadership lessons I am learning . . .
At 40 years old, I am a leader in training. I am constantly observing, studying, recording, journaling the things I am learning in leadership. I read constantly and I am always interested in studying leaders. I love reading about US Presidents and love reading leadership books. I study pastors, ministers, educational leaders, and nonprofit leaders. I am a work in progress as a leader. Here are some lessons I have collected observing leaders, especially pastors: Genuinely care about people. You may not be the most outgoing person but if you care about others, it will develop loyalty, and … [Read more...] about Leadership with my eyes WIDE OPEN! 13 Leadership lessons I am learning . . .