Over the years I’ve served one church as pastor and ten churches as interim pastor. Besides that, I’ve served as a supply preacher or missionary speaker at countless churches. At many churches after the service, the preacher stands at the main exit and speaks to the folks as they leave. Many feel compelled to say […]
Preacher, Give an Invitation!
In recent years some pastors have abandoned the invitation at the conclusion of the sermon. I’m sure they have various reasons for this; however, the primary reason seems to be equating invitations with “easy believism.” I realize that invitations have been abused and misused over the years; but so have sermons, and we still preach […]
Cliches – What Would We Say without Them?
What would preachers, politicians, and sports writers have to say without clichés? According to my American Heritage Dictionary, a cliche is “a trite or overused expression or idea.” Of course, there is truth in clichés. If there was no truth, we would not use them. Still, some are used so much that wise preachers would […]
In Praise of Sermon Series
Editor’s Note: I feel some level of smug satisfaction that for the first time in a while, I remembered to change the author to Mark Terry and properly credit him for his post! In my preaching ministry, I’ve mainly preached series of sermons. Of course, I’m not alone in this. Many pastors do, I’m sure. […]
Do You Have a Life Verse?
When I started to college at John Brown University, it was a “thing” on campus to have a life verse (a Bible verse that guides your life). I had never heard the phrase, “life verse,” and I did not have one. The first time a student asked, “What’s your life verse?” I replied, “What’s a […]
Should a Pastor Ever Retire?
Recently, someone asked me if I was retired. The question flummoxed (a word for William’s list) me somewhat. That’s because I am partially retired. These days I’m receiving Social Security payments as well as withdrawals on my Guidestone account. The IMB made me an Emeritus Missionary, and Mid-America Seminary named me a Professor Emeritus. So, […]
Advice from Old Preachers
An interchange I had with William Thornton a few weeks ago caused me to think about advice given to me by old preachers. I was ordained to the gospel ministry at the FBC of Bentonville, Arkansas, in 1971. Several older pastors gave me advice and counsel, both that day and in the following weeks. I […]
Prophetic or Pastoral?
I’m old enough (as are Dave Miller and William Thornton), to remember the old Baptist Program magazine. The SBC Executive Committee published it for years, and SBC Life replaced it some years ago. Chevis Horne often wrote for the Baptist Program, and he served for many years as the pastor of the FBC of Martinsville, […]
What Makes a Great Pastor?
My wife and I are members of the Central Baptist Church in Crandall, Texas (Dallas area). I’ve told everyone who will listen that our pastor, Charles Wilson, is the best pastor I’ve ever known. (Disclaimer: I have not had the opportunity to observe Dave Miller and William Thornton in action.) Charles Wilson is not the […]
How to Pray for Missionaries
This the Week of Prayer for International Missions, sponsored by the Woman’s Missionary Union. I join with all our missionaries in thanking the WMU for supporting our foreign missions work with prayer and financial support. The announcement of the Week of Prayer prompted me to think about effective praying for missionaries. We all agree that […]
Missionaries Remembered [by Mark Terry]
My wife and I had the privilege of serving with the International Mission Board (IMB) for twenty-four years. During those years we labored alongside many great missionaries. Mostly, they have ministered in obscurity, but God knows their deeds and the angels rejoice. In the past ten days two great missionaries died, and they have gone […]
Things Remembered
One of William Thornton’s posts prompted me to think about Southern Baptist practices of the past. I’m 69 years old, and I grew up in Southern Baptist churches. So, I remember lots of things that may seem quaint to our younger readers. Other old codgers (like William and Dave) may want to add to my […]