A friend of mine said he was going to be away at a wedding recently. I presumed that he, a generation younger than me, was either a groomsman or was just attending. Nope. He was officiating. Seems some friends were going to be wed and asked him to do it. He scrounged around and had obtained some mail order credentials to be able to fulfill the requirements in my state for doing weddings. It surprised me to see one news outlet state that 40% of all weddings are done by a couple's friend or family member. Really? I suppose I'm severely out of touch these days with weddings. The designer … [Read more...] about Thanks, but I’ll pass on sharing wedding officiant duties with your BFF
So, are you SEC haters happy now?
It so unspiritual to be all that enthused about a silly game, anyway. And, anyone seen C. B.? … [Read more...] about So, are you SEC haters happy now?
What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 2 (on prayer)
In this series, I’m considering some things that I’ve learned while pastoring over the last 15 years. You can check out the first lesson and a series introduction here: Part 1: Not everybody will like you, and that’s okay. In this post, we’ll consider Lesson #2: One of the most important things you can do for your congregation is to pray for them regularly and let them know that you’re praying for them. Prayer and engagement with scripture are the two foundational spiritual disciplines, and they’re the foundation of pastoral ministry as well. In Acts 6, the Twelve responded to a … [Read more...] about What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 2 (on prayer)
Let’s Adopt the Baptist Faith & Message This Year
Let's have a define-the-relationship talk. Let's make 2019 the year that we make it official. Let's bring the whole Southern Baptist family together in agreement around The Baptist Faith & Message. We've waited long enough. The BF&M has existed in its current revision for nineteen years this coming summer. It is not going away. It enjoys broad support within the SBC. All of the SBC entities at the national level have adopted it years ago. It works just fine. It will strengthen our unity, not divide us. The recent kerfuffle at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri highlights … [Read more...] about Let’s Adopt the Baptist Faith & Message This Year
What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 1
It’s a new year, yet again—2019. These things seem to keep moving faster and faster. As the calendar turns, I close in on a ministry milestone: Fifteen years being a pastor (with nearly nine of those in my current church). On the one hand, there’s still plenty of youth reflected in that number; still plenty of things to learn before I even sniff the tenure of guys who have been doing this for a long while (like Dave Miller, who purportedly learned from Paul in person). Yet, there are still convictions that have been formed and plenty of lessons learned to help create some semblance of … [Read more...] about What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Pastoring, pt. 1
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 wish I could remember all they told me, but I do remember these gems. Preach the Word and love your people. Probably, all our Voices readers have heard this one. It’s really common, but it is common for a reason. It is good advice. A pastor should focus on preaching the Bible, and he should love … [Read more...] about Advice from Old Preachers
The Obit Page and Hope for 2019
When do we become old enough to scan the obituary pages each day? My mother has taken to notifying my siblings and myself of pertinent deaths in our hometown. I'm afraid I may be crossing the threshold where this is expected behavior. I was speaking with a man outside the local grocery store yesterday. I asked what his hopes were for 2019. His response: I just want to hang in there. I asked if he was OK as there were no obvious physical ailments, and his next response: it just beats the alternative. I used to make resolutions for the coming year, mostly resolutions about which … [Read more...] about The Obit Page and Hope for 2019
Power of God – Resource for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (1/20/19)
As we prepare for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday coming up in just a few weeks, I encourage you to make sure you're incorporating that emphasis in your church's worship service. Here's one resource I wanted to make you aware of. It's a spoken word piece by a good friend, Nigel "Legin" Anderson. Legin is a Gospel rapper and record producer here in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. This spoken word, called "Power of God," mentions various aspects of life's brokenness and a specifically strong stance on abortion, and then heavily highlights the hope of the gospel to make all things … [Read more...] about Power of God – Resource for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (1/20/19)
The Lottie Moon offering seems to be doing well…
...in the churches this year. Anecdotal evidence here but I'm hearing of healthy increases in some churches. My church did much better. This is the SBC's oldest and best mission offering. Whatever is askew in our convention doesn't diminish the need for a global strategy for missions where resident workers who are immersed in the culture and speak the language share the Gospel. I think, overall, Southern Baptists understand this and give faithfully and often sacrificially. There have been years when the LMCO jumped $20 million from the previous year. Not sure where we will be when the … [Read more...] about The Lottie Moon offering seems to be doing well…
Common Sense Reflections on Bowl Season
I know, I am more noted for my passionate opinions on sports. Love the Yankees. Hate the SEC. Consider Alabama and Nick Satan an abomination against all that is decent and good in America. There. But as the college bowl season draws down (I know there is one big game still out there, and perhaps a few others I am not aware of), I would try to make some reasonable reflections on what we have seen. 1. This year, there were probably only TWO teams that deserved to be in the College Football Playoff. It would appear that Clemson and Alabama are the two best teams in the nation this year and … [Read more...] about Common Sense Reflections on Bowl Season