Not long ago I sat with a pastor friend, watching his shoulders slump as he confessed, "I'm pouring out, but nothing's pouring in." His words struck a chord with me. How many of us find ourselves in this place – responsible for the spiritual growth of others while our own souls are parched and weary? …
Continue reading When Your Well Runs Dry: Finding Life for Yourself (then Others)
Note: This essay was originally titled “The Associational Mission Strategist as Spiritual Thermostat” and was presented by the author at the Century Associations Network breakfast as part of the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (June 11-12, 2023) – New Orleans, Louisiana. Click here to obtain a PDF copy of this …
A small group of senior adults met early at the church on Sunday mornings to pray for the classes and worship services that would follow. Theirs was a ministry of prayer for the pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and workers who would soon be filling the church hallways and walkways. One week they invited me …
Continue reading How Every Ministry in the Church is to Fulfill the Great Commission
(Published by Baptist Press on April 18, 2007) As the coronavirus disease spreads around the globe, thousands of deaths have forced decision-makers to cancel sporting events, restrict international travel, and discourage common social interactions. Individuals are being asked to self‑quarantine themselves. Financial markets are in disarray. Daily lives are being disrupted. For the elderly and …
Continue reading 5 Ways Your Church Can Respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
On August 2, 1745, David Brainerd penned the following words in his diary after 28 discouraging months of serving as an early colonial missionary to native Americans in New England:"I began to entertain serious thoughts of giving up my mission. I do not know that my hopes respecting the conversion of the Indians were ever …
Read Acts 2:1-21 In high school I enjoyed running on the track team. As the official gave us directions at the starting line, I vividly recall the adrenaline pumping through my veins at the beginning of each race. He would slowly call out three phrases in an elongated, deliberate tone: “Ready… on your mark… set!” …
EquippingSaints.com 