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The Greatest Word Ever Spoken
On the cross Jesus gave seven statements, all of which are important, but perhaps none are as important as his last. “Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of sour wine was sitting there. They soaked a sponge in it. Then they put… Continue reading
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Pastors vs. Deacons: Brethren, This Should Not Be
The role of deacons in churches varies significantly, with healthy churches viewing them as supportive leaders and unhealthy ones seeing them as burdens. Properly serving deacons enhance a pastor’s ministry and promote church unity. Biblical definitions and duties emphasize their servant leadership, assisting the pastor while addressing practical congregation needs. Continue reading
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Awake O Sleeping Church: 5 Key Shifts for Revitalizing the Western Church
“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.” Romans 13:11-12a NLT. The letters of Paul are laced with a particular… Continue reading
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Repairing the Missional Breach
Recovering a Comprehensive Hermeneutic for Future Disciple Making August 29, 2005, is a day that forever changed the city of New Orleans, LA. Hurricane Katrina, a powerful category three storm, made landfall near the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. The storm surge of 15 to 19 feet overwhelmed the levee system of New Orleans. In… Continue reading
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12 Church Revitalization Lessons from Nehemiah
The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem through the leadership of Nehemiah is one of the most remarkable stories in the Bible. In 52 days, he traveled home from a foreign land, surveyed the dire situation, developed a strategy, motivated the people, and finished the project. While I don’t pretend to know your church’s situation,… Continue reading
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The Need for Faithful Christian Universities
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of being a part of a leadership cohort at Samford University. The Leadership Samford cohort has been an incredible opportunity to take part in an exploration of my leadership styles and traits while learning from some of the best and brightest people in Christian Higher… Continue reading
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The Increasing Need For Local Missional Compassion
“When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 Recently my family assisted a young lady who God put in our path. Every morning she leaves her 900 sq. ft. home in the projects to catch the bus and head… Continue reading
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Ten Evidences That Support The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ As Historical Fact
All Christians believe in the resurrection of Jesus based on faith that the biblical records are indeed true, but are there other reasons to believe besides faith? Yes, faith should be enough, however, the skeptics always want historical and reasonable facts. The resurrection and empty tomb of Christ is the cornerstone of the entire Christian… Continue reading
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If God Is Loving, Why Doesn’t He Save Everyone?
I believe the question, “Shouldn’t God save everyone?” is the wrong question. The correct question is, “Why should God save anyone?” This often asked question from skeptics, doubters, and curious seekers is based on faulty assumptions about God. It is also based on an anthropomorphic view of God which sees God only in humanistic ways.… Continue reading
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If God Is Loving Then Why Does He Punish People?
At the start let me say that the title of this article is chosen to be intentionally provocative based on the common criticisms of God in our culture, but I argue that it is easily refuted in Scripture. This will be the focus of the article. The idea of God punishing assumes that He is… Continue reading
About Me
I have been in ministry for 31 years serving in various capacities including senior pastor, youth pastor, education, and associate pastor. I serve at Samford University as Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the Ministry Training Institute. I am co-author of the book, Cultivate Disciple Making and my new book, Repairing the Missional Breach, will be released this summer. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Samford, a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology from the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My D.Min project was in the area of church health and revitalization. I earned my Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My dissertation title, An Analysis and Critique of Disciple Making Within Ecclesial Movements in the United States, 1970-2020, With a View Toward Implementing a Faithful New Testament Missio Ecclesia.
Dr Kevin Blackwell 