Information on Church Health, Disciple Making, Ministry Leadership and Spiritual Growth
In an effort to receive new members, many struggling churches in America have neglected the Biblical and historical model of what it means to be a member of a local body of believers. Entrance into church membership ought to be covenantal, restrictive, and worthy of careful discernment. If a church becomes desperate to receive new... Continue Reading →
When I was 16 years old, in the days of hair bands and English rock ballads, I was given a cassette tape that changed my music preferences forever. Though I don’t remember who gave it to me, Randy Travis’ legendary, Always and Forever album found its way into the tape deck of my 1985 Dodge... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/dfoe2w0nqfQ Continued learning is a critical component of disciple making, ministry longevity, and a sustained joy and satisfaction in serving the Lord. Samford MTI has numerous options for Christians and church leaders to grow in their knowledge of God's Word, and their effectiveness in serving. With 38 locations in Tennessee, Alabama and Florida along with... Continue Reading →
“Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach than humility.” –Johnathan Edwards. The greatest influencers on my life share one common trait, humility. Pastor T.A. Duke, or as most knew him “Brother Buck,” embodied humility in a way that few ever attain. In June of 1998 he and I travelled together to... Continue Reading →
There were many tragic events during the years of the Second World War, but perhaps one of the most troubling occurred on July 25, 1944. As the Normandy campaign began with the historic beach landings of D-Day, massive allied bombing campaigns ensued clearing the way for Operation Overlord. Around 3,000 allied planes took flight that... Continue Reading →
I have always been humbled by the story of Baptist missionary William “Bill” Wallace. The son of a physician in rural Tennessee, Bill was more interested in auto mechanics than going to the foreign mission field. On a hot summer July afternoon as he was in the garage trying to get an old car... Continue Reading →
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Hebrews 4: 9-10. (ESV) It is overtly obvious to me and likely you as well, that this world is becoming increasingly unsettled. As a result, we... Continue Reading →
The Corona Virus global pandemic has disrupted every aspect of “normal” life for people all over the world. Economic problems have overwhelmed some families as businesses have suffered and jobs have been cut. And of course, the tragic loss of so many people; way too many. I have personally ministered to families who have lost... Continue Reading →
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing event to the division of souls an spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts an intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable... Continue Reading →
In 2001, John Mullins, Superintendent of the Arab City School System in Alabama, was approached by a group of students requesting the opportunity to offer a prayer before the home football games in the fall. He enthusiastically encouraged the prayer and it was well received by the fans that season and for the next ten... Continue Reading →
Dr. Kevin Blackwell 