Information on Church Health, Disciple Making, Ministry Leadership and Spiritual Growth
A 2010 study by the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary found that only 6.8% of Southern Baptist churches can be considered "healthy churches." The man who led that study was my doctoral mentor Dr. Bill Day. The results of that study were considerable because it didn't simply... Continue Reading →
This past Sunday morning I arrived to preach at a First Baptist Church in rural Alabama. As I pulled in the parking lot I noticed two men sitting on a curb. I got out of my car and spoke to them as I made my way to the pastor's office to go over the details... Continue Reading →
Early this morning while most of us were falling into a deep sleep, sheer panic and absolute terror was occurring in Las Vegas, Nevada. The count now numbers 59 dead and over 500 injured in what is being called the deadliest mass shooting in US history. While the debates about gun violence and gun rights... Continue Reading →
This past Sunday I had the pleasure of taking part in a Solemn Assembly hosted by a local Baptist Association. The gathering was special for many reasons, but the diversity of the participants and the audience was encouraging. On the platform were White, Black, Hispanic and Asian church leaders each sharing scripture and calling the... Continue Reading →
Over the past 3 weeks I have performed two funerals both involving people who received cancer diagnosis in the prime of their life. I have personally seen the devastating effects that this disease has on people and their families. I have been inspired by the determination of many who have faced treatments, surgeries, MRI’s and... Continue Reading →
"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as... Continue Reading →
In 1997 pastor Ken Smith of University Reformed Presbyterian Church sat down and wrote a letter to the most unlikely recipient. Dr. Rosaria Champaign was a tenured English professor at Syracuse University and widely renowned as a scholar in feminist theory. Dr. Champaign was a lesbian, a LBGTQ activist and outspoken critic of the “religious... Continue Reading →
During the 2010 Gubernatorial race I was intrigued by the dermatologist from Tuscaloosa on the Republican ticket, Dr. Robert Bentley. He seemed so un-political, so genuine and well, nice. He captured the hearts of many Alabamians with his clever slogan, "Alabama is sick and it needs a doctor" and his promise to not take a... Continue Reading →
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we... Continue Reading →
