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The Great Omission
The most often quoted, preached and taught verses anywhere in the New Testament may very well be the section of scripture referred to as “The Great Commission.” Matthew 28:18-20 has been used by thousands of preachers, church and denominational leaders to rally the Christian army to evangelistic fervor. Besides John 3:16 no passage has been Continue reading
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Church Health and Pastoral Tenure Longevity
Without a doubt, one of the greatest needs we have in the American church is to turn around declining churches. In June 2017 Thom Rainer released data which suggests that 65% of Southern Baptist Churches are either in plateau or decline. On one hand this is much better than the often used data of 80% Continue reading
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5 Steps to Create Missional Alignment in your Church
About once a year I will notice that my vehicle has a tendency to pull in a certain direction while I am driving. While it is my intent to go straight, it seems that I struggle to keep the wheels from veering to the left or right. When this occurs I know it is time Continue reading
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The Importance of Identity
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear Continue reading
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Eden to Calvary: The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
It truly is a remarkable statement, “And they (Adam & Eve) were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:25. Instead of focusing on the lack of clothing we are called to focus on the final four words of that verse, “…and were not ashamed.” That is the last time Continue reading
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Effective Disciple Making: Invite Everyone, Invest in a Few!
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 Great disciple making movements are not created through large scale invitations to crowds. Great disciple making movements begin small and grow big. Effective disciple making doesn’t depend on Continue reading
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Has Your Church Lost its Desperation?
Bottom line is this: The overwhelming majority of declining churches in North America are ineffective simply because they have lost their sense of desperation for Kingdom impact. Oh sure, every evangelical church (I would hope) will say that they want to see people saved, baptized and discipled. You will not find a minister or lay Continue reading
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The Most Overlooked Component of Church Revitalization
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
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Important Q&A Regarding Church Security
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
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From Eden to Mandalay: Reflections on the Las Vegas Massacre
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
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 