Category Archives: Church

Why I have a picture of Spurgeon in my office

Not long ago, a pastor friend of mine was surprised to see a portrait of the great English pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon on the wall of my office near my desk. “You’re not a Calvinist, why do you have a picture of Spurgeon?”  It was a good question. It was also my joy to explainContinue reading “Why I have a picture of Spurgeon in my office”

One pastor’s thoughts on the International Mission Board situation

In recent days, I have had a number of people both inside and outside the church I serve who asked me my thoughts on the well-publicized financial issues at the International Mission Board. I decided to share them here in hopes that it will encourage people to become more informed and prayerful. First of all,Continue reading “One pastor’s thoughts on the International Mission Board situation”

PRAY – more than a message series

In 20+ years as a pastor, I have preached many message series. I have no illusions that everyone remembers everything I say. Instead, I pray that something I say in every message speaks to every person who hears the message. However, over the last two Sundays I have begun a message series that has shakenContinue reading “PRAY – more than a message series”

Challenging trends in the same-sex marriage debate

As a pastor, I use words every week in my speaking and writing. I am also an observer of the words people use, the arguments people make, and how they make their arguments. In recent months, I have seen a definite shift in terms of the debate regarding same-sex marriage in our culture. As aContinue reading “Challenging trends in the same-sex marriage debate”

Being a friend to your pastor (or a staff member)

“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17, NKJV) Recently Becky and I went out to dinner with a couple from our church with whom we have become friends.  It was a couple of hours filled with laughter, stories, and great food.  It wasn’t a sermon or aContinue reading “Being a friend to your pastor (or a staff member)”

A needed lesson on Baptist polity

This week the Madison Baptist Association in Huntsville has made the news because of the action they took on Tuesday to remove Weatherly Heights Baptist Church from fellowship in the association. This action stemmed from the support of and participation in gay weddings by some ministers from the church.  As I watched & read theContinue reading “A needed lesson on Baptist polity”

A Powerful Word in a Changing World

It’s so wonderful when the Word of God speaks to us in a new and fresh way. Over the weekend in my personal Bible reading Psalm 12 jumped off the page for me. As many times as I have read it, it is more meaningful to me today than ever before. First please allow meContinue reading “A Powerful Word in a Changing World”