I was only a few weeks into the pastorate of my first church. Riley walked into my office – a man in his 80’s who wanted to “get to know” his new 23 year old pastor. It was quickly apparent that Riley was a little lonely and just wanted to talk. It wasn’t long untilContinue reading “When You Are Weary of the Dying”
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Personal thoughts on the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention
Since returning from Nashville, I have been asked about the convention by several members of the church I serve, as well as friends and family. Some indicated they had been keeping up through the news media – which frightens me! Others indicated they had heard the convention was “going liberal.” In an effort to communicateContinue reading “Personal thoughts on the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention”
Good Friday 2021
Take time to focus on Christ today. We decided to share our Good Friday service completely virtually this year. Grab your Bible, get in a quiet place, and let this service point you to Christ.
A Pastor’s Reflections on 2020
On Sunday January 5, 2020 I walked to the pulpit at Lakeside Baptist Church and preached a message entitled “Power for 2020.” The message was the beginning of a series through the book of Acts and the focus was on how we need the power of the Lord in our day more than anything else.Continue reading “A Pastor’s Reflections on 2020”
The Last Season
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV) WILL WE EVEN PLAY? This was the question hanging over the 2020 Briarwood Lions football season. The COVID-19 pandemic had affected everyone and everything. The total shut down that came in the spring had given way to gradualContinue reading “The Last Season”
A Mighty Warrior & Special Friend Has Gone Home
“Hey, Greg, this is your old, old, old, old, old, friend calling…..” So began the voicemail from Dick Thomassian on my cell phone at 12:44 p.m. on July 9, 2020. Later that day, I called him back and we had a long, encouraging talk. Little did I know that would be the last time IContinue reading “A Mighty Warrior & Special Friend Has Gone Home”
When We have More Questions than Answers
As I write these words, it’s Friday afternoon and another Sunday is approaching. The seventh consecutive Sunday that the church I serve will not meet in person for worship. It’s hard to comprehend. While talking to a pastor friend of mine this week, I joked that I keep waiting to wake up one morning andContinue reading “When We have More Questions than Answers”
Needed Changes I am Hopeful This Season will Bring
Let me be clear up front: I am NOT happy this COVID-19 pandemic has happened. The suffering in terms of life, health, fear, and economic disruption has been enormous. I am not happy this has happened and my heart breaks to see the devastation all of this has caused. I fully understand that quoting RomansContinue reading “Needed Changes I am Hopeful This Season will Bring”
An Easter without a Service is NOT an Easter without a Savior.
Maybe the whirlwind of everything we have been dealing with surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it from fully hitting home with me. In the last couple of days, it hit home. Our church and almost all churches will not be meeting on Easter Sunday 2020. Yes, we will be having online worship and usingContinue reading “An Easter without a Service is NOT an Easter without a Savior.”
Processing a Pandemic
The breathtaking swiftness with which this virus pandemic has gripped us all is incredible. On February 20th (a short five weeks ago) our staff lead team had an all day retreat. One aspect of that day was conducting a SWOT analysis for our church – identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for Lakeside. TheContinue reading “Processing a Pandemic”
