Over the past few weeks I have shared highlights from some reading and study I am doing regarding church revitalization. I have had the privilege of serving on pastoral staff, planting and pastoring a church, and working with churches in times of transition and change. SBC of Virginia has been committed to church planting since our founding and we are now seeking to learn more and grow in our commitment to church revitalization.
Read MorePaul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13) focused on church planting, but the second time around, strengthening and revitalizing churches was needed.
Read MoreLOVE. What is true love? We say I love you in regard to our most sacred relationships and also in regard to our favorite flavor of ice cream. “I love you.” “I love baby back ribs.” “I love my wife.” “I love basketball.” “I love my kids.” “I love Krispy Kreme Donuts.” (Can I get a witness?) It’s like the words “thank you.” You don't have a stronger word. English language is limited in many ways compared to others.
Read MoreThe Lord calls us to make disciples and can work through all of us to make disciples.
Read MoreFull transcript of Dr. Brian Autry’s statement and response to Washington Post article.
Read MoreSBCV Churches Stand Against VA Gov’s Comments; Call on SBCV Churches to Support HJ 715.
Read MoreThis Sunday is the Super Bowl, and one thing is for sure, when it comes to sports people are not shy. They share and celebrate their allegiance and devotion to their team. But, when it comes to sharing about Christ, sometimes we are fearful, neglectful, or unenthusiastic.
Read MoreAnd Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35–38
Read MoreGod shows us that we should be praying for our city.
It’s not to be a church in the city, or of the city, or against the city, but to be a church that is for the city.
Read MoreHappy New Year. On behalf of the SBC of Virginia, thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. I’d like to share with you a few thoughts from one of my favorite examples of a leader praying in the Bible. There are a number of exemplary prayers in Scripture, but the one I am referring to is in 2 Chronicles 20, The Prayer of Jehoshaphat.
Read MoreFew Americans today say they know their neighbors' names, and far fewer report interacting with them on a daily basis. Pulling data from the General Social Survey, a recent report found that a third said they've never interacted with their neighbors. And only about 20 percent of Americans spent time regularly with the people living next to them.
Read MoreStorms have been in the news. Even this week, tornadoes touched down in my community. We have watched the effects of Hurricane Florence.
Read MoreIn 1 Samuel 18 we are introduced to what many call one of the most prolific of all Bible friendships - Jonathan and David. Their friendship illustrates the importance of godly friendship as a Christian leader, pastor, missionary.
Read MoreIn 1 Samuel 18 we are introduced to what many call one of the most prolific of all Bible friendships - Jonathan and David. Their friendship illustrates the importance of godly friendship.
Read Moren 1973, Spielberg was hired to make a movie based on Peter Benchley's novel about shark attacks called Jaws. The movie was so scary that even to this day millions of Americans panic when they get wind that a shark might be present in their beach area. A persistent shark phobia keeps people away from the beach.
Read MoreChristmas is probably not on your mind today. With the heat and humidity, with kids out of school and trips to the beach, Christmas seems a long way off. However, SBC of Virginia churches are to celebrate Christ and share His Gospel all year long. Every season, every day is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in a lost world.
Read More[Note: this is a much longer message than I normally send or post.]
Read MoreRemember the old adage, 'Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me'. One of the earliest citations of it is from an American periodical, The Christian Recorder, March 1862. I appreciate the sentiment, but words can do some damage too (in my opinion).
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