I want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank You.” Thank you to all the youth pastors and leaders, children’s ministry pastors and leaders, the countless volunteers who are at summer camps, on mission trips, and working with Vacation Bible Schools. I am thankful that churches make substantial investments of time, money, and energy in the younger generation.
Read MoreOn May 14, 2015, Chuck Lawless wrote an article called “Five Reason Some Pastors Are Loners – and Why That’s Not Good.” For the past seven years I’ve had the privilege of seeking to strengthen the ministry of pastors and count myself among their number. I believe loneliness and friendlessness is a threat to our wellness and to finishing well. So, I’d like to offer ten suggestions for making friends as a pastor.
Read MoreSBC of Virginia is blessed to have churches that are less than 200 days old in our family and churches more than 200 years old in this Gospel partnership. I am thankful for the leadership lessons pastors of some of Virginia’s oldest churches have modeled. Here are some principles learned from their ministries…
Read MoreDr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, has asked me to pass along his appreciation to the SBCV family for your partnership in ministry.
Read MoreBilly Graham once said, “If I were an enemy of Christianity, I would aim right at the resurrection because it is the heart of Christianity.”
Read MoreOver 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 MoreOver the next few weeks I plan to share some 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 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.
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