These days it seems that so much has changed. Remember when…
Going out to eat was more than take out?
Wearing a face mask meant you were going to perform surgery?
ESPN actually showed live ball games?
Toilet paper was taken for granted?
You could actually see the other people when you preached?
We are all learning lessons and discovering insights as we live, lead, and serve. I am been blessed to witness how God is at work through SBC of Virginia churches, pastors, and lay leaders in these days.
Read MoreFor the past couple of weeks church pastors and leaders have been working to lead their congregation in worship of the Lord while coming to terms with the impacts of COVID-19. Churches this Sunday will gather through online technology and some have opted to offer drive-in style services. I believe the people of God will have increased opportunities to be salt and light, to serve others, and to share the Gospel as our neighbors, communities, and indeed the nations around the world need hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.
Read MoreYou don’t need me to re-hash the news headlines for you. People in this world are struggling with being frustrated, fretful, and fearful. We are dealing with how to navigate a season of stress, concern, and anxiety.
Read MoreOver the past few days everyone has been grappling and adjusting to this current reality of living, working, and ministering in the midst of a pandemic. In the work of gospel ministry and in our SBC of Virginia family, so many conversations have been happening among pastors and ministry leaders. A highlight I must share with you is we are seeing the Lord lead pastors and churches through this unique challenge. Much of the past several days has been focused on the hard work of rapidly learning and helping one another seek to minister in the face of these challenges.
Read MoreTelecommuting and social distancing is something that everyone is hearing about as our state and country works to deal with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Needs for Gospel ministry are just as pressing as ever! Pastors and churches are making amazing adjustments and maintaining much needed ministry to communities. We are seeking to assist churches with ideas and resources in a number of areas related to missing in-person worship services and church meetings.
Read MoreTwo weeks from today, your trash can and recycling will likely be filled with torn wrapping paper, boxes, and those little things that make some toys almost impossible to use. In the midst of all the activities over the next few weeks, Isaiah 9:6 is a great Bible verse to remind our families and each of us about the Gift…
Read MoreRudyard Kipling was a great British poet whose writings have blessed many of us, including a generation gone by. Rudyard Kipling was a very famous writer even before he died and made a great deal of money at his trade.
A newspaper reporter came up to him once and said, ''Mr. Kipling, I just read that somebody calculated that the money you make from your writings amounts to over $100 a word.'' Mr. Kipling raised his eyebrows and said, ''Really, I certainly wasn't aware of that.'' The reporter cynically reached into his pocket and pulled out a $100 bill and gave it to Kipling and said, ''Here's a $100 bill Mr. Kipling. Now you give me one of your $100 words.''
Read MoreMatthew 28:18-20 is simply and often referred to as The Great Commission. Some form of Christ’s commission is also found in the other places of the New Testament, but Matthew 28 often seems to be one of the most heralded. As followers of Christ we are called to “make disciples of all nations.” Christ has called us, has commanded us to proclaim the gospel unto the ends of the earth. The Great Commission is no small suggestion!
Read MoreYou know storms are mentioned several times in the Bible. Natural storms cause obvious damage. Storms are also used as a metaphor to teach us about life and our need for God.
I have heard it said that in life we are either coming out of a storm, in a storm, or heading for a storm – sounds like Virginia weather.
Read MoreAs the Director of Evangelism for the SBC of Virginia, I am excited about the Southern Baptist Convention’s renewed emphasis on sharing the Gospel. As I have been praying for my neighbors and the unsaved people that the Lord has placed on my heart, I am asking Him to direct me to someone in whom I can generate Gospel conversation. Depending on the circumstance, I could use the Three Circles tool, or show The Story video, or simply share my testimony of how the Lord saved me. But most importantly, I must invite them to trust the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior too.
Read MoreMy friend and fellow pastor Tim Ma and I were discussing the need for us to keep prayer for our nation before our churches. I know many pastors across Virginia have and are calling the church to prayer. We live in a constant politicized news cycle, but we all know the Bible is clear about evil, sin, and spiritual warfare. After the shooting in Virginia Beach, something the news did not tell you, is that chaplains (volunteers from SBC of Virginia churches) saw around two dozen people come to faith in Christ as ministry was offered to a hurting community. Let’s be prayerful for fellow Christians ministering in El Paso and Dayton and stay mindful that the Gospel is needed everywhere.
Read MoreI 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.”
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