For A Dumb Laugh

I have a dumb sense of humor and I saw this little cartoon before a movie and thought it was funnier than the movie. I hope you enjoy as well.

Sing Along with Roosevelt

If I had a private prayer language, which I don't, I'm pretty sure I would sound something like Roosevelt. :)

Token Black Guy

I have no desire to be political, but to challenge a problem I see in Southern Baptist Churches. The Sunday morning worship hour is the most segregated time of the week. The whites go to their churches, while the blacks go to theirs. Nobody cares where the Hispanics go because most of them are Illegals anyway. Sorry for the satire but this really isn't an issue to laugh about. Here is my point, I believe that we are satisfied with having token black men and Hispanic men serving on our boards and speaking at our conventions so that we give the appearance of being a denomination that is racially unified.

We aren't racially unified. It is sad to realize that Southern Baptists in the 21st century have about as many minorities in their churches as they did thirty years ago. Racial unification has to be more than inviting Dr. Fred Luter to speak at our convention. When will black men and women become part of our church staffs? When will our churches represent our cultural make-up?

How do I know that the SBC is dealing with this issue, because at my second church, I had my job as pastor threatened by a deacon and a man with lots of influence because I was witnessing to black families and inviting them to church. Let me be clear, I'm not saying that Southern Baptists are racists or that SBC leaders aren't working for there to be multi-culture unification in the church. What I am saying is that every person needs to examine their own heart and determine if they are still limited by color. More needs to be done!

My challenge to everyone and to every church is to be as much like heaven as possible by bringing the nations together to worship before the Lord. There are no token people in the Kingdom.

My Life

Okay, I have debated this a little bit. I've gone back and forth in my head. I want you to hear more about me and what I have been through. Essentially, I think hearing about my life might help you understand why I am what I am. I have pockets of memories here and there in my mind of growing up. One of them is of a movie called My Life. You may or may not remember the movie. Okay, it was a major chick flick. The movie dealt with a man, played by Micheal Keaton, who was dying of cancer. He decided that he would videotape himself for his young children talking about his life, hence My Life. Well, for me it was an incredibly emotional movie.

My father died of acute leukemia 9 days before I was born. I have a photocopy of his obituary I recently researched from a library in Ohio. He was 30. He became sick and went to an emergency room on a Monday evening. Saturday morning of the same week he passed away. I came along 9 days later. At around a year old my mom moved us, I have an older brother and older sister, to Texas to be close to her parents. After a rebound marriage and divorce to a guy I don't even remember she eventually married a guy that turned out to be an alcoholic. She divorced him when I was around 5th grade. Now, my real dad was never, and still isn't, a topic of discussion in my family. It is exceedingly rare. I grew up having person after person tell me I look just like my dad, but never telling me about him.

Allow me an aside here to talk of my spiritual development through this. As an infant I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church where I would later learn my dad was the head of the deacons from the obituary I obtained. As a child, while mom was married to the third guy, I was actually confirmed a Lutheran. We stopped going after the divorce and the way my mom was treated. I didn't mind, the kids there were just as mean and rude as kids at school. I hated church. I used to pretend to be asleep so I didn't have to go.

Okay, in the 6th grade I discoverd a rather disturbing truth. I had thought for the longest time for some reason my dad's name was "Dale." I found out that I was wrond, my dad's name is John. Dale was the name of the rebound guy. Although I am sure that I had been told, the lack of talk about my father had never really set me straight. I begin to spiral downward at that point. By 8th grade I was severly depressed, and the summer after was the first time I began to have serious thoughts of suicide. My freshman year was filled with consistent depression and thougts of suicide. The beginning of my sophomore year in high school found me routinely fighting the urge to commit suicide. I vividly remember sitting in my neighbor's house while taking care of their animals. I had found their revolver and I sat next to their bed with it pointed at my face. That was it for me. I was done. As I began to slowly pull the trigger a voice came into my head.

It simply said, "Hold on, what you're looking for is coming."

It was the most remarkable thing. It wasn't my own voice. It was soothing and calming. I put the gun away and left. A couple of months later things weren't any better. I came home from school and had just a horrible day. That night in my room I decided to end it. I took out my knife and began to cut. On my hand at first, and then my arm, and then finally my wrist. As I moved to my wrist each cut went deeper. As I began to see small amounts of blood that voice came back. This time He told me to call a girl named Julie, my only friend at the time. She immediately knew something was wrong. I told her what was happenning, and she talked to me for an hour and a half. Her parents were suicide counselors. During that conversation she invited me to church with her the next Wednesday night. After that fell through I heard some guys talking about this church at the lunch table. I piped up and mentioned that I had been invited there. They promptly invited me to come to the lock-in there on that Friday.

At that lock-in a band called Judah performed, they would become Between Thieves. At the end of the concert the youth minister got up and asked everyone to pray. During that time he led a prayer of salvation. I prayed it with him. As he gave the invitation I stood and watched kid after kid walk forward. Suddenly, there was the voice again telling me this was it. This was what I had been looking for. I fought it. In fact, I was white-knuckled on the chair in front of me. All I heard was that this was the time. I knew I needed to go forward. I had just asked Jesus into my heart. I finally took that first step and instantly I felt the weight of my life lifted. It was gone. I literally felt the sweeping chill of being washed as I began to walk foward. I was the second to last to go forward.

That Sunday I went to church for the first time in many years. They had said that the youth sat together in middle at the front. I was early, still am early to this day(it drives my wife crazy because apparently you can't make an entrance when you are 15 minutes early). I walked to the second row in the middle and sat down alone. I stayed alone as all the other youth began to come in until finally the girl who had led our group counseling session recognized me and sat next to me. I went forward at the invitation and was baptized two weeks later. I had to convince my mom to let me get baptized. Remember, I had been baptized as an infant.

It was four years before my mom ever came back to church with me. She visited on a Thanksgiving Sunday with me with my girlfriend, who would eventually be my wife, and her parents. The next Sunday she was back, without prompting and sat with my future in-laws. The next Sunday was the same. She became more regular than most of their members. Finally, when she joined the church where I currently serve, she walked through the waters of baptism. She now serves by teaching young women who have been in an abusive relationship develop job skills to take care of themselves. I am incredibly proud of her.

I realize now that God was the voice in my head, interceeding to make sure I got the chance to know Him. I am a product of a legacy I am yet to know. My dad was a head deacon, leader of the Sr. High youth group, and met my mom at a Christian summer camp. I will see him in heaven, of that I am convinced. I am passionate about people experiencing the life-changing power of the Creator of it all. Hopefully, with this, you know a little more about where God has brought me from and through. God is awesome, don't ever lose sight of that simple fact. I have been through a ton in life. God has used every bit. He has used the good, bad, and indifferent to make me who I am. So, there you go. That is a small portion of what God has done. There is much more, but that is for a later day. I hope this helps you understand a little bit about where I have come from. God bless.

Seven Questions with OKPREACHER

1. What is your greatest passion?

My greatest passion is spending time with the Lord. I long for the moments of listening and talking with the Lord daily. I am passionate about preaching God’s Word and seeing Christians grow in their Christian walk.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

We must burst our Baptist bubble. Bursting the bubble means realizing that God wants us working to build His Kingdom, not our own. Bursting the bubble means we must engage our culture and not run from it. Bursting the bubble means we realize that our goals have been too small and our focus too limited. Bursting the bubble means that we aren’t satisfied with anything less than a movement of God that transforms every person in America and in the world.

3. What are some trends that cause you concern or excitement when you consider the church?

The trend that causes me concern is that over half of the churches in the Southern Baptist are in decline. The decline doesn’t concern me as much as the attitude in those churches. Instead of changing so that there can be new growth and re-dreaming the dream. They are content with doing church as normal.

The trend that causes me excitement is the progress of the church planting movement around the world but even more in America. I believe the greatest opportunity for churches to reach new people are through church planting movements. Churches that refuse to reproduce will die.

4. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

My pastor growing up was Dr. Ted Kersh. Before service one Sunday he shared with me and I now share with you, “Please God and those that please God will be pleased with you and you just can’t do much with the rest.”

5. What are some secrets to great leadership?

I wish I was a better leader. I believe most of the problems that I have faced in the churches I have served haven’t been spiritual ones, but leadership ones. I believe that seminary would be much more profitable to every minister if a third of the classes where on the Bible, a third on evangelism, and a third on leadership. If a minister can preach the Bible, lead people to Christ, and lead his church to accomplish their vision he will be successful. I am currently reading anything on leadership and thinking through how I can apply what I’m learning to leading the people in my church to new growth.

6. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

I want to begin working on a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Pray that I can attain a wavier so that I can start a little early. You can also be praying for me and our church because our community is going to be doing a 40 Days of Purpose Campaign starting in October. I hope to be able to lead our church to plant a satellite in our community in the next year as well. Finally, pray that I will stay fresh for the Lord.

7. Is blogging a good thing?

I believe that blogging is a wonderful thing to do as long as you are christian in all that you write, it doesn’t distract from your daily work, and it doesn’t distract from your family time.

OKpreacher is the founder of this blog and senior pastor of a rural church in West Texas. OKpreacher is also a huge Sooner Fan.

Seven Questions with Dr. Jeff Clark

1. What is your greatest passion?

a. My greatest passion is to see people come to Christ. Leading someone personally is my greatest joy.

b. My second greatest joy is seeing someone come to Christ through churches I have helped.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

We need to focus on the fields rather than on the harvesters.

3. What are some church trends that you see that cause you concern? What are some church trends that cause you excitement?

a. I am concerned that we are focused on building our kingdoms. A tremendous amount of resources goes into building buildings and keeping these buildings going rather than on the harvest. We tend to build bigger combines rather than efficient combines.

b. I am excited to see church planting as a priority. With this emphasis comes an emphasis on starting smaller, less expensive and more efficient churches.

4. Why where some factors that lead you into denominational work?

I came to the conclusion that by doing denominational work I could multiply the harvest rather than just add to the harvest.

5. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” For all those pastors out there struggling in small churches, just know God has given YOU the Kingdom!

6. In a day and time where there seems to be so little leadership in the church, what has been the secret to your success as a leader?

a. I am not a leader. I am a follower. There are no leaders in Christianity, only fellow followers.

b. There is a seduction in becoming a “leader.” It is intoxicating to have followers. Yet Jesus asked His disciples to, “Come, follow Me.”

c. There is an old adage that states, “lead, follow, or get out of the way.” I am coming to the conclusion that I need to be more like the person that gets out of the way. I believe too many people step up when God wants us to get out of the way.

7. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

Two issues are on my heart.

i. How to help small churches. No one is writing about, championing, or supporting pastors in small or rural churches.

ii. Increasing vision for international missions. We must focus on the world. We do not get to do only a part of Acts 1:8


Dr. Jeff Clark is the Executive Director/Treasurer for the Montana Southern Baptist Convention.

Seven Questions with Rev. Brian Hatcher

1. In most struggling churches the problem is one of leadership. In your view what are some of the principles that a church leader can apply to be more successful in leading their church?


A while back I wrote out a list of seven leadership “knows” for myself. They are essentially a combined list of things learned over years of study in the field of leadership. It is in some areas borrowed, some original, and in no way definitive on the subject. These seven principles are:

Know Thyself:
You are a unique individual with a personality and self. Knowing what your abilities, weaknesses, likes/dislikes, and limits will help you to emphasize your strengths, and support your weaknesses with other people.

Know What You Don’t Know:
It seems simple, right? Never be afraid to say you don’t know. Always be prepared to find out the answer. Be willing to take the blame and fault and never take the credit for what is accomplished as a group. By the way, it is all accomplished as a group.

Know Your Team:
Just like you, the team you lead is unique and diverse. If it is not, it needs to be and quickly. Each person has a special ability and personality. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each of them allows you to utilize them where they will succeed the most. In turn, you succeed because they succeed. You must spend time with each of them in order to get to know them.

Know the Mo:
The “Mo” is momentum, and it can be your greatest friend. Success will always breed more success. Evaluate the positive and focus on it, then look at how the negatives can be turned into positives. Learn from mistakes, because they will be made. When you fail, fail forward. Be honest about the mistakes and discover how they can be avoided in the future.

Know the “No”:
Know the limit of what you and the team can accomplish. Never be afraid to say, “No.” Doing one thing great is a lot better than doing many things good. An overworked, tired, and frustrated team will not survive long, and their work will soon suffer.

Know your Direction:
Getting from point A to point C is impossible if everyone just stares at point B. Satisfaction with where you are as a team is the first step down the road of failure. Always focus on the final goal and make sure it is realistic, attainable, and easily known when you arrive. Recognize the points along the way that get you there, but don’t dwell on them. Remember, water that is moving in any direction is fresh and usable, but water that is stagnating is nasty and useless.

Know Where You’ve Been:
Every group has a past that impacts the future. Remember the things that worked, and the things that didn’t. Remind the team of past success and encourage them that the same thing can happen again. People will rise to the level of expectation. Knowing the past will help you establish achievable expectation that will help breed continued success in the future.

Again, these are not definitive, and I honestly need to utilize them better, but I have found them helpful.

2. You are currently serving on a church staff in the area of men’s ministry. In your view why has the church had such a hard time of reaching men?

To be quite frank, in many areas the church has been sissified. It has catered and pandered to the female side of society for a long long time. To be honest, if not for the servant hearts of many amazing godly women there would be no church today. In contrast, without the risk, adventurous, and sometimes generally stupid spirit of men the church doesn’t have much of a future. Few churches operate in a man-friendly attitude and method. The vast majority of service roles in churches are orientated to women. We need to remind the church of the wild-eyed wonder of serving and following Christ. There is a great challenge in the gospel that truly needs men to fulfill it. In over 80% of the situations where the adult male in a family accepts Christ, the entire family does the same. That number drops significantly with any other family member. Most men want to leave religion to their wives. Churches keep letting them. It needs to stop.

3. In your opinion, what is the key to developing relationships with your membership?

I had to read this about 5 times to make sure it really asks what it asks. How could a minister not have relationships with his memberships? But it happens everyday. How sad. I guess I would say this: 1) Have a great assistant who can do all the office stuff for you so you are free to be available to people. 2) Be available to people. That seems simple, but it works. 3) Make your family priority in being available. I have a hard time with #3.

4. Southern Baptists are involved in the “Everyone Can, I’m It” evangelism campaign. What does your church do to emphasis outreach and baptism?

In my opinion, outreach presents the greatest opportunity our church has for growth. We are developing a cohesive strategy that leads a person from evangelism to discipleship to continued evangelism.

5. What is your greatest passion?

To be honest, this is a tough question for me. After a number of failed ventures in the ministry I am a bit gun-shy. But ultimately my passion is seeing people experience Christ and His mercy and grace like I have. I feel a lot like Bono in the Leadership Summit interview. I am really trusting in God’s grace because without it I’m screwed! Can I say that? Oh well. God interceded in my life in a major way. Severely depressed by 7th grade, suicidal through 8th and freshman, and attempting my sophomore year, I am here only by God’s grace and miracle. Few people really seek and experience the abundant spiritual life. We are too busy setting the rules to truly seek after God and His heart. I suppose that is truly my passion, helping people see and experience the abundant spiritual life.

6. There are many new trends in the area of church growth. What is one trend that has caused you concern and one trend that has caused you great excitement?

Actually, the emergent church movement would be my answer to both. I am totally stoked and excited over the growth and continued impact these churches have. I am all for pitching a lot of things we do in church and doing things that are relevant to culture. I will be honest also that I don’t feel I necessarily know everything there is to know about this movement. My fear comes when I see an emergent group moving from being culturally relevant to culturally influenced. These are two different things. I believe it important to be all things to all people and a person can be in the world, but not of the world.

7. You are also in charge of the recreation ministry of the church. How can churches use recreation to reach out to lost people? What are some things that are you trying to accomplish in your church over the next year so that my readers can be praying for you?

We are in process of converting our family life center to a full wellness and fitness center for the community. Think community rec. center on steroids. We are seeking to offer classes on time, stress, health management, computer skills, parenting classes, nutritional classes, cooking, dieting, and much more. Essentially we are trying to practically meet the needs of the people of our community so that we can share the love of Christ with them. They listen better if they think you really care about them. It’s funny how that works. We will also be offering numerous sports leagues and chances to be active. Our mission for this center is to provide the tools for whole life transformation. We want to promote the whole health of the individual. That is physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I would ask that the readers pray specifically for the opening of the center and the impact we can have for the Kingdom. I truly see this as the greatest connection point our church will have with the community and the greatest place of service for our members. I am truly excited for what God is going to do with this. It is so much more than just a place to play basketball and hang out. It will have full workout facilities, walking track, life skills classes, exercise classes, and the works. Besides this, I would treasure prayers for our men’s ministry. They need challenge, adventure, and risk. God has it all. Thank you for the chance to share some of my heart.

Rev. Brian Hatcher is the Minister of Wellness and Discipleship at North Richland Hills Baptist Church near Fort Worth, TX.

An Injection of Testosterone

Recently, Floyd Landis was celebrated as the winner of the Tour de France. That was until his drug tests turned up positive for excessive amounts of testosterone in his body. The interesting thing about testosterone in a man's body is that it speeds up recovery time, it makes it more efficient, and enhances performance overall. For instance, it helps a person recover from an 8 minute deficit on a bike. If we, as church ministers and members, were honest with ourselves we would realize that we aren't just 8 minutes behind, we are about 30. This is primarily in North American churches. We are far enough behind that we can't even see the spandexed backsides of the churches from other countries out in front of us. And we just keep getting farther behind. The stark reality of the North American church is twofold - without women it would of died long ago, without men it will die in a generation. It doesn't need male domination, nor female domination. What we need is an injection of testosterone into the church.

Why have men left the church?
Over the past century, or so, there has been an increased feminization of the church. The church got sissified. I am not sure that is a word, but it works well. The early 20th century experienced a great influx of women into churches looking for men to marry. They were tired of their men spending time at the local bar, which formed the hub of most town life. They used the church as their platform to "clean up" their man's act. Hence, prohibition and the like became mainstays of church polity. Over the next 75 years or so, church became more and more geared towards women. And rightfully so, women formed the backbone of the church. Church lost its mystery and danger. It became relationally driven, and emotionally sensitive. It became about sharing and caring with one another. You know, the stuff that makes men want to throw up in the bushes. Men have ceased being challenged by the church. Not challenge in a confrontational way, but challenged in the sense of adventure way. I will be honest, if there is a risk of losing some sort of appendage off my body I am all in. Let's do it. I am not in if it involves sitting in an uncomfortable chair talking about my feelings. Think of what most of our Sunday School classes are programmed like. Because of this increased femininity of the church,men have been running away for years. So, how do we get them back? The answer is not swinging to the other side of the spectrum and creating a male dominated church. That doesn't work either. There must be a healthy balance of the two within the church. Here are some ideas:

* More construction/building orientated mission trips
* Father/son recreational trips i.e. fishing, hunting
* Stop using the words: "How does that make you feel?"; "intimate personal relationship with God"; "nurture"; and other touchy feely words from the pulpit
* Start talking about the challenge of following Christ, the adventure of following Christ, and the wild-eyed wonderment of God.
* Shorter sermons, or sermons broken up with interactive material and videos.

Now, these are only a few. What are your ideas?

Seven Questions with Dr. B. Carlisle Driggers

1. What is your greatest passion?

Leading a significant group of believers to organize themselves so as to introduce Jesus to the world in keeping with Acts 1:8.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

Pastors must focus on the kingdom of God over and beyond their own church or themselves.

3. What are some church trends that you see that cause you concern? What are some church trends that cause you excitement?

Concern – so much money being spent on large expensive buildings.

Excitement – movement towards “simple churches”

4. What where some factors that lead you into denominational work?

Clearly the leadership of God and the opportunity to influence Southern Baptists to focus on Kingdom Growth.

5. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

Wrap your heart and mind around the Kingdom of God on this earth.

6. In a day and time where there seems to be so little leadership in the church, what has been the secret to your success as a leader?

Always seeking to provide servant leadership.

7. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

Helping the South Carolina Baptist Convention to be as spiritually prepared for the coming years as possible by staying committed to Kingdom advancement.

Dr. Driggers is the Executive Director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Introducing Professor X

I have been blogging for almost two years. A couple of months ago I got serious about my blog by making it a learning center for believers. I have no desire to be political; I want to be practical on how we as Christians can live for Christ and reach the world. Former SBC President, Bobby Welch was right in suggesting at the Convention that blogging takes a lot of time.

After seeing several other blogs that are managed by groups of people, I started praying for someone who could partner with me in this blogging adventure. While I was at the Willow Creek Association’s Leadership Summit, I ran into a good friend from college and seminary. He is currently serving on staff at a large church in Fort Worth, Texas. While we talked, I asked if he was into blogging. He said he wanted to start his own blog. I proposed the idea of him partnering with me to manage, The Christian Resource Center. He has accepted and very soon you will be seeing articles written by him.

He goes by the name, Professor X. Professor X is one of the smartest, most practical, and ministry minded people I know. I may not agree with him on everything he believes about everything, but I know I can trust him and you will enjoy everything he writes. So to make it official, I welcome Professor X to The Christian Resource Center.

"Seven Questions with Antonio Brasseau"

1. What were some of the key issues that lead you to serve with the International Mission Board?

Well, this question may only partly apply to me. I am a missionary of For Thee One Ministries and a Southern Baptist. I have a project number with the IMB and work along with an IMB missionary family. So, maybe read better for me, why work with the IMB? I think the IMB is the greatest sending body there is. For many I see it as a great option so that they have a salary and do not live on self-raised support. It’s a big organization and it is easy to find experienced missionaries who have been there and done that and can provide good counsel on what may work or what may not. This experience is what tops many other organizations and makes better missionaries. The IMB has a solid strategy, where in this many other organizations are very shaky.

2. What is your greatest passion?

My passion is living the Great Commission. It’s not just seeing people saved but its teaching them about Jesus.

3. What is the most amazing thing that has happened to you while serving as a missionary?

We worked a project in North Mexico. It had rained cats and dogs all week. Sunday was the last day of the project. On the way to church, we were going to have to park our vans and walk to church. The locals said there would be no way to pass and we would have to trail through the mud. Amazingly, God dried the road all the way into the church. All around roads were full of water and mud, but not the one to the church.

4. What is one thing you would want every Southern Baptist to know about your ministry?

We need you in every aspect. We need you to pray, go, and support. We could not do it without you.

5. What has been the biggest culture change that you have experienced since leaving the States?

Waiting. If it starts at six, it is really sevenish.

6. What are two or three things that you hope to accomplish in the next year?

Plant a church (also, currently in the process of starting an English church). I also hope to see a fire in the hearts of those I work with here to reach the lost and disciple believers.

7. Are there some prayer needs that we could begin lifting up in prayer?

Pray that we will stay focused on Christ. Pray for the hearts of those that we minister to and that they will open their hearts to the Gospel.

Antonio Brasseau is a missionary in Mexico working with For Thee One and the IMB. For more information on Antonio, please visit Living on Mission.

"The Stress Of The Altar Call"

There I am preaching what God has laid on my heart to say and I can tell as I look at people's faces that God is speaking to them. I come to the end of my sermon and I transition into the Altar Call. I call people to faith in Christ. I call people to rededicate their lives by committing themselves to the message I just preached. I call them to church membership and faithfulness. I call them to be baptized. I call them to vocational ministry. I lead them in a commitment prayer and right after I say, "Amen", I have everyone stand to their feet and start singing a "song of commitment". I invite our people to come forward as an example that they have made a commitment. Most of the time, no one comes forward.

I would imagine that is the experience of most Baptist preachers on Sunday mornings. Personally, I'm tired of it. Don't get me wrong, I believe with all my heart that I should call people to make a response. Every pastor preaches for responses. If you are like me, the Altar Call is the least fruitful and most frustrating time of the service. So I want to ask some questions that I hope my readers will answer. Is there only one style of giving an Altar Call? What is the Purpose of an Altar Call? How does your church do an Altar Call?

For additional reading check out Rick Warren's Toolbox on the subject of "Why there are no Altar Calls at the end of a Saddleback Service."

"Seven Questions with Dr. Gus Suarez"

1. What is your greatest passion?

My passion is to see people come to know the Lord Jesus and to see new healthy reproducible congregations started.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

The shift in culture demands that the local church look at impacting community. Two factors that are shifting our culture are:
(a) the increase ethnic diversity.
(b) the growing generational gap.
I think that church leaders must capture a fresh vision from God. Culture is not our enemy! We, as Southern Baptist leaders, must model for our churches how to be missionaries in our own backyards.

3. What are some church trends that you see that cause you concern? What are some church trends that cause you excitement?

I love change! Let me answer the last part of the question first. I get excited to see a new generation of leaders in Southern Baptist life that are looking around their mission field and asking the right kinds of questions such as: who is here? How can I best reach this type of people? What is the very best methodology to impact this community? I get concern when one tries to duplicate someone else methodology in my area of ministry. That may or may not work in my area.

4. Why where some factors that lead you into denominational work?

You know, I never had a goal to work in a state convention. As a matter of fact, I had no understanding of anything other than the local church. I believe then and still do today that the local church is key to all that we do. I was just faithful in doing what God called me to do as a pastor and church planter. He opened the doors for me to serve among language people as well as other areas of ministry in both Maryland and New Mexico. Today, I serve Him as Executive Director for the Northwest Baptist Convention.

5. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

Stay close to God. Do not ever put your eyes on the circumstances of life but keep your eyes on the Lord. Bathe everything you do in prayer.

6. In a day and time where there seems to be so little leadership in the church, what has been the secret to your success as a leader?

I have made it a practice throughout my ministry to read and study about different styles of leadership. I believe that one ministers out of who he/she is. Therefore I cannot copy the leadership style of someone else. Instead I need to understand principles and adapt those principles to who I am.

7. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

You can pray that Northwest Baptists will capture the vision God gave me to:
a. start healthy reproducible congregations.
b. develop evangelistic methodologies to impact the diverse cultures of the Northwest.
c. develop healthy leaders
d. mobilize the people of God
e. provide contextual leadership training

If there are some reading this blog who would feel impressed to partner with churches in the Northwest to start new congregations or to help us reach the cities (Seattle, Portland and Spokanne) please call me. Our convention sits in the midst of the “No church Belt” that runs from California to Canada

Dr. Gus Suarez is the Executive Director for the Northwest Baptist Convention.

"Seven Questions with Jeff Dunson"

1. What were some of the key issues that lead you to serve with the International Mission Board?

During seminary at Columbia International University, we were planning on serving as ISC missionaries with the board when we finished my degree, and then returning to the continental U.S. to be better at pastoring for the experience. We thought that after 2-3 years of short-term service that we would get the missions bug out of our system. During this time, we served a one-year internship “suffering” for Jesus in the state of Hawaii in a Baptist church of another denomination. God spoke to us and told us that he wanted us to give our lives to missions. We returned with a conviction that the Southern Baptists were more strategic in their practice of missions than other agencies that we had seen. We had no doubt that God wanted us to apply with the IMB and to serve Him where he put us within the board.

2. What is your greatest passion?

I would say that I have a dual passion. The first is to see Brazilians become disciples of Christ. I am firmly convinced that the best way to bring this about is to plant as many dynamic new churches as possible. My second passion is to train others to plant churches and to evangelize. By doing this, I can multiply my ministry many times over, and see many more churches planted and more Brazilian believers.

3. What is one barrier that you are experiencing in your ministry at this time?

Because of health needs, we moved from Northeast Brazil to extreme Southern Brazil last year. As such, we have had to retool and fit into a very different ministry role. This has been both a challenge and a blessing!

4. What is one thing you would want every Southern Baptist to know about your ministry?

THE PRAYERS OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF WHAT HAPPENS ON THE GROUND HERE IN RIO GRANDE DO SUL BRAZIL. WE ABSOLUTELY NEED YOUR SPECIFIC, TARGETED PRAYERS! Every member of our family has an internet blog to keep folks back home informed on ministry and family needs here in Brazil. My blog (which links to everybody else’s) is: "M is for Mud Guy".

5. What has been the biggest culture change that you have experienced since leaving the States?

Nobody here speaks English, and we didn’t speak Portuguese when we arrived on the field six years ago.

6. There has been a lot of blogging about pressure from the IMB towards missionaries to produce converts. Do you feel pressure from the IMB? What type of ministries are you doing to reach people and start churches?

I can honestly say that we have never experienced pressure from the IMB to produce converts. That being said, I must say that I often feel tremendous pressure to do so – but it comes from myself. I am fully capable of getting overly stressed out about ministry results without any outside help! Just a few days ago, God had to remind me – again – that the ministry does not belong to me, and that my self-worth cannot be based on results, but only on my relationship to Him.

We are planting a church in the city of São Leopoldo. We hope that this church will become both a model and a mother church for a flood of new churches. I am also teaching a decentralized leadership training course to a group of students that I hope will become church planters. I recently concluded teaching two groups of church planting students in the Baptist Seminary.

7. What are two or three things that you hope to accomplish in the next year and are there some prayer needs that we could begin lifting up in prayer?

We would like to see the church plant in the Vila Baum neighborhood in São Leopoldo firmly established and on its own, as well as seeing it reaching out to plant several new churches in the next year. I would like to start a church planting institute to teach laypeople to start new churches and give them the skills to pastor and lead those churches. We would also like to see a new excitement for church planting spread among our Baptist partners.

In closing, just let me say that we love serving as missionaries of the IMB. It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of this organization and this family. There is no place we would rather be, and nothing we would rather be doing than serving God and Southern Baptists here in Brazil. Thank you to everyone who contributes to our ministry through your prayers and your finances. Just a reminder – check out my blog at "M is for Mud Guy" to know how to pray for us.

Jeff and his wife Cam are IMB-SBC Missionaries to South Brazil. Jeff's blog is "M is for Mud Guy" and his wife Cam's blog is "M is for Mommy".

"Seven Questions with Dr. Jim Richards"

1. What is your greatest passion?

Since Jesus saved me at 17 years, He has been my passion. Pleasing Jesus on a daily basis is my desire. I have failed Him many times but He has never failed me.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

A strong focus on church planting and evangelism is the greatest need in SBC life. The IMB has been consistent with a strategy. We need that type of strategy in North America. Starting churches that are committed to reaching the lost and reproducing while supporting the SBC giving method will impact Kingdom growth more than anything I can think of.

3. What type of relationship does the state convention have with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary? Why should someone who feels called to ministry think about attending seminary?

a. The SBTC is a full partner with SWBTS. Southwestern is supported through the Cooperative Program. The SBTC sends on 53% of all CP operating dollars to the SBC. The seminaries receive about 23% of SBC allocation. SBTC has a scholarship fund for Hispanic Ph.D. students helping to raise more leaders for the next generation.

b. I was told as a young preacher that you can cut more wood with a sharp ax. While you might be able to get to the woods quicker if you don’t sharpen the ax, you will eventually be overtaken by someone with a sharp ax. Preparation for ministry is important.

4. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

Find your strength in a personal walk with Jesus and stay close to your family. God’s work may take different forms but your personal spiritual development is where His power begins. Every pastor’s wife needs her husband to be her friend, lover, and co-laborer not just her pastor. The children need a dad. Remember the church or ministry is always secondary to those two priorities.

5. As an Executive Director of a state convention, in your opinion, what are some ways a pastor can lead his church to become more evangelistic?

Leadership by example is the best. Being a personal soul-winner is absolutely essential. A church will never rise above the pastor. Use both proven and innovative methods to reach people. Be intentional. Churches do not grow by conversion without a plan. Get a plan (from God) and work the plan.

6. What is one trend in Southern Baptist churches that has given you reason for concern? What is one trend in Southern Baptist churches that has given you reason for excitement?

“Younger leaders” is the answer for both of these.

a. Cooperation on a large scale is loosing ground. Getting and keeping a “big” partnership for missions and ministry is in jeopardy. Unfortunately, some do not see the value in the Cooperative Program.

b. Many of the newer churches have a true desire to make a difference in their areas for reaching people with the Gospel. I see commitment, fervency, and sincerity in many who are beginning in ministry. On a visit to a “20- something” church, I experienced the preaching, singing and ministry. If that is an indicator of the future, I believe Kingdom work will be fine.

7. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

An important opportunity is before us. We are told that 75-85% of SBC churches are plateaued or declining. We can turn this around. Under God, we must turn this around. A plan is being formulated to help these churches reverse this trend. It can happen. Pray that God will give us insight and resources to make a difference in the thousands of churches that need to be vibrant again.


Dr. Jim Richards is the Executive Director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Please visit the SBTC's Blog

"Seven Questions with Dr. Henry Blackaby"

1. In a day where there seems to be little vision and leadership in the local church, what has been the key to your success as a leader?

1. Staying thoroughly in the Scriptures – for all things

2. Teaching—teaching—teaching!!!

3. A shepherds servant heart and life.

2. Current statistics show that pastors have a hard time of managing their time and therefore their devotional time suffers. Please share your method or habit of daily devotional time.

1. Time along with God – is priority #1, nothing interferes!

3. In your opinion, what is the key to a pastor developing relationships with their membership?

1. Do it! In their homes—in their workplaces

2. Keep a shepherd’s heart, not a CEO lifestyle.

4. Southern Baptists are involved in the “Everyone Can, I’m It” evangelism campaign. While serving as a pastor how would your church emphasis outreach and baptism

1. Evangelism is a spontaneous byproduct of discipleship

5. What is your greatest passion?

1. Christ!

-Col. 1:27, "God wanted to make known to those among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

-Col 2:2-10, "I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God's mystery--Christ. In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the strength of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. For in Him the entire fullness of God's nature dwells bodily, and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority."

-Col 3:1ff, "So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God."

6. If you could tell a person beginning a new pastorate one key to a successful ministry, what would that be?

1. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

2. Love God’s people as He does.

7. Many churches struggle because there is unresolved conflict in the church. What has been your method of maintaining peace or dealing with conflict?

The members’walk with God will determine their walk with one another.

-Gal. 6:2, "Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

-1 Cor. 12:12-31, "For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body--so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. So the body is not one part but many. If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body. So the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor again the head to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation. But our presentable parts have no need of clothing. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret? But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way."

-1 Cor. 1:1-9, "Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and our brother Sosthenes: To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord--theirs and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus, that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge--as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Scripture is from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Dr. Henry Blackaby is the co-author of, "Experiencing God". Dr. Henry T. Blackaby is the founder and president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries International, an organization built to help people experience God. For more information on Dr. Blackaby visit his website or his daily devotional

"Seven Questions with Pastor Dave Samples"

1. In a day where there seems to be little vision and leadership in the local church, what has been the key to your success as a leader?

I think that there are perhaps many keys to success--the greatest of which would be God's hand of blessing. I happen to be in the right place at the right time. I believe strongly that the most important thing that any of us can do is to passionately pursue our own personal relationship with God. Everything else flows from that relationship. Scripture says that God lifts up and God brings down. The second key to success would be in understanding God's vision for the church. I've found that I don't think as big as God does. We need less “long-range vision” and more “God-sized vision”. We need less committees and more prayer teams. Everything that we do at Cornerstone is filtered through God's vision for the church as revealed in Scripture. We want to be an Acts 2 church that penetrates the lostness of our community and our world. Our challenge is to realize that Acts 2 is the “baby” church. We should be far exceeding their effectiveness today--some 2000 years later. A third key would be our ability to release God's leaders to lead. I read a lot of John Maxwell and conquently, I understand the need to give my ministry away to others. We have a stream-lined organization that allows leaders to be empowered and resourced to do what they are called to do.

2. Current statistics show that pastors have a hard time of managing their time and therefore their devotional time suffers. Please share your method or habit of daily devotional time.

I have a couple of processes that guide me every day. First of all, I devote about an hour early every morning to prayer and meditation. I have a plan that has me practicing twelve different aspects of prayer. I began with Dick Eastman's, The Hour That Changes the World and have tweaked his plan for prayer over the years. I use The One Year Bible (New Living Translation) for Scripture reading. I keep a journal in which I dialogue with what I'm reading in the Scripture. I ask these questions: “Does God give me a command? Does God give me a promise? Does God reveal something about Himself?” I force myself to apply the text to my life through the journal. I don't want to know more facts—I want to know God! A second process involves a handful of beads that I carry in my pocket throughut the day. Each bead represents a different aspect of prayer (praise, petition, intercession, etc). As often as I think of it, I will pull a bead out of my pocket and practice that particular manner of prayer. I got the idea when I was reading "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence.

3. In your opinion, what is the key to developing relationships with your membership?

This is a tough question for me because I often fail. In smaller churches I worked hard at writing notes and making calls. I always tried to be available and to be personable in all that I did. My church is a little bigger now and I can't quite get it done. I depend more on my Deacons to pastor our existing families and I devote my time to guests and newcomers. I'm outside before and after each of our three services greeting and shaking hands. I tell a lot of personal stories (struggles and successes) in my messages. I am inviting my church to interact with me in my blog. We are considering adding a weekday service that will feature the Sunday sermon in a teaching format with lots of time for questions and discussion.

4. Southern Baptists are involved in the “Everyone Can, I’m It” evangelism campaign. What does your church do to emphasis outreach and baptism?

Now here is where I might be just a little bit radical. I believe that evangelism is a supernatural byproduct of a healthy church. If our worship is right—if our fellowship is right—if our discipleship is right—if our service is right—then people will get saved! I emphasize relational evangelism. My challenge to the church is for every attender to personally bring one person to Christ each year. We share the Gospel often in everything that we do—but we don't do FAITH or any of the other programmed approaches to evangelism. In the six years that I've been at Cornerstone, we've seen 92 people baptized—69% of which are adults! For comparison—our current worship attendance is around 300.

5. What is your greatest passion?

I am passionate to see people grow in their walk with Christ. I am passionate to see God accomplish the miraculous. I love to hear the stories of life-change. This past Sunday we baptized a young man who has recently come out of a drug-addiction lifestyle. He came to Christ when one of our members invited him to come stay with him since he had no where else to go. One of my favorite stories is the story of Linda, a Catholic who lives in the subdivision behind our church building. Our worship center has no air-conditioning and we open up all of the windows and doors during the Summer. Linda showed up one warm Summer Sunday and responded to the Gospel invitation when if was offered. She said that she had been sitting out on her porch every Sunday morning for months listening to the church singing. Finally she couldn't stand it any more and had to come over and find out what we were so happy about! She gave her life to Christ, was baptized and has been here ever since. Additionally, there are many others who worship with us because of Linda's personal invitation.

6. If you could tell a person beginning a new pastorate one key to a successful ministry, what would that be?

First—develop loving relationships. Second—authoritative preaching (demonstrate to the people that you have been in the presence of God throughout the week). Third—Do what you do well—find someone else to do the other things. Be yourself! Fourth—visionary leadership—Hear from God and Dream Big!

7. Your church has been experiencing unsual growth for a SBC church. What do you believe are the key factors for the growth?

I don't think that I can answer this succinctly if I try to reveal methods. Let me just say that Cornerstone is made up of humble, gracious, generous, loving, serving, patient, people who spend time alone with God. God honors that which honors Him!

Pastor Dave Samples serves as Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Windsor, Colorado. For more information visit their church website or visit his blog.

"Sometimes We Forget"

Sometimes we forget about our missionaries and the danger they serve in everyday. They need our prayer support and our financial support. It is good when a church and a missionary become partners in reaching a people group. One of our SBC missionaries goes by the name "Mr. T". He has a blog and he has answered my, "Seven Questions". On a recent post he shares about some of the persecution Christians are facing. To read the article visit, On-Mission.

"Seven Questions with Dr. Emil Turner"

1. What is your greatest passion?

My greatest passion is seeing people saved. Since my early days as a Campus Crusade for Christ staff member, I have been motivated by leading people to Christ, and facilitating churches in reaching lost people.

2. In your opinion what is the main thing that must happen in the SBC to build momentum for Kingdom growth over the next 5 years.

I think the SBC must move beyond the limitations imposed on us by individualism. Corporately we will start more churches, reach more lost people, and penetrate more godless cultures (both at home and internationally). We should not believe our individual churches are able to reach the world without other Southern Baptist brothers and sisters being involved. It is both arrogant and inefficient. We will reach more when we reach them together.

3. What type of relationship does the state convention have with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary? Why should someone who feels called to ministry think about attending seminary?

All state conventions have the same relationship with all the seminaries. State conventions promote and raise the Cooperative Program dollars that fund the seminaries. The seminaries then train those whom God calls to ministry. Specifically, The Arkansas Baptist State Convention has had a long and fraternal relationship with SWBTS.

When someone tells me that he or she feels that God is leading toward ministry, I tell that person to go to a seminary where the Bible is taught as inerrant, where evangelism is a priority, and where controversy and politics will not be distracting.


4. If you could give one word of encouragement to every Baptist minister what would it be?

Learn to build and maintain relationships. Ministry is based on relationships. Most problems in churches are relational problems. Biblical relationships lead to healthy churches and growing churches.

5. As an Executive Director of a state convention, in your opinion, what are some ways a pastor can lead his church to become more evangelistic?

A pastor must lead by setting the example, training others to do Biblical evangelism, and by creating an evangelistic environment in his church.

6. What is one trend in Southern Baptist churches that has given you reason for concern? What is one trend in Southern Baptist churches that has given you reason for excitement?

My concern: More and more Southern Baptist leaders and church members have mistaken criticism and conflict for holiness. This keeps us from reaching a lost world. The holiest people I know are more critical of themselves than of anyone else. This penchant for conflict keeps us from being effective in reaching the lost people in our communities.

The most exciting trend I see is the willingness of younger adults to be both innovative and sacrificial in their attempts to reach lost people. I believe that in ten to twenty years, these men and women will have positioned as a Biblically compassionate denomination that reaps a great harvest of souls.


7. Over the next year what are some things you hope to accomplish and how can my readers and I be praying for you?

Over the next year, my prayer is that the Arkansas Baptist State Convention grows in its level of responsiveness to our churches, and that we become the primary partner of Arkansas Baptist churches in their efforts to reach the world.


Dr. Emil Turner is the Executive Director for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. For more information visit the their website.

"Time For A Laugh"

Sometimes in ministry you just need to laugh. A friend showed this to me and I laughed hard. I hope you laugh and enjoy. Plus, I'm glad my wife is a better driver than these ladies.



"Top Ten Women Drivers of the Year"
10th Place Goes To:


9th Place Goes To:


8th Place Goes To:


7th Place Goes To:


6th Place Goes To:


5th Place Goes To:


4th Place Goes To:


3rd Place Goes To:


2nd Place Goes To:


1st Place Goes To:

"Seven Questions with Pastor Ben Arment"

1. In a day where there seems to be little vision and leadership in the local church, what has been the key to your success as a leader?


The key for me has been building a team of gifted leaders around me. While leadership is a strong spiritual gift for me, I struggle to shepherd and counsel people. The great news is I’ve got several godly men in our church who round-out my shortcomings. It’s all about team, which is all about humility.

2. Current statistics show that pastors have a hard time of managing their time and therefore their devotional time suffers. Please share your method or habit of daily devotional time.

Any struggle I had with prayer has been resolved by taking long, daily walks away from the distractions of my office. I limit my computer time to the hours between 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon everyday. Outside of this window, I rarely check e-mail, blog, or even do sermon prep on a computer (I refused a laptop). The temptation to waste time on the Internet is too great for me.

3. You and your wife planted History Church. When and how did God plant the vision for church planting in your heart?

This vision was born out of my frustration with the church’s ineffectiveness at reaching unbelievers. Six years ago, I was on staff at a large Southern Baptist Church in Virginia Beach and realized that I would have to create a “new wineskin” in order to reach people unlike us. I liken this experience to Nehemiah’s, as he served King Artaxerxes with a burden for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. My heart ached for the opportunity to plant a new church.

4. What were some of the risks you had to be willing to take to plant History Church and would you give some examples of how God provided?

I was 28 and rather naïve when we started History Church, so the risks weren’t as great as they would be now that I have children. But we took a big step of faith in trying to plant a church in a “parachute drop approach” (that is, not knowing a single person in our target area). God brought two “persons of peace” who connected us with their network of friends. It was a ready made launch team for a new church. Even to this day, I can trace most of the relational connections in our church back to these two individuals, who have since moved out of the area.

5. What is your greatest passion?

My greatest passion is making disciples who can make disciples of Jesus Christ in the context of the local church. Church planting is the natural embodiment of this process.

6. If you could tell a person beginning a new pastorate one key to a successful ministry, what would that be?

My realm is church planting, so I would advise any would-be church planter to invite a mentor into his life, an experienced pastor who can provide feedback on his ideas. My biggest mistake early-on was carrying out my plans without running them through a filter of experience and wisdom. Most church planters are idealistic and head-strong by their very nature, but if they can muster some teachability early-on, they’ll avoid making costly mistakes.

7. What are some things that you hope to accomplish over the next year and how can my readers be praying for you?

Our church is considering the prospect of starting a second church campus beginning in the fall of 2007. We have always wanted to plant other churches, but realize that the most effective way to do this might be through a multi-site approach. This way, we can build on the name recognition of our church, our resources, and our people… without starting from scratch. Thank you for your prayers!

Ben Arment, is pastor at History Church which he and his wife planted four years ago. For more information visit his blog at History in the Making.

"A Touch of Grace"

Romans 6: 14: “For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace.”


If you are like me, you find yourself being very critical of other people and especially critical of the things they do. “Life would be much simpler if I didn’t have to deal with people.” “Why can’t more people be like me or even like Christ?” “That Sunday School teacher, that pastor, or that seminary professor is horrible.” All of these are statements that I have made at one time or another and maybe they are statements that you have made as well.

I am guilty of being critical of other people because I had forgotten the bases of being a Christian. The bases of being a Christian is GRACE. God’s grace is the source of everything we have. I can never say that I was smart enough, handsome enough, rich enough, or good enough to earn anything that I have. Everything I have and everything you have is a result of God’s grace.

I have also been guilty of holding people to a standard that I didn’t hold myself too. Matter of fact, the things that frustrated me the most about other people where things I did myself. When I did something wrong I wanted grace, but I was unwilling to show that same grace to others.

Finally, I was guilty of still living under the law. I expected people to be perfect. I expect people to earn their salvation. Earn God’s blessing. Earn my love. Then I realized I was looking at people through the eyes of the law and no one measures up according to the law. God wanted me to see people through the eyes of grace. Grace gives people what they don’t deserve. Grace meets people where they are and loves them in spite of what they do. Grace realizes that people are human and only God can transform our humanness. I have realized that I am the chief among sinners. When people mess up, and all will, they are only sinning like I have done a hundred times over. When I sin, I want grace. So God is showing me that instead of holding Christians up to the law, to left up Christians through grace. Have you realized that God wants you to show grace as well?

We learn from Christ, “Where much is given, much is required.” I can’t tell you how much grace God has shown me by saving me and continuing to save me. But what ever the amount is, God expects grace from me. God expects grace from us who believe. We don’t live under the law, but under grace. We have what people need. I encourage you to stop being critical, to stop slamming people that mess up, and show them a little grace. I believe with a touch of grace our lives will be much more enjoyable and much more fruitful.