I admit the topic of this blogpost might not quickly grab your attention – but I challenge you to keep reading. The world needs us to have this discussion. In fact, our basic Christian obedience is at stake if we ignore this topic.
An older pastor once told me that at Christmas, the Christian and secular cultures sync to embrace the joy of the season. But I have also learned another factor has power to bring these communities together and even open gospel doors—tragedy.
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Recently our church completed a renovation project of our sanctuary and surrounding education space. This portion of our campus had not been updated for more than 30 years. It was a huge endeavor. The whole process, from the planning stage to completion, took the better part of a year.
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Early in my first pastorate, I was advised to avoid favoritism by treating all my church members exactly the same. It took me several years to root this ministry myth out of my system.
Today marks the 18th anniversary of the passing of my pastor, Dr. Adrian Rogers. As a seminary student at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and church member at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., under Dr. Adrian Rogers, I had the privilege of being in the presence of a remarkable man of faith and wisdom, one of the 20th Century's great leaders and preachers. His life was a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated servant of God. In my time with and around him, I learned invaluable lessons that continue to shape my Christian life and ministry.
This month, many churches will take time to show their appreciation to their pastor for his love and ministry over the past year. Some churches will take up a love offering for their pastor. Many will put a basket in the vestibule for members to place cards with kind sentiments they want to share with their pastor. A few churches may even have a dinner or a reception — a nice time to get together to express their feelings for their pastor.
Pastor and columnist Brad Whitt shares five tips for anyone who is new to an area and looking for a church home.
Columnist and parent Brad Whitt says he, like other parents, often is tempted to give his young children a toy instead of his time. Yet time is the most meaningful -- and the most expensive.
With October being pastor appreciation month, columnist and pastor Brad Whitt list his top 10 gifts churches members can give their pastor -- with prayer at No. 1.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary first was published on April 4 at the blog of Brad Whitt, pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, S.C., and immediate past president of the South Carolina Pastors’ Conference. SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (BP)–When “Young, Southern Baptist … And Irrelevant?” was first published in the Baptist Courier [South Carolina state paper] in […]
