First Person

No church expects this. It would be hard for me to believe that a church that truly seeks the Lord would even welcome this. But unfortunately, sometimes pastors pass away while actively serving a congregation.

On July 4, 2025, a storm surged in Kerrville, Texas, sweeping multitudes away in horrific flood waters and turning a peaceful city into ground zero for one of Texas’ biggest tragedies. More than 100 people were killed in Kerr County, with widespread destruction to homes and businesses in the area. 

When I think about what happens when Southern Baptists pray, give and go together, I am reminded that the Gospel can advance farther than any single church could accomplish alone.

I’ve pastored churches in Kentucky, Florida and Tennessee, and I remain a Cooperative Program cheerleader. We are better together.

So much of what passes for Christianity here on this earth is far from it in the eyes of God. It may sound harsh to point out the obvious, but isn’t warning those in danger really the most loving thing to do?

God intends for his people to make disciples of every nation including our own. His command to make disciples was not just for his first century disciples. It is for all his disciples, including you and me!  

Resolutions are an important asset for communicating complex and important issues to SBC churches, coalition partners and the government.

To love the Lord means to be devoted to Him, and to Him alone, with the totality of your being – heart, soul, and strength. This kind of love shapes and reshapes our schedules, our spending habits, our daily rhythms, our worldviews and our choices.

Robert Sloan has left a legacy as a bold and articulate champion of distinctive Christ-centered higher education, touching numerous individuals, institutions, and organizations in this country and around the world.

As we celebrate this semiquincentennial, may we be reminded that we are the receivers, not givers of our liberties.