Category: Leadership

16 Breakthroughs in 16 Years

4/17/2021

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College Graduation Recognition at First Baptist Church, Moreland, Georgia in December 2007

Baptism Service in the Flint River at Sprewell Bluff State Park in Upson County, Georgia in May 2009

Broadway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky's Staff in December 2016

Today is my 16 year anniversary as serving as pastor - the past 16 years, I've only once missed two consecutive Sundays being at either First Baptist Church in Moreland, Georgia or Broadway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The two consecutive Sundays was our adoption trip to China in July 2014 to bring Esther home.

Every year provides new breakthroughs in pastoral ministry. Here's what I've learned in 16 years (no order of importance):

1). Change must be embraced. Only the Word of God doesn't change. People, technology, ministries, and possibilities - they're always changing. Yesterday isn't returning. Don't begin a sentence with, "We've always done it."

2). Conservatism kills churches. Not theological conservatism, rather playing it safe with ministry. The day you pull back, begin to take it easy, let off the gas - is the day you begin to die. Outreach, evangelism, missions, worship - must be the DNA of every Christian and church. Churches always need to be in a growth mode.

3). How you respond (or don't respond) to criticism is actually more important than the criticism. There's usually a grain of truth in all criticism - you must be able to differentiate truth from attack. Use criticism as a learning opportunity.

4). Friends and connections are everything. Unconnected people drop out of church - if you're connected to God, connected to a group of friends, and connected to a place of service - your worship experience will skyrocket. Having someone to sit with determines whether someone worships online or in-person.

5). Fasting is the secret to spiritual growth. If you want to draw close to God, walk around hungry all the time - every time you think you're starving, you'll remember your hunger's for God.

6). Worship is an experience with God. Folks want to walk away from a worship service having felt they encountered God. An experience with God can be felt.

7). Middle school ministry might be the most overlooked area of church life. Parents of 6th to 8th graders want a strong group for their preteens and young teenagers. If a church doesn't make this age group a priority, families will look at other churches that do.

8). Senior adult ministry is the most stable and most supportive area of church. I've learned senior adults are very open to change as long as you communicate the change in advance. People do not like surprises - I utilize a weekly email on Friday afternoons to accomplish this.

9). Pastors could become viewed a public health emergencies. I fear pastors who preach biblical truth will be viewed as harmful, hateful and intolerant. Pastoral censorship can't be ignored.

10). Learn to notice who's not there. If someone's missing 3-5 consecutive Sundays, something's usually wrong.

11). Monthly meetings wear people out. If you're meeting every 4-5 weeks - two things start to happen: folks begin looking for reasons to miss the meeting, and you run out of things to talk about - which can lead to gossip.

12). Your discipline on the front end determines if you're playing catch-up on the back-end. The decisions and spiritual disciplines in your 20s and 30s shape who you are in your 40s and 50s. Decades of spiritual neglect and prayerlessness have an ongoing impact on someone's spiritual life.

13). Local culture is waning. Teenagers in San Diego and teenagers in South Alabama both watch YouTube, Netflix, and post pictures on Instagram - the internet is erasing local context.

14). Churches must help answer these questions, "What's my place?" "Who am I?" "How do I find myself in this world?" - these are the questions a hyper individualistic America are asking. Pastors should keep this in mind when preaching.

15). You notice what you're looking for. This is from the perspective of guests and church attenders. People can discover anything they want from a church.

16). Fear is contagious. A church must be governed by faith, not fear. The attitude of, "We're broke, everyone's leaving, soon we'll close our doors" - isn't healthy and doesn't encourage new folks to belong to something exciting. People want to be on a winning team.

Related Posts:
15 Truths in 15 Years
11 Truths in 11 Years
10 Discoveries in 10 Years
9 Truths in 9 Years

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A New Normal for Pastors?

6/30/2020

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I'm writing this at the halfway point in 2020 - a year a change. Today, a record 48,000+ new cases of COVID-19 were announced in the U.S. In many ways, now is the worst time so-far of the pandemic.

In 15+ years of pastoring, this is the most unusual time. You've heard the phrase, "New Normal" - there is a likelihood of a "New Normal" for churches moving forward amidst COVID.

First, online worship will continue to thrive. If a vaccine for COVID is discovered tomorrow, many folks have become so accustomed to online worship - they'll continue using that option. They've also realized online worship allows them more time. Pastors must become accustomed to preaching for a camera, accustomed to empty pews (see above).

Second, masks are here to stay. Until there's a vaccine, many Americans, including those attending "in person" worship - will wear and expect others to wear a mask. I believe fighting against wearing masks is a losing battle - it's not a moral issue. It displays love for neighbor.

Third, churches should start thinking missions as local. This Friday, our church was supposed to bring 40+ people on a mission trip to Vermont. COVID postponed the trip. Instead of Vermont in July, we'll be collecting and delivering food throughout Lexington. Local missions is an urgent need - churches need to raise their hand to go and become community-centered.

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15 Truths in 15 Years

4/17/2020

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Today is 15 consecutive years as a pastor. Two churches, 15 years. I'm typing this in one of the most unique seasons - COVID-19 has created nationwide stay-at-home orders. I've become an internet preacher. The online audience is now the primary audience. This year's top 15 are in light of the coronavirus.

Here are 15 truths I believe:

1). Pastoral care continues to be important. Social media serves as an online commercial - folks still appreciate a call, email or text.

2). Online audience is just as important as the physical audience. You're speaking to those watching at home and in the pew.

3). The days of "packed in like sardines" could be over. For the next year or so, folks likely will want to sit one pew away from another worshiper. Months of social distancing will have a lasting impact.

4). Pastors are content creators. Whether it's a sermon, blog post, Facebook story, Instagram picture, or teaching handout - I'm constantly creating content.

5). TV, movies, sports, stock market, politics, video games = total waste of time. I love sports, but have realized I can live without watching Major League Baseball in April. I'll never forget when Andy Stanley was asked about how he had time to write a book. He answered, "I write them while you're watching TV."

6). Globalism is impacting the local church. Laws and events that occur in Europe and Asia, eventually impact people in Lexington, Kentucky. For example, our mission trip to Vermont this summer has been postponed because of the coronavirus. I never would have imagined in January or February, our trip in July wouldn't occur because of a virus that broke out in Wuhan, China.

7). Local missions excites people. Christians love serving their communities. Partnerships with schools, social services, sports teams, and immigrant communities - are all opportunities to meet needs and share the Gospel.

8). It could be July until churches are permitted to meet again. The reopening of the economy will likely come in stages, with churches being opened last.

9). The church's mission is not to create worship services for the lost. The presence of God is what folks find attractive.

10). Shorter becomes better. Alot of folks aren't going to listen to a 45-minute sermon on their laptop or phone. There are likely more distractions while trying to worship at home.

11). Event ministries could struggle - at least for a year or so. People will think twice about getting on a bus, sleeping in bunk beds at camp, and going out to dinner in large groups. The attractional model of church ministry, might not be as attractive.

12). Folks will find comfort in the old hymns of the Christian faith. During times of uncertainty, "How Great Thou Art," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Blessed Assurance," and "It Is Well with My Soul" will be songs believers desire to sing.

13). Community is king. What keeps people attached to a local church are relationships. One of the ways our church is creating community - during the month of April, everyone's reading one chapter of Proverbs a day.

14). Online giving is the new offering plate. The 2020 usher doesn't pass a plate, he shares a link online to give.

15). Spiritual disciplines need to be preached and taught as priority. Bible reading, fasting and prayer - believers have more time to grow in these disciplines. Alot of believers are going to emerge stronger from this quarantine.

Related Posts

15 Truths from 15 Years of Marriage
11 Truths in 11 Years
Ten Discoveries in Ten Years
9 Truths in 9 Years

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Atypical Pastor’s Wife? (from Sherri)

1/15/2020

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God called me into the ministry when I was 18 years old, with bright starry eyes of traveling the world to tell the unreached about the Gospel. Fast forward 7 years, I met my husband to be, who was in seminary studying to be a pastor. Never would I have dreamed of being a preacher’s wife, but obviously this is what God had planned for me when He touched my heart and led me into the ministry.

I come from a Godly home, but it was certainly not perfect, is there such a home? As I started out in college I went down the path many young people travel. Church attendance drops and God is substituted with worldly ventures. One day I woke up in a cloud of depression with God pulling me towards Himself. As Christians, God will allow us free will, but there are always consequences. For me, I became debilitated with depression until I chose to walk in God’s ordained path for my life.

If you know me, I love hard, have a loud mouth, and often don’t sensor my thoughts. I am silly, stubborn and get anxious when events don’t go the way I imagined. I seek approval of others and want everyone around me to be happy. I often get told that I am not a typical pastor’s wife. But what does that mean? I would venture to say that there is no such thing as a typical pastor’s wife. We are all called to serve the Lord and the church. God knows our faults, our sins, our struggles, we are all sinners that God has selected to use to spread the Gospel on earth. What a daunting honor.

With all my imperfections how can I serve our amazing, living God in such a way that will glorify Him? I do my best with God’s strength. I try to share the joy I feel from the Lord in a genuine way. Do people read my intentions wrong? Do I come across as insincere? I honestly don’t know. I struggle with my self worth and my ability. Yet God constantly brings people across my path to share His love and encourage them in their walk with Christ.

I am not a perfect example of anything. But are any of us really? Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And because of this mercy the Lord tells us to, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

I would venture to say that I am more like the regular church attender than others realize. God has just happened to call our family into a leadership role. My children whine, fight, complain, and I grumble. Some mornings, I am so tired I could absolutely sleep through church. I worry about what other church members think about me and if I am even an effective tool of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1-3 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

My friends, “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 9:37-38 Don’t let fear, discouragement or lack of self-confidence influence your ability to speak truth into other’s lives. Be the preacher’s wife in someone else’s life. An imperfect, saved by grace (flamboyant) person who wants others to know about Jesus’ saving love. Be bold in your faith and see how God will use your gifts and abilities that are unique to yourself. Do not let Satan discredit your effectiveness but claim Christ in victory.

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3 Pastor's Principles at VBS

6/30/2018

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Monday Night's Closing Ceremony of Shipwrecked VBS

Eight days ago, Broadway concluded their annual summertime VBS. Pastors and staff members should always attend VBS, even if it's something as simple as greeting people. Your presence speaks to VBS being a priority. VBS is a unique event for churches - it accomplishes three purposes: an outreach to the community, an opportunity for church attenders to serve, and a theme-based way of presenting the Gospel. When its all said and done - VBS is about telling children about Jesus. Ministers need to be committed to advancing the Kingdom - here are 3 pastor's principles I've discovered working at VBS:

1). Pastors must take the lead with promotion. Your church has spent thousands of dollars, and hours of time in preparation - you want a great number of children to show up. A low crowd creates a sense of disappointment - classes need to be full, you want to run out of food, always having to make more copies because of a greater than expected attendance. The crowd creates the atmosphere and excitement.

This year Broadway had a VBS booth at Lexington Christian Academy, purchased yard signs, Facebook & Instagram ads, and distributed fliers at 19 Fayette County elementary schools. Pastors must be promoters.

2). Pastors need to be visible. Opening and closing ceremony, dinner, and registration - where the crowds are, you need to be there. Do not hide in your office or get trapped in side room conversations. Meet parents, get to know children - make the most of welcoming children to your church - roll out the red carpet.

3). Pastors need to celebrate the exciting week. Children should be thanked for inviting their friends, workers should be honored for their service - the offering is a blessing to others, especially since children gave it. A church can conclude with a special baptism service for decisions made, a family night, or have the children sing VBS songs on a Sunday morning. Follow-up with the children - connecting them to other ministries in the church. VBS should be prayed over, promoted and celebrated. Make this week the most-exciting week of the summer for the church.

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11 Truths in 11 Years

4/30/2016

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Teaching Children's Sermon in October 2006

This month was my 11 year anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church of Moreland, Georgia. 11 years ago I was the youngest pastor in Coweta County, now I have the 3rd longest tenure of pastors in the Western Baptist Association. Every April I give you golden truths from the trenches.

1). Pastors are measured by numbers. It's wrong, but it happens. Only three numbers matter: Bodies, Budget, and Buildings. Baptisms used to be included, but no more. How many people attend your church? How much money do you have coming in? How big are your buildings? All three of these are interconnected. God, though, has a completely different standard for measuring pastors.

2). Pastors are most criticized for not visiting. Pastoral care is one of the greatest strengths the church has to offer – it separates a church from an organization.

3). The hardest thing within a church to accomplish is to create an effective disciplemaking process. It’s easier for me to raise money than make disciples. Jesus, though, wants disciples.

4). Trying to be “Cool” always backfires. Nobody thinks preachers are cool.

5). Nothing is worth getting angry about. James 1:19-20 warns us about anger. Problems only get worse when people become angry.

6). People will come to church if you invite them. This principle works. The easiest and quickest way to grow a church or Sunday School class – get the folks to invite their friends.

7). Pastors must walk a fine line with politics. Some church members love discussing politics and others despise it. Encourage everyone to vote biblical values.

8). Have someone commit to praying for you and your ministry. I have a former pastor in Stockbridge, Georgia who prays weekly for me and our church. We mail him a bulletin so he can pray specifically for every event and ministry – he knows more about what’s going on at our church than most members.

9). Never be alone with minors. If they accuse you of anything, you immediately go to jail.

10). Preach on the hard topics. Alcohol, remarriage, divorce, homosexuality, pornography – the folks in the pews are wondering what the Bible says about the most controversial issues.

11). It’s better to overdress than underdress. There’s a reason for the phrase, “Sunday Best.”

Related Posts:
Ten Discoveries in Ten Years
9 Truths in 9 Years

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The Four Quarters of a Career

9/30/2015

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This evening after church, I encouraged someone to get started with his career. He was wasting time in his 20s, when he should be laying the foundation for his career.

When someone thinks about their career, they can break it down into four quarters - just like football. The typical pastor would finish undergraduate school when he's 22 years old and then graduate with his M.Div. three years after that - making him 25 when he begins to serve in a church. For me it was 26 years old because I remained in New Orleans for a second master's. A 40 year career is something a young pastor should strive for - this means I should retire when I'm 66.

Here are the four quarters of a 40 year career:

1st Quarter - The first 10 years are the hardest. You fumble the ball. You throw interceptions. You miss a tackle and the other team scores. You're a rookie going through growing pains. It's important that you learn from your mistakes and keep getting up when you've been knocked down.

2nd Quarter - Years 10-20 is when you begin to score. You should be past the rookie mistakes that used to plague you. People begin to take notice that you're still in the game. I'm in the second quarter.

3rd Quarter - You take the lead. Years 20-30 you can score nearly every time the quarterback throws the ball to you. This is your prime - you can read defenses and force an offense to punt. You've built trust and others want to play on your team.

4th Quarter - You begin letting the second string take some snaps. Years 30-40 are when you're 55-65 years old - you know the game will soon end and you've gained a big lead, played in the Pro Bowl, and won a championship. The fourth quarter is probably the next-to-hardest quarter because the "retirement" decision eventually has to be made. Sometimes the front office makes it for you.

Overtime - You have unfinished work. You're 65+ years old with 40+ years experience. You want to finish with a win - overtime games can be most exciting!

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The 4 Southern Baptists Presidential Candidates + BONUS

8/30/2015

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22 people have declared they're running for president in 2016. 17 Republicans and 5 Democrats. Of these 22 candidates, 4 of them are Southern Baptists. I'm a devoted Southern Baptists, so we need to get to know these 4 men.

Throughout our nation's history, there's been two Southern Baptist presidents: Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Warren Harding and Harry Truman were Northern Baptists. Most presidents have been Episcopalian.

Lindsey Graham

A Senator from South Carolina and is a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina.

Mike Huckabee

The former governor of Arkansas and the former youngest-ever president of the Arkansas Baptist Convention. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He's pastored two Southern Baptist Churches: Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Rick Perry

The former governor of Texas grew up alternating between a Methodist and Southern Baptist church in Paint Creek, Texas. He now attends Lake Hills Church (Southern Baptist) in Austin, Texas. Last year, he was baptized by Lake Hills' pastor in Little Rocky Creek near Independence, Texas. It was the same creek Sam Houston, the Republic of Texas' president was baptized in in 1854.

Ted Cruz

The Senator from Texas is a member of First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. His father, Rafael Cruz, is a Pentecostal pastor of Purifying Fire Ministries in Carrollton, Texas. Cruz launched his campaign at Liberty University.

Scott Walker

Scott Walker's father was an American Baptist pastor - now Walker is a member of Meadowbrook Church, a non-denominational church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin - he serves as a deacon and usher. The Governor of Wisconsin left the American Baptist Convention when the church he was attending placed a homosexual rainbow flag on the church's sign.

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Ten Discoveries in Ten Years

4/17/2015

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Daniel, Jr.'s Baby Dedication - Sunday September 18, 2005

Ten years ago today was my first Sunday as pastor at First Baptist Church, Moreland, Georgia. I was the youngest pastor in the county (26 years old) - moved to Moreland in a horse trailer from inner-city New Orleans (see picture below) 11 months married and 8 months pregnant. I was in seminary working at a jewelry store while Sherri was a claims adjuster for Progressive Insurance. We taught two-year-old Sunday School at First Baptist Church, New Orleans, Louisiana.

10 years, 4 children (one via China) and 3 degrees (one was Sherri's) later - here's what I've discovered about pastoral ministry:

1). You must teach people to love God's Word. Church attenders love programs, events, ministries, being involved, serving - all of these are good - but I've learned: you can only know God through His Word. Many times church leaders try to give something they don't have.

2). People stay at a church because of their friends. If people are connected to close friends in a small-group setting such as Sunday School - hook-line-and-sinker you've got them. When someone leaves the church - I look at their circle of friends (or lack of). You should attend church with your closest friends - you'll have a better experience, I promise.

3). Unprepared meetings become detrimental. My first two years at the church I actually attended every single committee meeting (we had 10 committees). Now I only attend deacon and staff meetings. If there's no agenda or goals for a meeting, they end up becoming gripe or gossip sessions. Preparation is a pastor's friend.

4). Building ministry teams is the best way to grow a church. If your class, ministry or event is led, organized and taught by you alone - it will not become larger than 20 or 30 people. My Doctor of Ministry faculty chair at Southeastern Seminary, Dr. Charles Harvey, told me in April 2013, "Dan, if you want FBC Moreland to go to the next level, it will be through ministry teams." The solo approach to leading a ministry and teaching a class - keeps a church small.

5). Boringness kills churches. A stagnant and declining church (or class, ministry or meeting) will almost always be boring. Anticipation, excitement, passion, and vibrancy attracts people. Most ministers will struggle with this: he's a nice guy, but he's...kinda boring. No one wants to attend an average church.

6). Invite the best guest preachers possible. One thing pastors are instructed to do is to "equip the saints" (Ephesians 4:12 ESV). I've found one way to accomplish this is to invite the best preachers possible to preach at FBCM. Next month for Harvest Sunday - Evangelist Junior Hill will be preaching. Revivals and special services are some of the best services of the year.

7). If you can't raise money, you'll struggle in ministry. Everything we do at church costs something. When offerings are up, it actually affects the mood of the congregation. I believe God has blessed FBCM because the church tithes. Every dollar we receive, we've already given away 11% (10% to the Cooperative Program and 1% to the Western Baptist Association). A church shouldn't ask members to tithe, if it isn't tithing.

8). When a church steps out on faith, it usually means it will spend money. Faith and finances tend to be synonymous. Church attenders and givers become frustrated if a church is too conservative with their finances. The other extreme is debt - it handcuffs ministry.

9). Visitors visit the church's website first - if they connect to others while at church they'll turn into members. The majority of our first-time guests will have visited our church's website before they set foot in the building. People want to know three things about a church before they visit: what time does it start, what's the address, and are the people similar to me. The last one is most important.

10). Most people who begin the journey with you, won't finish the journey with you. The average American changes churches seven times in their lifetime. The average adult church member will change churches every eight years. Church leaders have to learn to be thankful for the years of service a church member gave - even if they left for another place.

Related Posts:

9 Truths in 9 Years
5 Lessons Learned in 10 Years of Marriage
FBCM's Master Plan

Teaching children's sermon - March 19, 2006

"God's Vision - our Future" with Ike Reighard at the Moreland Mill - May 19, 2006

The boys first win in the annual VBS penny war - June 2007

Our first Upward Flag Football team, the "Crimson Tide" - Fall 2007

Elizabeth's first Trunk or Treat 2007

We moved to Moreland from "The Gentilly" in New Orleans on April 10, 2005

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FBCM's Master Plan

12/16/2014

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The Master Plan

Last month, we presented our Master Plan. A 4-phase, 29,470 square foot, 3.4 million dollar plan to address our church's facility needs. Our architect, Kip Oldham, did a tremendous job designing and presenting the plan. I remember back in June walking around the church campus with Kip, and him telling me how nice our 114-year old sanctuary is, but also how it hinders growth. Every Sunday and Wednesday FBCM meets in a sanctuary that broke ground in 1898 and we moved in 1900. We began using our sanctuary when electricity and indoor plumbing were "modern" in buildings. Since 1900, thousands of people have been saved and baptized and hundreds of thousands have heard the Gospel preached at the white church in Moreland.

Here are three reasons why FBCM needs a Master Plan:

1). We worship in the 21st century with a 19th century building. Handicap accessibility, restrooms, technology, distractions during the service and safety are issues in 2014. In 1900, our church was the most prominent and largest building south of Newnan - the members were proud of their church.

2). We owe this to our children and grandchildren. If our facility is falling-apart and not user-friendly - how do we know the next generation will worship in a traditional Baptist church (such as FBCM)? The purpose of any church building is to accommodate growth, not hinder it. We build new buildings so our great-grandchildren will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus. We want to be established another 114 years reaching our neighborhood and the nations for the Lord.

3). A building project is a spiritual journey. Members are challenged to give and it's exciting to see how God will use us. People in our community will notice when the ground is broken and new walls start rising. Moreland will see we're a faith-based church. The Master Plan will increase our prayer lives and dependance upon God.

Always ask yourself, "Why are we doing this?" To reach more people, including future generations for Christ.

Join Sherri and I by praying for our Master Plan, praying for our Strategic Planning Committee, and praying God will provide!

View from Highway 29

Phase One - new multi-purpose building and classrooms

Phase Three - new youth building and classrooms (Phase Two is the renovation of our existing sanctuary and fellowship hall)

Phase Four - new 400 seat sanctuary and classrooms

FBCM's Future Church Campus

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9 Truths in 9 Years

4/17/2014

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Children's Sermon on Palm Sunday 2014

Today's my 9 year anniversary at First Baptist Moreland. Sherri and I moved to Moreland, Georgia 8 months pregnant in a horse trailer from "The Gentilly" apartments in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was finishing up seminary, working at Lee Michael's Fine Jewelry and Sherri worked at Progressive Insurance. We'd been married 11 months and back then I was the 26 year-old youngest pastor in our Western Baptist Association. My predecessor, Jerry Eley, had retired after serving 14 years as FBC Moreland's pastor.

Sherri and I had always served in large churches. Coming to a small-town traditional committee-led church was a change. Here's what I've learned in 9 years:

1. Church Ministry is Hard Work. Just because you're a leader or planning an event, doesn't mean anyone will attend. You have to go out and shake the bushes in order for people to attend church. Jesus said, "Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in" (Luke 14:23 NIV). Your church/class will not grow without evangelism, missions and outreach. You must do the "dirty work" of calling, messaging, emailing, visiting, texting, mailing postcards, and picking people up in order to have a crowd at a church function. You can't take people for granted and assume they'll come. I was in the Wal-Mart automotive department earlier this week with a flat tire inviting the service technician to Saturday's Easter Egg Hunt. Churches and Sunday School classes don't "just grow" - God blesses the witnessing worker.

2. Busy Isn't Always Better. Church programs do not grow a church. I used to believe if we did more events and more programs we'd have more people. Instead you'd have more tired people. People come and stay involved in church because of relationships. Busyness doesn't equal spiritual maturity.

3. Money Matters. It's expensive to operate an active church. I used to be embarrassed to preach on money. Now with joy and pride I tell everyone to give to the Lord. If Sherri and I can tithe, so can you. It's a honor and privilege to put money in the offering plate - an act of worship. The best investment a believer can make is giving to the advancement of the Kingdom. Good/bad offerings will set the tone for ministry events/meetings. I discovered when offerings are down it's the pastor's fault. People give to vision.

4. Inadequate Facilities will Hurt a Church. I would love to start new Sunday School classes, but...they'd have to meet in the kitchen or the playground. People will not come to your church because of the buildings, but the lack of pews and classrooms will create a plateau. Debt on a new building should be kept to a minimum - you don't want to trade ministry for mortar. "If you build it, they will come" is a lie - people will come if you invite them (see truth 1).

5. Churches Must Change. In 2005 FBCM didn't have a website. We developed a website and everyone used it to view the calendar, look at pictures, and see the weekly schedule of what's going on. Now no one views our website. 10 times more people view our church's Facebook page than our website. People and programs come and go. What worked in 2005 might not be effective in 2014. Every event, ministry, and program should receive a yearly evaluation. You must evolve to stay relevant. Leaders must educate themselves on new trends and be willing to take risks. The key to change is communication. You can change almost anything if you let people know way in advance.

6. Personal Relationships are Priority. When church attenders no longer have friends at church they quit attending or go somewhere else. I try to speak to every person I can on Sundays and Wednesdays. When I greet others, I say their name. Visitors must initially connect with a staff member and then make friends with people similar to them. You want people to take ownership of their church. They want to be proud to call you their pastor and proud of being a church member. A critical spirit lowers morale.

7. The Importance of Social Media. In September 2011 I asked for someone's email and they told me they no longer use email and only text and Facebook. That evening I joined Facebook. People at church expect you to read their tweets and posts. They'll make prayer requests and announcements on their wall - its your responsibility to read it. Social media has become the primary method of communication.

8. An Increasingly Closed Society. Gated driveways. Gated neighborhoods. Personal contact isn't as valued. People would rather connect through social media (see truth 7). People are more time conscious than ever. A year ago one of the UnEvolved Praise Band members described my office as the "black hole." You stop by to tell me one thing and you get stuck for one hour. I changed after hearing that.

9. A Whatever It Takes Attitude. To serve Christ you must serve others. Whether I'm preaching on Sundays, moving chairs in the fellowship hall, refereeing Upward soccer, teaching Sunday School at the last minute or vacuuming after VBS - you must be willing to do anything. Helping with set-up and clean-up is one of the best ways to display a servant's heart.

Our July 2005 Brochure

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FBC Moreland's Vision for 2014

2/11/2014

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This past Sunday at First Baptist Church of Moreland, Georgia we had a church council meeting and a couple of Sundays ago I shared, "The State of the Church Address" (watch below). I wanted to highlight the direction and goals of 2014. One of my most important responsibilities is communicating the vision of where we're going. First Baptist Moreland intends to create the "Connect Experience" and take steps towards a new building.

Connect to God

New Wednesday Night Student Worship Service – began last Wednesday.

Sanctuary Choir Easter Performance – Palm Sunday April 13 (always in the past it's been on Easter Sunday)

Connect to Others

Sunday School leadership training through the Georgia Baptist Convention. Every class begins using LifeWay's Bible Studies for Life. Churchwide Sunday School campaign begins April 13

Our men attend The Main Event in Nashville, Tennessee – LifeWay’s Conference for Men August 1-2

Connect to Missions

Witnessing Workshop through the Georgia Baptist Convention

Our first international mission trip to Matamoros, Mexico on July 20-26

Monthly Men’s Ministry – Saturday breakfasts & ministry projects (we haven't been meeting the past two years - we began last month)

Food Ministry to The Home Lodge – monthly giving away food at an extended stay motel off exit 41 on Sunday afternoons - we begin February 23

Impact - the Baptist Mobile Health Ministry is coming September 3-6 - Impact is a mission trip to our community

New Building

Our strategic planning committee will present a master plan and new building plans by May 18

We're praying to break ground on the new building by the end of 2014

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The Goal of the Christian Life

9/2/2013

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I've met too many Christians with no spiritual goals. No direction. No purpose. No vision. No mission. No plan. They're living from day-to-day. Sunday-to-Sunday. Event-to-event. God has a plan and purpose for people who love Him (Jeremiah 29:11).

I believe the Bible is clear regarding the goal of the Christian life (Philippians 3:10). The word "goal" is used 7 times in Scripture. Since setting goals are biblical, why do so many believers have none?

Here are three goals of the Christian life:

1. Salvation. It is God's will and desire that all people are saved (Acts 17:30). The first goal is salvation and baptism. This first goal is where many lost people and believers get stuck. Lost people are never saved and some believers are saved, but never grow.

2. Discipleship. God wants His people to grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). Growth is hard, mundane and boring. Daily crucifying yourself with Christ. The grind is where disciples develop. You should know God, know the Bible, and know how to be obedient to the Lord's prompting as you grow as a disciple.

3. Reproducible. Who are you investing it? Who do you make time for? The Great Commission is centered on reproducible disciplemaking (Matthew 28:19). Our sinful nature leads us to selfishness than reproducibility. God's people multiply.

The productive and effective Christian is the goal-setting Christian.

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Can a Divorced Man Serve as Deacon?

5/9/2013

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1 Timothy 3:12 states, "Deacons must be husbands of one wife." Does this one verse disqualify a man to serve as deacon in his church?

Here's what the Southern Baptist Convention says on the issue:
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3. Can a divorced person serve as a pastor (or deacon) in an SBC church?
4. Can a divorced pastor conduct baptisms or serve the Lord's Supper in an SBC church? Once again, because of the autonomous nature of SBC churches, there is no policy within the Convention that addresses these matters. Each church directs its own affairs apart from outside intervention, deciding for itself how to deal with such matters.

Some Southern Baptist churches have called pastors or elected deacons who had been divorced, but there is no way of knowing how many have done so. There are Southern Baptist churches that would not base their decision on the issue of divorce. Others would want to know if the divorce fell within the parameters of what some refer to as a "biblically allowed" divorce. Still other Southern Baptist churches view 1 Timothy 3:2 as barring any divorced man from pastoral or deacon ministry. Again, there is no way for us to know the actual numbers, but there likely is a significant number of churches representing each view. Most churches probably fall into either of the last two categories.
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The last two categories are the "exception clauses to divorce" and "no divorced deacons." You can read my article regarding the biblical exceptions to divorce and remarriage.

Other considerations on this issue is if a man is saved after his divorce. Colossians 2:13 states upon salvation, we're made alive with Christ and forgiven of our past.

Another view is how a man has lived decades after his divorce. If someone had a quick marriage and divorce at a young age, and now has been faithfully married for 30+ years - this is a different scenario than someone experiencing divorce last year. This view is promoted in a well-written article from Southern Baptist leader Joe McKeever. You can read it here.

What do I believe? Mark 10:9 states not to get divorced, but Matthew 5:32 offers the exception of "sexual immorality." If a man's divorce falls within one of the two biblical exceptions, he should not be disqualified to serve as a deacon. Remember, though, if the divorced man gets remarried, he becomes disqualified (Luke 16:18). Only death releases someone from marriage (Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39). Scripture does not allow remarriage after divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 19:9). Divorce isn't what disqualifies most deacons, it's remarriage.

Here's a summary of the four major views of whether a divorced man is allowed to serve as deacon:

1). Not allowed - divorce disqualifies.
2). Allowed if divorce occurred before conversion to Christ.
3). Allowed if man has been faithfully married many years to current wife.
4). Allowed if divorce fell within biblical exceptions - and not remarried. (What I believe)

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4 Tips When Visiting a Hospital

1/16/2013

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Do you frequently visit friends at the hospital? Most people appreciate friends from work and church stopping by when they're sick or having surgery. There are several guidelines you need to follow when visiting - you always want to leave with the patient thinking, "I'm glad he stopped by."

Here are 4 tips when visiting friends at the hospital:

1). You can get sick or you'll get the patient sick. The flu and staph infection are hospital friendly - using hand sanitizer before entering and leaving should be a law. Children and elderly people should avoid visiting friends at the hospital - there's no better place to become sick.

2). Knock on the door and wait. Do not walk right in your friend's room. Patients wear hospital gowns and could be receiving a bath or using the restroom. You want to respect their privacy - let them tell you when to enter the room.

3). Don't stay longer than 10-15 minutes. Your friend is sick and needs rest. A couple of years ago someone griped to me about a church friend who stayed nearly 3 hours talking away. The patient said it was nice he stopped by, but he needed rest and it was exhausting listening to him. The purpose of your visit is to show you care. Your friend probably isn't going to remember what you said, rather that you stopped by.

4). If the doctor comes in, you need to leave. Your friend shouldn't have to ask you to step into the hall to respect her privacy - you should take the initiative. Remember, you're the unexpected visitor - privacy and rest are priorities for patients and you want to respect them.

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16 Breakthroughs in 16 Years

A New Normal for Pastors?

15 Truths in 15 Years

Atypical Pastor’s Wife? (from Sherri)

3 Pastor's Principles at VBS

11 Truths in 11 Years

The Four Quarters of a Career

The 4 Southern Baptists Presidential Candidates + BONUS

Ten Discoveries in Ten Years

FBCM's Master Plan

9 Truths in 9 Years

FBC Moreland's Vision for 2014

The Goal of the Christian Life

Can a Divorced Man Serve as Deacon?

4 Tips When Visiting a Hospital

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