Category: Ministry

422 Miles North

12/28/2016

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Broadway Baptist Church in the snow!

Introducing everyone on December 11

Placing an ornament on the church's Christmas tree

Our new home in Lexington!

Earlier this month on Sunday December 11, Broadway Baptist Church in Lexington voted to call me as their new pastor. Tomorrow we move 422 miles north up I-75. Sherri and I have only lived in three cities: Vestavia Hills, Alabama (hometown), New Orleans, Louisiana (seminary), Moreland, Georgia (First Baptist Church), and now Lexington, Kentucky.

We moved to Moreland 8 months pregnant in a horse trailer. We leave with 4 children and 11,000 lbs. of "stuff."

We're excited about the future, yet sad about leaving friends behind. First Baptist Moreland is an outstanding, Bible-believing, established 187 year-old church in south Coweta County. Many folks for nearly 12 years have been saved, baptized, and disciples made. I'll never forget the Fall Revivals of 2010 (with Gerald Harris) and 2013 (with Bailey Smith) - there was a line to get saved - a 15 minute invitation - we sang "Just As I Am" 19 times...

God's going to bring a great pastor to First Baptist Moreland who will take the church to a new level - whether in Moreland or Lexington - God is always advancing His church forward!

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The Meaning of Advent Candles

11/29/2016

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"Hanging of the Green" Service

An Advent Wreath and Candles

Last Sunday evening was First Baptist Moreland's annual "Hanging of the Green" service. We explained the meaning of advent and the candles on the wreath. Many times Baptists don't celebrate advent and have never learned the meaning behind the four candles around the wreath.

Advent is a four week period before Christmas. The advent wreath is a teaching tool used to prepare for Christ's coming. It's an evergreen wreath with four candles around it and one candle in the center. Here's the meaning of each candle:

Sunday November 27 - Light the purple candle - symbolizing hope.
Sunday December 4 - Light the purple candle - symbolizing preparation.
Sunday December 11 - Light the pink candle - symbolizing joy.
Sunday December 18 - Light the purple candle - symbolizing love.

Sunday December 25 - Light the Christ candle - the white candle in the center of the wreath.

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The Volunteer Church

2/28/2015

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I read articles and stories all the time about church staff, how to hire staff, how to keep staff, how to lead staff, and how to equip staff.

The truth is, most of the people church staff are working with are volunteers. Small-group leaders, deacons, trustees, band members, Awana leaders, Upward leaders - they're all unpaid volunteers. Churches are mostly structures of volunteers.

We've all heard the false statement: "You have to run a church like a business." What separates a church from a business is volunteers. Do you go volunteer at your local Wal-Mart? Yes, businesses and churches must receive income, manage their money and maintain a budget.

Churches can function and even grow with an army of volunteers. Here are three things I've learned from volunteers:

1). Volunteers do not like set-up, clean-up. They expect the church staff or custodial staff to prepare for/clean-up after them. If they're giving you 1-2 hours of their time, they don't want to vacuum the floor or take out the trash. A volunteer wants to arrive, serve and leave. Prior/post organization encourages more volunteerism.

2). If a volunteer becomes excited about something and wants to do something new in the church, encourage them. As long as the new ministry fits with the plan and purpose of the church, the volunteer should be equipped and prepared for the job. I've discovered when someone is excited about something - they'll put more time, effort and their own finances to see it succeed.

3). Volunteers thrive in structure. Remember, a volunteer doesn't attend the weekly church staff meetings, nor do they know who works under who. They do want to know when they have a question or an issue, whom should they speak with. When a volunteer wants or needs something, the staff should see to it that their need is met. Bureaucracy makes volunteers want to quit.

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6 Tips for a Terrific Trunk or Treat

10/9/2013

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Later this month (Friday October 25) First Baptist Moreland hosts Trunk or Treat. We began this in 2005 and it's grown into our largest event of the year. Over 1,000+ children will come Trick or Treating from the trunks of cars and trucks. It's a fun and safe environment for children to experience Halloween.

If you or your church is planning a Trunk or Treat - here are 6 terrific tips to have the best experience:

1. The number of trunks is most important. FBC Moreland has 75+ trunks - we want children leaving saying, "Wow, look at all the candy!" The number of trunks is the measurement most parents will use to determine if the event was successful.

2. Promote Jesus and other ministries at the church. Have trunks passing out Gospel tracts and fliers for other ministries (along with candy). One year we had a lady passing out toothbrushes along with candy!

3. Don't allow the children to grab the candy. You need to place the candy in children's bags, otherwise little hands will see how much candy they can grab. After 30 minutes, you'll need a refill.

4. Have people refilling trunks that are running low on candy. If your trunk runs out of candy, don't close your trunk and drive away. FBC Moreland buys $300+ worth of candy and asks for candy donations to refill the trunks that are out.

5. Children should carry a card around getting checked off after every trunk they visit. A few years ago - we had children making laps like it was the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Every trunk is numbered, when children arrive they receive a numbered card, once a child receives candy at trunk #1 - they receive a check on their card.

6. Bring a chair. If you're hosting a trunk, you'll be standing up for 2 straight hours.

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Afraid, Fearful, Scared & Worried - The Culture We Minister To

8/23/2013

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Last Sunday Wayne Jenkins, the associational missionary of the Western Baptist Association in Newnan, preached First Baptist Church of Moreland's Homecoming. Wayne talked about the people we minister to today. In 2008, our country experienced a recession - income, jobs and real estate vanished. Wayne talked about how the recession changed everyone. Job security, stocks, and hope for a bright financial future dried up. All of a sudden there's a pessimistic attitude about future success. Teenagers and college students don't plan to become millionaires.

How do Christians minister to an afraid, fearful, scared and worried generation? Believers are able to distinguish themselves during fearful times. Our strength and hope in the Lord sets us apart. Praying with and for people whom are struggling - helping the man who received a pink slip last week, he now needs a reference this week - and encouraging the college grad with a mountain of debt and no job prospects. We offer Christ to everyone down and out from the recession.

The afraid wife for her husband's job - Christ gives peace.

The fearful teen with crushed dreams - Christ restores hope.

The scared banker who studies interest rates - Christ provides a future.

The worried worker who watching the company cut back - Christ is victorious.

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3 Tips to Deal with Nosy Rosie's

6/26/2013

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I was recently reading a blog post about church ministry and came to the comments at the end. As I was reading the comments, a lady began bashing her music minister's family. She shared she was at Moe's Southwest Grill eating dinner and her minister of music and his family walked in. They ordered their food, sat down and began eating. She began to bash him and his family for not saying a blessing. She didn't see them bowing their heads before they ate. She then asked, "What kind of example does that set?"

This woman was watching her music minister in a critical manner and then bashed him on the internet - portraying herself as the "righteous" one who prays at dinner in public.

If you work with people, you'll encounter Nosy Rosie's. They're at schools, in the office, in the pews and online. Here are three tips to help you deal with your snoopy "friends:"

1. Privacy ended with the internet and smartphone. Everything you type is cached with Google. Every American now carries a camera and video camera in their pocket at all times.

2. Social media has made every American a news reporter. If someone runs out of things to talk about themselves, they'll begin talking about you.

3. Acknowledge them in the act. If you know someone is eavesdropping on your conversation, turn and ask them what they think. If someone is reading your text messages over your shoulder, ask them how they'd respond to the text.

The Bible warns us about gossips and busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13) - be prepared how you'll respond to the next Nosy Rosie.

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5 Things to Know About Leading Sports Ministry

3/4/2013

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Tomorrow begins First Baptist Moreland's 6th season offering Upward Soccer. Last fall was our 6th season of Upward Flag Football & Cheerleading. Upward Sports is the largest Christian Sports Ministry - over 2,600 churches partner with Upward. It began in a basketball gym at First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina - set-off by a message from Johnny Hunt to Caz McCazlin about the importance of reaching one more.

I've coached nearly every season, sometimes two teams per season. It's time consuming, but worth it. Here are 5 facts I've learned from 6 years of Sports Ministry:

1). Sports Ministry requires alot of time. If you're looking for something quick and easy, running a football league isn't it.

2). Sports Ministry can be self-sustaining. Sell concessions, sell pictures (you should receive 20% of all sales), and ask for sponsors. People will give for little Johnny to play soccer and learn about Jesus.

3). People like to register and pay all online. The days of evaluations, try-outs, and waiting in a registration line are over. We began using online registration with Blue Sombrero our 3rd season and now the majority of our registrations are online. We meet the player at the first practice.

4). You need an updated Sports Ministry Facebook page. Remember, most parents in your league are in the under/around 40 crowd, which means they're all on Facebook. Post game-day pictures, schedules, and promote the players and coaches on the page. The key is to keep it updated. If your page is boring info updated from last summer - then parents are going to believe your league is boring and outdated. Here's our page.

5). The secret to success are the coaches. Bottom line: good coach = fun experience for the child = they'll return next season. Even if you have sub-par facilities, if your coaches are prepared and pour their lives into the kids - it will be a great season. The coach has the most influence - over devotions, sharing the Gospel and inviting players/parents to church. The coach will determine if they play again. I coach because of this reason. There are people now born-again Christians because I took the time to coach. Your league director/minister of recreation should invest a great amount of time into their coaches.

Sports Ministry is time consuming, costly and requires many leaders. Is it worth it? Absolutely. There are millions of Americans who will never set foot into your sanctuary, but will pay hundreds of dollars to play on your soccer field. Jesus' greatest sermon, the Sermon of the Mount, was preached outside...

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The 3 "No-Noes" of Getting Started in Ministry

2/18/2013

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Has God called you to preach, teach or become a church leader? I remember when I was 20 years old beginning to preach, I accepted every preaching and teaching opportunity. One of the ways I created more opportunities was establishing a personal website with an updated speaking schedule. A church leader could check my calendar and see if I was available. I can't tell you how many pastors told me how helpful my simple 3 page website was - I kept it updated daily.

Now, on the other side, being a pastor for nearly 8 years, I've seen some guys make some ministry "No-Noes."

1). Do not invite yourself to preach, teach, sing, lead a conference or hold a revival. It is wrong to call a church or music minister and ask them to host a concert of you for a love offering. If you're doing this, people will avoid you. You have to trust that God will open doors, you don't have to pry them open.

If you're looking for opportunities, you need to "put yourself out there" by connecting with ministry leaders through Facebook, Twitter, blogs, ministry conferences, and conventions. Your resume should be immaculate with multiple pictures and video available to hear you preach/teach/sing. If you get to know people, doors will begin opening.

Also, be aware of everything you're putting on the internet. I know a music evangelist who bashes President Obama on Facebook. Negative comments do not make you more attractive and inviting. In fact, I would not invite this man simply because he comes across online as angry and hateful. Who wants to hear a man sing about how much he loves Jesus on Sunday and then read about him hating Obama on Monday?

2). Be respectful of people's time. Many times the guest preacher says he's going to speak for 30 minutes and it turns into 50. The quartet is going to sing 4 songs and it carries on to 7. The testimony turns into a sermon. If you're not respectful of people's time, they won't ask you to come back.

You always want to leave with people longing for more, not less. Remember, there are nursery and children's church workers looking at their watches while you go on and on and on...

3). Do not have a know-it-all attitude. Years ago I went out to dinner with an evangelist and he told me 14 things First Baptist Moreland needed to do while we were eating. We needed a new microphone, less music, remove the table in front of the pulpit, louder offertory prayer, service needed to start on time, should have bought a newspaper ad, begin offering an evangelism class...

Remember, if they wanted a consultant, they would've hired one. Making suggestions and a "to do list" are completely different. You want to bring encouragement - not an arrogant attitude.

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3 Reasons to Consider Club VBS this Summer

2/7/2013

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Is your church now making plans for Summer Vacation Bible School? VBS is an exciting, evangelistic outreach for elementary aged children. First Baptist Moreland is doing something we've never done before - shifting from LifeWay's main VBS theme to their smaller Club VBS. Here are 3 reasons for you to consider making the move:

1). Club VBS is less expensive. VBS costs thousands of dollars. Club VBS offers less literature, decorations, and accessories for their theme - your church will spend less with Club VBS.

2). Club VBS is more versatile. Last summer our student ministry rented a trailer in a local mobile home park and hosted a VBS. Club VBS is perfect for a non-traditional, non-church-based VBS setting. A trailer, an apartment complex pavilion, your home, or a one-day VBS - LifeWay has designed Club VBS to fit any format.

3). Club VBS is different than every other SBC church. Last year I had a young man tell me he attended 3 Amazing Wonders Aviation's. While everyone else is attending Colossal Coaster World, the children who come to your church will be at Jungle Jaunt.

Here are 5 important secrets to a successful VBS:

1). Promotion will determine your attendance. This year we're buying Facebook ads to promote Club VBS.

2). Organization will determine the worker's attitudes. Plans and back-up plans should be made months in advance.

3). The real reason children want to come - to have fun. Boring people should be banned from VBS.

4). Present the Gospel every night. Club VBS presents the Gospel on the 4th night with an opportunity to respond. Good teachers present the Gospel in their classrooms every night.

5). Follow-up can easily be forgotten. The best follow-up is from the teachers who taught that child. If you commit to teach a class, you should also be committed to follow-up.

Here's LifeWay's chart to help you pick the right VBS.

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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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422 Miles North

The Meaning of Advent Candles

The Volunteer Church

6 Tips for a Terrific Trunk or Treat

Afraid, Fearful, Scared & Worried - The Culture We Minister To

3 Tips to Deal with Nosy Rosie's

5 Things to Know About Leading Sports Ministry

The 3 "No-Noes" of Getting Started in Ministry

3 Reasons to Consider Club VBS this Summer

4 Tips When Visiting a Hospital

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