How to Help Your New Executive Director
Supporting a new executive director during a leadership transition requires intentional effort and focused encouragement. Here are four key ways to support him: 1. Pray for Him 2. Be Patient with Him 3. Offer Praise to Him 4. Participate with Him Alabama Baptists have a bright future, and Dr. Derek Allen will faithfully shepherd us […]
Leading Through the Lens of Others
Recently, I was reading in 2 Samuel about David’s response after the death of Absalom. In his grief, David became so overcome with sorrow that his mighty warriors, men who had risked their lives for him, returned from battle discouraged and defeated. His response to a crushing situation deeply affected the people around him. That […]
Don’t be Afraid to Cry For Help
“They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all […]
7 Commitments to Finish the Race Well as a Leader
The recent moral failure of a respected Christian leader is a sober reminder that finishing well in ministry is not guaranteed by longevity, popularity, or the influence you may have. My heart is broken for his family and the cause of Christ. All my life, I have read the sad stories of men and women who […]
Warning Signs You Need a Break
My mom called me this weekend because a warning light came on in her car. It was nothing major, only a friendly warning that her key fob battery needed replacing. We, too, need to evaluate the “lights” of our lives, recognizing when we need a break. Several warnings I have noticed through the years: 1. […]
Pastors learn more about ‘Shepherding Well’
The last event in the third year of the Intentional Leader program focused on Shepherding Well. Hosted at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions office in Prattville, the conference featured several SBOM staff. Bryan Blass, director of the Office of LeaderCare, told of his call to vocational ministry after several years of work in […]
Hard work of preparation key to good preaching, says Robert Smith Jr.
While all pastors have times of struggle, they should be “empty pitchers before the fountain of God’s word,” said Robert Smith Jr. Smith, presenter for the July 15 Intentional Leader Series sponsored by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, was professor of Christian preaching at Beeson Divinity School more than 25 years, where he […]
How to Finish the Year Strong: 8 Practical Ways for a Fruitful Fall
Football season is right around the corner. Every part of the game matters, but the second half is crucial. If you’re behind, there’s still time for a comeback. If you’re ahead, you must stay focused and finish well. The same principle applies to the life of the church. As you lead your congregation into the […]
8 Ways to Deal with Criticism
Criticism is part of life and certainly a part of ministry. Some criticism is just, but I find most of it is unfair. Nevertheless, it stings! How we respond to this criticism matters. Here are eight ways I attempt to deal with criticism while staying faithful to the calling God has placed upon my life: […]
Don’t Let the Momentum Die—8 Steps to Keep the Fire Burning
Resurrection Sunday is behind us—but the mission of the risen Christ is still ahead! Most of us experienced larger-than-normal crowds, hearts were stirred, and seeds were planted. But now is not the time to coast—it’s time to capitalize. Here are eight vital steps to keep the Resurrection fire burning in your church and community: 1. […]