As we have tamed Jesus to fit into our western orthodoxy, I am afraid we have lost much of the passion and fervor that marked the early followers of Jesus. Recently, our church staff has been doing some strategic planning under the direction of a strategy coordinator trained by the International Mission Board, and sharpened [...]
Entries from May 2008
May 26, 2008
Not Against Us
The churches and leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas find themselves charting a course through uncharted waters. In a world that seems to be turning upside down with changes within and without. The leadership of the convention and the local church must look toward heaven for guidance and direction.
Randel Everett, our new chosen [...]
May 22, 2008
The Box: In “Our” Image
Culture has a way of coloring the world around us much like wearing rose colored sun-glasses. Too often we see Jesus through the lenses of Western culture. George Bernard Shaw said, “God created us in his image, and we decided to return the favor.” It could be if we are serious about tracing back our [...]
May 19, 2008
Boring in the Box
High school graduation marks a right of passage for most teenagers. Yesterday our church recognized 23 high school seniors graduating from area high school. After six years of active participation in our youth ministry it is time to give them their wings, and wish them goodbye. You see the harsh reality is that the vast [...]
May 15, 2008
Jesus Wrecked My Life
Shane Claiborne in his book The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical tells the story of his conversion to becoming a Christ follower. Shane grew up in East Tennessee near the buckle of the Bible belt. Like most teenagers he attended his Methodist youth group playing the games, checking out the girls, singing the [...]
May 12, 2008
The Box
In leadership circles we often hear of “thinking outside the box”, but it is much easier said than done. The first challenge facing many of us in the “establishment” of leadership is admitting that we are “in the box.” Most of us pride ourselves in being creative and responsive, but too often I find [...]
May 8, 2008
Deacons: A Pastor’s Best Friend
Last night I had the honor to speak to the Pastor/Deacons Banquet of the Kaufman Baptist Association in Terrell. It was a wonderful night of reunions for me personally. I served in this association a number of years ago, and as I scanned the crowd I saw a sea of familiar faces. To my left [...]
May 7, 2008
The Message of the Cross
Last Sunday our church had the honor of hosting Randel Everett, the new Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and his wife Shelia. Dr. Everett preached with passion and clarity in all three of our morning worship service. Although he alluded to the work and mission of the BGCT his message [...]
