It is the eve of our annual Disciple Now weekend for our student ministry. As I look forward to all God has in store for the weekend, for our students, for our leaders, and even for me, I have already experienced a tremendous blessing. Earlier today as I looked at the list of names of …
A Story about Peanut Butter Several years ago when my wife and I were living in Tulsa, OK the church where we were members, First Baptist Tulsa, announced that the following Sunday morning we would be collecting jars of peanut butter for the Caring Center. The Caring Center is a ministry to the homeless and …
First Baptist Watauga, where I serve as the Associate Pastor, is currently recording the salvation stories of our members. Our Lead Pastor has strongly encouraged every member to record their story so that they can upload it to social media. We are still at the very beginning of these video releases, but we are already …
Many years ago, in what seems like a different life, I was employed by a rental car company. After working on the front lines renting cars, I transitioned into a business office position collecting outstanding balances from customers. I remember my first day with my new co-workers. I was thankful for this new opportunity, but …
Recently, I cast a vision for 2021 in our Wednesday night student ministry worship service pulling from Acts 2:42-47, with a specific focus on verses 42 & 46-47. Verse 47 tells us, “Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” What an amazing thought, that God was adding to the number of salvations …
The New Year has finally arrived! Although there have been many jokes about 2020 sticking around for December 32nd, it didn’t happen. Maybe you stayed up until midnight to ring in the New Year or maybe you stayed up simply to say goodbye to 2020. Last year brought many changes: Social distancing. Mask wearing. Working …
Have you ever had to apologize to your child? I wish it weren’t the case, but I certainly have had to. Parenting is not always the easiest and I don’t always make the right decisions. So, when I recognize a poor decision that I’ve made as a father, asking for forgiveness is not only good, …
Just a few months ago I celebrated my 10-year anniversary serving on staff at First Baptist Watauga. Not too long before that, referring to my tenure with my church, a friend asked me, “What do you think your greatest accomplishment has been?” Before I answer that question, let me first say a few things: 1. …
A modified excerpt from a recent message to our student ministry. In Luke chapter 15 we see Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors. This not only makes the Pharisees and scribes uncomfortable, it angers them. Jesus responds to them by telling some stories. One of these stories is the familiar parable of the prodigal …
As a leader, I see the value and importance in not only having vision, but also in having a clear vision statement for the ministry I have been called to lead. One of the first things I did when I began leading the student ministry at First Baptist Watauga was to combine the heart and …