by Michael Domke EDITOR'S NOTE: Michael Domke has served in Ukraine for 15 years with the IMB. (Sue Sprenkle contributed to this article.) In times of great need or despair, we’ve seen firsthand what the world’s greatest problem is, and it’s not war or hunger. It’s spiritual lostness. I recently watched people line up outside a church as air raid sirens sounded in Ukraine. The church was not a bomb shelter. They weren’t distributing food. It wasn’t even a Sunday. People stood in line, … [Read more...]
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Don’t ignore the BBQ sauce
I was so proud of myself. I thought I had made it through! But as Proverbs 16:18 warns, I was only preparing myself for a fall. You see, I had made the poor decision of going into a barbeque restaurant wearing a white shirt before speaking at a church. Since I was alone, they would only seat me at the bar, which increased the difficulty level. As a “teetotaler” who is not tempted in the least by alcohol, it would not bother me to sit out at the bar, especially since I could sit in front of … [Read more...]
Hobbies, habits, happies
Who knew that would be the question that could stop me cold, mid-conversation? Like, freeze my brain. Those of you who know me know I can talk about anything. Not necessarily intelligently, mind you, but always all the talky. But at the moment a TV host asked me the simple question, “So what are some of your hobbies?” I had a surprising, painful big lot of nothing coming out of my mouth. After a couple of seconds of awkwardness, I finally joked it off with something like, “Heh heh, maybe … [Read more...]
‘Let all mortal flesh keep silence’
When one regards the season of Christmas, silence is not naturally a theme that comes to mind. The classic hymn, “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” is a bit of a dark horse. It has a Baptist presence only in the last two hymnals (1991 edition, no. 80, and the 2008 edition as no. 178) but not before then. Honestly, it probably isn’t largely sung, and it is even written in a minor key. This does not have that cinnamon-smelling, candy-cane colored Christmas confection of a boisterous … [Read more...]
Working together to reach the multitudes
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was founded in 1845 with the intention of “combining and directing the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation of the Gospel.” From its inception, the heartbeat of the SBC has been about reaching as many people as possible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and this one sacred effort has fueled millions to collaborate and cooperate so that people will have access to the Gospel all across the globe. Though … [Read more...]
Reflections on Missouri Baptist life
I’ve enjoyed the honor of serving in my new role for two months now, and it’s been an absolute blessing to interact with many of our pastors and leaders throughout the state. I’m thankful for every opportunity to preach, I’ve enjoyed multiple times of meaningful fellowship, and I’m always excited to share my heart for the future of Missouri Baptists. As I reflect on my brief time in Missouri, a few observations surface rather quickly. First, our pastors are striving to serve faithfully. … [Read more...]
‘Love came down at Christmas’
Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield recently put on a production of “The Gospel According to Scrooge.” Pictures of the production on social media looked amazing, and I only wish I could have made it to Springfield to see the show. After all, Charles Dickens’ classic book, The Christmas Carol, has been one of my favorite books for many years, and I love watching film and theatre productions of the story each year at Christmastime. This year, another story has joined The Christmas Carol … [Read more...]
Stubborn or determined?
“Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.” – 2 Chronicles 30:8 (NIV) We’ve all seen the “pouty face” of children when they didn’t get their way! Not a pretty sight! However, it may be an indication that someday they may be a leader. If we can turn their desires toward pleasing God, it may actually be a good thing! According to … [Read more...]
Choosing darkness or light?
It was dark when I spotted it. Those two little gleaming eyes reflecting the light from my headlights. I slowed down and moved the car toward the side of the road. I expected to see a possum or raccoon looking back at me, but it was much smaller, a squirrel, perhaps? Finally, my brain put all the pieces together; it was a tiny kitten on the side of the road. Our cat of 15 years passed a few months ago, and I am still not over it. “Blossom,” as we called her, helped raise our boys and was a … [Read more...]
Cut short? No thank you!
I did it. I knew I shouldn’t. But I did it anyway. I cut my own hair. Sigh. More than just trimming the bangs. I whacked off all kinds of rogue parts. Parts that are now much rougue-er than before. Every time I take the scissors into my own hands, I promise myself I’ll never do it again. That’s because I end up with stray strands and Spock bangs. And yet this is definitely no way to live long and prosper. When will I let this fully sink in? I am not good at cutting hair. When I try it, I’m … [Read more...]
You can make a difference in state mission partnerships
Several years ago I was invited to join a small group of men to help lead the annual church planters retreat in Montana. I was apprehensive because our church did not have the resources to help fund the retreat in a significant way. Beyond that, I was not sure I had any particular wisdom or expertise to offer, since I was not a church planter. As I flew home after the first year much of my apprehension had disappeared. What I came to realize is that state-to-state partnerships have less to … [Read more...]
Why should we cooperate?
As a local pastor in Kentucky, I would sometimes hear a fellow pastor ask, “Wes, do you think we should continue supporting the Cooperative Program?” For me, it was always an easy answer: Yes. Despite potential concerns, and despite the latest argument on social media, I believe the Cooperative Program remains a vital tool for reaching our nation and the world for Christ. Let me briefly share three foundational reasons cooperation is so beneficial. First and foremost, our missionaries … [Read more...]
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