What is success? As a, parent, pastor, professor, and current president of Baptist Homes, I have sought after success for my children, church members, students, and team members. But what is success? As I write this, the 2022-23 Deer Season in Missouri is coming to a close. Opening day was September 15. By one measure – filling a tag – my opening day was a failure, as my time in the field yielded no meat for the table. By the measures that count – relationships, discipleship, and … [Read more...]
Lessons from a letter writer
When I was much younger, I had the opportunity to be part of a team transcribing unopened Charles Spurgeon letters. Charles H. Spurgeon, the renowned “Prince of Preachers,” was reported to pen up to 500 personal letters per week. Over the course of his ministry, hundreds of his letters were deemed undeliverable for one reason or another. Many ended up in the “dead letter” bin of London’s General Post Office. Given Spurgeon’s popularity, most of these letters were preserved and eventually … [Read more...]
The Bottleneck
While driving to our son’s house, my wife and I encountered a traffic jam that was identified on my traffic app as “bottleneck ahead.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a bottleneck is “a problem that delays progress.” That was sure true on that day, as traffic went from an average of 70 mph to a standstill. For several miles we never exceeded 6 mph, and most of the time was spent making no progress whatsoever. What caused the bottleneck was bridge repairs that rendered one of two … [Read more...]
The principles that guide us
Three years ago this September, I was asked to consider serving as interim president for Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries. When I inquired about the ministry’s guiding principles—documents such as the organizational mission, vision and values, I received several blank stares. One person I spoke with said, “I think we have those in a binder.” In the words of Apollo 13 astronaut John Swigert, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Imagine being asked to meet a friend at noon on Friday at … [Read more...]
The reflection in the mirror is wrong
Last spring, I inherited an office space that had been used by other leaders for over two decades. One of the room’s handsome adornments was a very large, heavily framed mirror that seemed ideal for ensuring one looked their best prior to a meeting or formal engagement. However, something was not right. Although the mirror provided a full body reflection, the perspective the mirror provided was wrong. The reason was that this mirror was a “Motel Mirror” designed to be hung vertically. … [Read more...]
What is Christlike care at the Baptist Homes?
Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is committed to creating a culture where the sanctity of life, Christlike compassionate care, and faithful stewardship result in a ministry that pleases God. This month I have asked David Sundeen, Vice President for Organizational Culture and Care, to share how BHHM is setting the standard of care for the aging. What is Christlike care? At Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries, Christlike compassionate care is the guiding principle for all we … [Read more...]
Connecting the dots of cooperation
A major hallmark of Baptist life is cooperation. In the three years since Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries was restored as an entity of the Missouri Baptist Convention, cooperation has been a basis of untold blessings to this ministry. In Numbers 17:1-5, the question of “Whom will we follow” was raised by the tribes of Israel. God responded by instructing Israel, “For there shall be one rod for the head of each father’s house. Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting … [Read more...]
Stepping out this spring
Now that Spring is here, it is time to get outdoors. Did you know that fresh air is good for the digestive system? It also improves blood pressure, heart rates, makes one happier, strengthens the immune system, and gives you a sharper mind. With all those benefits, getting outdoors to enjoy God’s creation should be a priority for you and your loved ones this spring. Here are seven low-impact activities for seniors that will provide a purpose to your outdoor activities. 1. Take a tree … [Read more...]
State of The Baptist Homes institution
In 1947, the Annual Message of the President of the United States was renamed the “State of the Union” address. This practice goes back to 1790 when President George Washington presented the first of eight annual addresses. Washington issued two addresses in 1790—one on January 8 and another on December 8. Until 1923 the annual address was given in the fall. Starting with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the address was moved to winter. As we neared the end of the winter months, I felt it … [Read more...]
Things that are free
There are few words that capture the attention of price-conscious shoppers more than the word FREE. Buy-one-get-one-free has its own acronym, BOGO. Even my healthcare provider has gotten into the act, with a “free digital thermometer” when one comes in for a checkup. Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is not giving away free thermometers. However, we do have some great resources for you and your church that are free. • Pulpit supply. Our leaders and campus pastors are available to … [Read more...]
Theology from a song
“When I’m 64” became a hit when it was included on the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album released by The Beatles in 1967. What many do not know is that the song was written by band member Paul McCartney when he was 14 years old. In his lyrics he envisions life 50 years in the future. The famous refrain is, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” The Great Commission and Great Commandment give purpose to life. God commissions us to “go and make … [Read more...]
A Christmas at the Baptist Homes
If a tradition can be established in three seasons, my favorite tradition as Baptist Homes president is visiting each campus during December. I enjoy seeing the attractive display of lights and the well-adorned Christmas trees that grace each campus. These lights are a reminder that Jesus, “The true light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him” (John 1:9-10). My favorite decorations are the nativity scenes that serve … [Read more...]