If you or a loved one have ever needed the services of long-term care, you are familiar with the often mind-numbing process of finding the right answer to meet your needs. There are multiple levels of care and a confusing array of payment possibilities, most of which leave one dealing with serious sticker shock. In this brief column, we will attempt to provide succinct answers to this confusing process and offer the ministry of Baptist Homes as a faithful partner for your journey. Let’s … [Read more...]
Redeeming the time, feather by feather
I remember when I was a young night owl, poking merciless fun at any and all of the early birds in my life. What did they even get out of early-birding? Worms? I’ll take the extra sleep, thanks. Then I became an adult, and guess what happened. Nope, not that. Because, still not an early bird. But in a strange irony, not a night owl either. Present-day me would like a flock in the middle. Isn’t there a medium rare bird? Wait no, that sounds like a terrible idea. But instead of an early bird … [Read more...]
What’s the Mission?
When I served as a pastor, there was always an intense focus on numbers. It seems like we tracked almost everything! We tracked attendance at our worship services, Sunday school, children’s ministry, youth ministry, mission trips, camp registration, and we certainly tracked our tithes and offerings. It wasn’t uncommon for me to have Excel spreadsheets tracking any and every trackable number! And, for clarity, I don’t think it’s necessarily negative to track progress, or the lack thereof; it … [Read more...]
Christian baptism can be costly, rewarding
Too often, we take for granted the biblical practice of believer’s baptism. Of course, we see it as something to celebrate, but we’re sometimes in need of a reminder about how important it really is, and why. Several years ago, a friend asked me about baptism – and not merely out of intellectual curiosity. He came from a Catholic background, and, though he had placed his faith in Christ, he was hesitant to accept believer’s baptism. To do so would come with costs. Likewise, I’ve known of … [Read more...]
What no one tells you when you’re building a culture of prayer
How long does it take to create a culture of prayer in a church? No matter how much your church needs a culture of prayer, it won’t happen after a single sermon on prayer, or an announcement of your vision or one dynamic prayer meeting. Have you ever visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota? The enormous memorial to four presidents – Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln – whose realistic likenesses are all carved into a mountain side, took about eight years longer to complete … [Read more...]
Hold marriage in honor
Following Christ is somewhat like remodeling a home. As we mature in our relationship with our Master we move from a bassinet to a crib to a twin bed and eventually a double or queen size bed. We move from a high chair to a full size chair at the table. And the swing set in the backyard is replaced with a deck and propane grill. But if we switch our furniture and maybe even change a few walls or replace windows, but neglect the foundation, we will soon find our home in a shambles. The … [Read more...]
Preparing for death: A confident life (part 5)
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” This simple question people ask us at places like restaurants and stores seems simple and non-confrontational. However, we should consider asking this question more often because someday, it will be the last time we can ask. Described in Luke 16:26 is this reality, “[...] a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” Our whole series in The Pathway on the … [Read more...]
What exactly is the Cooperative Program?
I’m well aware that most pastors in the Missouri Baptist Convention can provide a textbook explanation of the Cooperative Program (CP), and I’m certainly encouraged by everyone’s technical knowledge. But, despite our general knowledge of the Cooperative Program, from time to time I hear explanations that are at best inaccurate, and at worst, concerning and/or harmful. For example, is the Cooperative Program a tax? I’ve been in conversations where our Cooperative Program dollars were … [Read more...]
Stand against ungodliness, celebrate fruitful ministry
During the past several years, opponents to biblical truth and morality have used Missouri’s initiative petition process to inject ungodliness into the state’s constitution. Last fall, Missouri pro-lifers faced defeat when pro-abortion Amendment 3 was taken to voters across the state—even though churches and pro-life agencies were outspoken in opposing this constitutional amendment. Similarly, recreational marijuana was unfortunately legalized in 2022 when it came before Missouri voters … [Read more...]
The Cooperative Program: A Brief History
JEFFERSON CITY – Southern Baptists have been missionary minded since their first day and their first action. When 293 delegates gathered in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, for the inaugural meeting of the convention, their first resolution expressed the desire to “organize a convention for the propagation of the gospel.” Before leaving Augusta, they had formed foreign and domestic mission boards, and appointed presidents to lead these efforts. These entities were the new Southern Baptist … [Read more...]
You be you being you
Someone called me Super Woman the other day, and I received it. Practically caped it. It was completely undeserved and the cape altogether ill-fitting, and still: received it. Just so’s you know though, anytime I’m acting like I have everything all together, feel free to remind me that sometimes I still sing the song to find my way to the book of Ezra (she said, trying to smooth out the cape-wrinkles). I wonder if I’ve always been this…this…what’s the word? “Layered” maybe? Public me. … [Read more...]
The gift of government
EDITOR'S NOTE: Timothy Faber serves as legislative consultant with the Missouri Baptist Convention. All of us have complained about the government at one time or another. Even the perpetually positive Ronald Reagan once quipped “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help." Everything from taxes, to red tape, to oppressive regulations from un-elected bureaucrats . . . give us something to complain about regarding the government. But … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 131
- Next Page »