I recently told a Missouri lawmaker, who advocated that LGBTQ rights take priority over freedom of conscience, that under no circumstances would Missouri Southern Baptists allow their First Amendment rights to be replaced with flimsy statutory “protection” by state law. The response: crickets. Ever cordial, I shook his hand as I departed. Negotiations ended. Only God – not the state – is Lord of the conscience. The free exercise of religion clause (freedom of conscience) in the First … [Read more...]
Delight for the Takety-Take-Taking
I feel you should know that if you hand me a tennis racket, it’s already a pretend guitar. And though I’m not a hard-rocker, my pretend guitar only plays imaginary hard rock. No matter how incongruent that looks on me, I will play it. With eyes-closed and unmerited confidence. I won’t play tennis, mind you. But I have no choice but to rock that racketar like I’ve never in my life been a mature adult. It’s sort of a visual joke. And yes, I do know the joke doesn’t totally work. But somehow … [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...]
Why your state convention is important today? (part 2)
In this issue we continue to ask the question, “Why?” Like inquisitive children, every organization needs to examine the “Why?” What do they do that no other organization does at that level? Churches need to ask that question, too, but for entirely different reasons. One reason is so that churches stay on their biblical mission mandate – namely, to make disciples. Churches are engaged in reaching new people with the gospel, and they also are engaged in engaging new and older saints in … [Read more...]
Media outrage explodes over governor’s ‘Christian values’ statement
Never has so much been said and written about so few words. Say something that the liberal news media dislikes and a piranha-like frenzy commences. Take, for example, words articulated by Gov. Mike Parson: “Missourians know that I share these beliefs and would not have nominated someone who does not share the same Christian values.” This “micro-aggression” triggered an outrageous onslaught, implying something patently false. It is yet another example of why the public does not trust the … [Read more...]
Are you in shape?
It’s the new year. The time of year we should all ask ourselves, “Am I in shape?” No, not that kind of shape. (Although, as Pa Grape of the old Veggie Tales cartoon insisted, round is a shape.) I am referring to your fiscal shape, not your physical shape. While you should fully recognize your physical shape may impact your fiscal shape. We are all aware if poor physical health is not one of your priorities, then you may expend more financial resources on medical bills than you intend. … [Read more...]
When can churches safely return to the mission field?
EDITOR’S NOTE: Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Multiplying Churches Director Rick Hedger oversees MBC partnership missions efforts. Below, he answers the question, When can Missouri Baptists safely return to the mission field? JEFFERSON CITY – I receive frequent inquiries regarding the activity status of our Missouri Baptist Convention international partnerships in regard to COVID-19. As we all know, even from our own ever changing CDC reports, this has been a difficult situation … [Read more...]
A-MAZE-ing Grace
I think about 87% of my shopping at a couple of my fave department stores happens in the maze of a checkout line. Through the labyrinth, the marketing geniuses who came up with this merch-maze lure me left and entice me right. They all but twirl me and whirl me through what must be three miles of displays and shelves, all full of every magical item I never knew I needed but suddenly realize I can’t, no cannot, make it to the register without. Cannot make it through life without. Recently … [Read more...]
Parenting can be tough
“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” – Psalm 127:4-5 (NIV) The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God, but sometimes it is tough to parent that gift! None of us would want to give up those precious little ones, but raising them is not always easy! My husband and I worked on the Navajo reservation in the late 50’s and early 60’s. He was responsible for the children in one dormitory and I was … [Read more...]
All human life is sacred
In June, my daughter gave birth to twin boys. Less than two months later, my mother-in-law left this earth to begin her heavenly reward just a week before her 91st birthday. Two new lives began their amazing adventure in this world. One completed a lifetime of service and ministry as an international missionary and pastor’s wife who touched thousands with the love of Jesus Christ. All three lives have been ordained by God and are sacred in His eyes. I pray that my new grandsons (and my … [Read more...]
Why is your state convention important today?
As with all organizations, the Missouri Baptist Convention needs to ask the question, “Why?” Why are we an important part of what the Lord is doing among a network of Bible-believing, evangelistic, mission-minded churches located in the center of the Heartland? Some people point to Acts 1:8 and describe the state ministry as a “Judea” ministry. The result is a relational and authentic ministry that works with local churches and church leaders to transforms lives and communities with the … [Read more...]
Grateful to Dr. McCullen for 20 years with The Pathway
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” For the past 20 years I have joined Pathway readers in being blessed by the Bible study lessons written by Dr. Jim McCullen. Now, at age 85, “Dr. J” as I have always affectionately called him, has earned the right to put his pen in the ink well for the final time. It has been a prolific pen, producing more than 600,000 words since we first started publishing his lessons in January 2003. … [Read more...]
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