I’m not going to lie, I allowed my kids to make a few bad hair decisions as they were growing up. I did it for two reasons. 1) I knew I would be able to show them the pictures years later and tease them mercilessly, and 2) if everything was all hair perfection for them growing up, how would they ever learn to be funny? May I say now, “well-done, me.” Because I have pictures. And the laughter is very satisfying. And also, all my kids are hilarious. I’m also big enough to admit that … [Read more...]
Reflection and opportunities
Reflecting on the 2018 Annual Meeting in Springfield, I am overwhelmed at the goodness of the Lord. We had an amazing meeting. We were led with excellence by Dr. Ken Parker. We elected a new president, Dr. Jeremy Muniz, who will help us carry forward the vision of cooperatively making disciples (that means reaching lost people and coaching them in how to life by faith), multiplying churches (here and over there), and developing leaders (for today and tomorrow). Missouri Baptists are not … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving memories cherished, not forgotten
Thanksgiving at the Hinkle home has always been much like yours. Family, food and football are enjoyed. When I was a boy, dad and I would arise early, don layers of clothing and head out across the colorful fields and dales on Uncle Paul’s farm where we had built a new home. The only thing we carried was granddaddy’s 16-gauge Stevens shotgun made in 1927 (That was the same year Babe Ruth smacked 60 home runs for the New York Yankees). It was on those crispy, cold Thanksgiving mornings dad … [Read more...]
Voting is a conviction
In a matter of days, Americans cast mid-term ballots. As stewards, all believers share a responsibility to vote. Charles Finney, 1835, “Politics are a part of religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as part of their duty to God…. God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics.” Whatever the candidates or issues, no believer gets an “excused absence” from the ballot box. Here are some guiding principles: … [Read more...]
Teach your children well as Election Day approaches
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” With that truth in mind, election season is a great time for parents to teach some basic civics to their children. After all, we are citizens of two kingdoms – earthly and heavenly (where our ultimate allegiance must be). However, God expects us to be good citizens in both. The idea is for parents to teach their children to change the world, not be molded by it. Children … [Read more...]
When a Christian sins
As any Christian can testify, following Christ is a wonderful privilege accompanied by many undeserved blessings. The fact alone that Jesus Christ pardoned sin in exchange for his life warrants rejoicing for such an unmerited blessing. But not only this, Christ’s sacrificial death has ensured eternity in full fellowship with God for the believer. Any Christian would affirm that God has given them far more than they deserve. And yet, an honest Christian would equally affirm the cold reality … [Read more...]
Science of the servant-leader
Did you ever get a note from your child’s school and secretly hope it was about anything but a project? Minor behavior infraction. Please let it be a minor behavioral infraction. Oh, that four-word note that casts dread deep into the heart of a parent: SCIENCE NOTEBOOK DUE MONDAY. Because bye-bye, weekend. It’s funny how we try to convince ourselves that it’s NOT going to require more from parent than from child. Denial is interesting that way. I would eventually work through the … [Read more...]
In just 60 days
Because of scheduling, very rarely do I get to preach at the same church twice in the same year. I preached the first Sunday of August for my friend Monte Shinkle at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Then he asked me back again on the last Sunday of September, and providentially I had held that Sunday open because Sharon and I were driving in from another engagement. As I prepared, I looked over my calendar and noted how many amazing things I knew had occurred during the 60 days … [Read more...]
No MBC prophet, but a ‘worm,’ glorifying God in public policy
Why am I involved in public policy? I’d really prefer not to be. I’m a newspaper editor, first and foremost. I know for certain that is the work God called me to do. But I have learned over the years in serving Him, God will often present us with unexpected opportunities to make Him known. That is where my public policy work comes in. I have told many of our state leaders that I am not a lobbyist. I have no money. I really don’t feel like I have any influence. I stand on principle guided … [Read more...]
Happy Anniversary
Happy one year work anniversary to me. Ok, so not only is that a little self-serving but it is also a little short sighted. Last year we recognized one team member who had been with the Missouri Baptist Foundation for 20 years and next month we will celebrate our corporate secretary’s 40th anniversary working with the Foundation. Since we at the MBF work on a fiscal year of October 1 through the end of September, it is time to begin a “new year.” But it’s also an opportunity for me to … [Read more...]
It’s not all about me
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9 (NIV) How many times have we heard that we should praise children and make them feel special? “Make learning fun!” we’re told. “ Don’t let the children feel badly; make sure each child feels successful and important.” Are we now reaping the results of this philosophy in our culture? Are we not seeing a generation of people that believes they are special and … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist Foundation: Go and see
In August of this year, I had the privilege to travel with a group of nine to Nairobi, Kenya on a mission trip. The trip was classified as a vision casting and due diligence trip for a small non-profit where I serve as Treasurer. The mission team was comprised of board, donor, and a former Kenya resident. As this was my first international mission trip, it was an eye opening experience for me, one in which I hope I will not soon forget. The non-profit exits to provide hope through … [Read more...]
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