In any transition, you never fully realize what you’re getting into until you’re there. This principle is especially true of senior and lead pastors moving from one ministry to another. Leaders face more scrutiny in transitions than others. Spiritual leaders can be placed under a microscope. I know that I’m going to a great church – I can’t wait to be on the field in Murray. When I worked with church leaders on a pastor-church covenant, I encountered yet another reason to be thankful for Read more [...]

Transitions are bittersweet – this one is no exception. I’m overjoyed to announce that Erin and I have accepted the call to First Baptist Church Murray, KY. I was saddened to announce today my resignation at Sarasota Baptist Church. I will miss the Ranchers in Sarasota, but I can’t wait to be on the field in Murray. I could not have asked for finer ministry partners at the Lakewood Ranch campus – I do not know of a more unified congregation. I leave one great congregation for another – Read more [...]

The Search Institute recently released a first-of-its-kind global study on the spiritual development of young people from different countries and across various traditions. From 2006-2008, they studied more than 7,000 youth between the ages of 12 and 25. These youth lived in 17 countries on 6 continents, so this study is a true global snapshot. They’ve published loads of data, and the entire report can be viewed here. The report is large in scope and diversity, but I’ve listed below a few Read more [...]

The NOC09 is just around the corner – November 4-6 in sunny San Diego. I’ll be speaking on why young adults leave the church, and how they can be reclaimed. There’s a ton offered at the conference. Here’s a selection from the NOC website: 50 power-packed workshops with the nation's leading voices on outreach. 4 Inspiring General Sessions - with powerful worship, true outreach stories and messages from key note speakers passionate to reach more for Christ. 120+ resource providers - Read more [...]

LifeWay Research recently published in their newsletter a new study about ministry to the poor. Obviously, the church should serve the poor and reach out to the hurting. What this study reveals is that churches remaining obedient to Christ’s example of serving the poor are also more likely to attract guests. This research blurb comes from their findings: Americans indicate that an active ministry to the poor is more likely to draw them to a church than knowing that it is made up of predominantly Read more [...]