I Want to Die in the Trench

The local church is the front line of ministry. In the battle against the spiritual forces of evil, the church is the trench. Christ’s bride is dug in, charged up, and ready to die for the freedom of souls. I relish the trench. It’s messy, at times gruesome, and the...

The Paradox of the Second Chair

Whether it’s a paid or unpaid position, formal or informal, most churches have a strong leader serving under the lead pastor. In smaller churches, this person can be a prominent lay person. In larger churches, the position is often an executive pastor. Numerous titles...

Personal Reflections on Pastor Fred Luter

In one of the most historic events for my denomination, last week the messengers at the annual Southern Baptist Convention elected their first African American president.  Pastor Fred Luter of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans will be the man tasked with...

My New Place of Ministry

Yesterday I announced to my church a new season of ministry. Erin and I have accepted the call to Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. We are excited, but the transition is bittersweet. We leave behind many good friends in Murray. I’m being sent from a...