John Maxwell popularized the leadership quip “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” True enough. Hang around in ministry for a hot minute and...
Leading
Engaging with Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children
By James Swain, President of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children When I started to write this article, I realized that I have been President of...
Giving Strength To And Gaining Strength From One Another
Something powerful happens when people and churches work together. Beyond our commitment to scripture and passion for the gospel, no other...
Things a Pastor Should Think About When Making a Nursing Home Visit
Both of my grandmothers spent a few years in nursing homes during their final years on earth. During part of that time I served as the interim...
The Power of Presence — Incarnational Ministry
Pastor, one of the two biggest moments in the history of the cosmos centers upon the ministry of presence. What is the incarnation if it is not the...
Pastors and Financial Integrity
Ministry should be messy at times, but the same should not be said about our books. Brothers, a lack of financial integrity has the power to destroy our ministry as fast as a moral failure. Money, or the lack of it, has this unique ability to expose the depth of our character. And as my father always told me, “our ministry will never rise above the depth of our character.” Marked by that thought, here are a few humble attempts to help. Not to become professionals, but simply to stay faithful.
Elements of Graveside Service
Oklahoma Baptist churches have been aging in demographic for several years. Part of the answer has been to program to reach younger people. However, in the course of doing this we likely overlook a valuable group of God’s people who need to be evangelized, discipled, equipped, and deployed for Gospel ministry: Senior Adults.
Revision…Revitalize…Ministry to Aging Adults
Oklahoma Baptist churches have been aging in demographic for several years. Part of the answer has been to program to reach younger people. However, in the course of doing this we likely overlook a valuable group of God’s people who need to be evangelized, discipled, equipped, and deployed for Gospel ministry: Senior Adults.
Moving to a New Ministry: Leaving and Arriving Well
Moving from one ministry assignment to another is an extremely important time for you, your family and both churches involved in the transition.
Making the Transition to a New Pastorate
I was the pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Beggs, Oklahoma for four and a half years. The church loved us and we loved them. I genuinely...