When I was in high school, I loved and played the game of basketball. In the 1980s, at a small rural school, we still played six-on-six. Yes, six guards and six forwards who stopped at the half-court line. I know. It sounds so archaic. As a basketball player, I found...
Sometimes I look at my life and scratch my head. Lord, what is going on? What are you doing? Do you see what’s happening here? In this life, none of us escape pain, loss, or hardship. But somehow in the loss, the sun keeps rising and days unfold to months unfold to...
We had such a great time together! I wanted to share with you a recap of our time together to remember for those who were there as well as those who were not able to make it this year. It was so so good and refresh my heart! Ministry Wives Weekend is an annual...
Like a locomotive barreling down the tracks, emotions often fuel the motion and direction of pastoral relationships. While many will want to exchange any emotional drive for a perceived healthier “rational approach,” God designed every human with emotions. How you, as...
John Maxwell popularized the leadership quip “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” True enough. Hang around in ministry for a hot minute and you recognize that even leadership depends upon relationships. Oklahoma Baptists recently welcomed Ken Sande to our...
I am a celebrator. My family chuckles at how excited I get about such a wide variety of things: A freshly painted wall A good movie A delicious meal A gorgeous sunset Christmas presents An accomplishment An event God’s word Some say: I go over the top. I say:...
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 Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) for 50 days. In these first 50 days, I have been affirmed in the fact that God...
We all wear hats. Many, many hats. I know. I see you. I do too. As ministry wives, we somehow get the “leader” hat placed on our pretty little heads just because of our husband’s positions on a church staff. We may have had no training, no...
Something powerful happens when people and churches work together. Beyond our commitment to scripture and passion for the gospel, no other characteristic better defines Southern Baptists than cooperation. We combine our resources and coordinate our efforts to shine...
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 pastor in the town where they stayed. I visited them routinely, and came to realize how significant such visits were. One of...
