An old proverb states, “For want of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, for want of a horse the rider was lost, for want of a rider the battle was lost, for want of the battle the kingdom was lost, and all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”
Baptist preachers have always known that beliefs matter. The challenge has been in convincing the congregations of the same. The pastor spends hours in study searching the Scriptures. He cross references verses.
Many pastors asked me what planning and preparation were involved before I started Hermosillo Baptist Church, and I thank God for those questions. A vision without a strategic plan will be just another dream.
Some years ago, I stood in a long line at the pharmacy in a Target store. The young lady behind the counter was exceptionally friendly, cheerful, and helpful, and she kept her customers in a good mood during a long wait.
One teacher astutely commented that the duty of a Christian is to do God's will, in God's way, with the right heart motive. I don't think that any of us are naïve enough to believe that one’s motives are not important. Somebody might foolishly say, “As long as the job gets done, I don't really care how it’s done!” But that somebody certainly is not the Lord!
A church plant is an awesome adventure, an important calling, a needed endeavor, and much more. However, for all the things church planting is, there are many things that it’s not.
The word expectation is truly a powerful word. It implies that someone knows something about my current behavior and is anticipating something different about my future behavior.
Acts chapter twenty-seven is the account of Paul’s voyage to Rome. The ship and the passengers Paul was with were severely endangered due to bad weather on this voyage. Although the ship was damaged beyond repair, thankfully, no one on board lost his life.
First Chronicles 29 records King David’s final speech to his kingdom. It was a call to sacrificial giving for the building of the Temple. All of it was to be done from the heart and to the Lord.
Leading During Challenges, Obstacles, and New Opportunities
Many of us have or will face major challenges, obstacles, and opportunities in ministry. It is during these times we will feel a sense of inadequacy and uncertainty about what to do and how we will get it done. The eyes of those we have been called to lead are on us during those times.
As I write this, I am sitting with my wife at her mother’s bedside in a skilled nursing facility. Having been in the ministry for more than thirty years, I have seen dying people, and it is obvious that my mother-in-law will not be in this world much longer.