Seeing the results of giving to SMO
Recently, I attended CrossTimbers with my daughter who just finished 3rd grade. We were excited to arrive to camp! After unloading our luggage and claiming a bunk bed in the dorms, we hiked up to the cafeteria for lunch. Setting down our lunch trays, we started a conversation with two campers across the table. Through the conversation, I learned how one of the camper’s father had been in prison most of her life. She was new to church,...
Ten ways to involve women in church leadership (Part 2)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The first part of Kelly King’s article appeared recently on baptistmessenger.com. 6. Begin a thriving women’s ministry where mentoring and discipleship are focused. Titus 2 encourages older women to be a model of godliness for younger women in your church. Consider ways you are offering discipleship and mentoring relationships for women. Begin a women’s ministry where women of all ages can grow in their spiritual...
Ten ways to involve women in church leadership (Part 1)
Much has been said in recent months about including women in church leadership. Boundaries, limitations and theological discussions surrounding this topic have left many a church leader confused or frustrated. For many women in the local church, the issue has raised questions like, “Are we valued in the church?” or “Does my voice matter?” I know I’ve personally benefited from pastors and church leaders who have affirmed my calling and...
The time is now
Having attended the recent annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Alabama, I wanted to share several thoughts about some of the panel discussions which dealt with several key topics. The panel about Sexual Abuse Awareness & Prevention was an important conversation. If we would simply abide by the words we preach in our pulpits and exhibit a Christian lifestyle in our churches, we would not be in the situation we find...
Just Joe: Age, phones and what Jesus knows
The other day I was doing something of great importance. I can’t exactly remember what it was, but I am sure it was very important. While I was accomplishing that critical task, I was reminded of how old I am. “How old are you?” you may ask. Well… I am old enough to remember when telephones had to be connected to wires in your house to work. I am old enough to remember when dialing a phone was not accomplished by pushing buttons but...
FOURTH OF JULY: Chaplains, fog of war, flow of life
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) — Seventy-five years ago, in June 1944, after the largest amphibious landing in history, U.S. and Allied forces began their offensive push from the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy to the east of France and deep into Germany with the intent of restoring freedom to Europe and preserving it for the rest of the world. More than 160,000 troops landed at Normandy on D-day. An unknown number of chaplains were...
