Written by Aaron Wilson, writer for LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE (BP) – Barry Calhoun opened the Bible study book on his desk and thought about Jesus’ parable of a man who refused to stop knocking on his neighbor’s door for help. It reminded Calhoun to say one more time the prayer he had been bringing to God for almost 40 … Read More
Everyone is a Counselor
Everyone is a counselor: But are you a good one or a bad one? In the 2007 comedy, License to Wed, engaged couple Ben and Sadie embark on a crash course in pre-marital counseling with a Catholic priest (played by Robin Williams) before their wedding. Of course, hijinks ensues. Throughout the movie, Ben has conversations with his friend, Joel, about the … Read More
We’re Getting Closer
The Montana Southern Baptist Convention continues to grow its ability to serve our churches. Things are coming together in really great ways. Darren Hales, our Church Strengthening Director, has been crisscrossing the state and bringing some superb ministry training events to our churches. Recently, just for example, he has helped to put together and promote training for effective small group … Read More
It Started in a Coffee Shop
How can the prayers of 5 college students in Pullman, WA, be used by God to start a collegiate church planting movement? That’s a great question! It’s an amazing story of life transformation, which is now unfolding at the University of Montana and Montana State University! I They longed to see the Kingdom of Heaven experienced on earth! As they … Read More
Prayer Is the Work
In October of 2020, I began serving as the Lead Church Planting Catalyst for the state of Montana. When I received the call, there was no doubt in my mind that God had opened doors, and that He had prepared me and my family to lead the way in helping start new churches across the state of Montana. I was … Read More
Strength, Strategy and Strongholds
In the war in Afghanistan in the 2000’s, the United States established American Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in a rural area of Northeast Afghanistan with the purpose to stop the transport of arms into Afghanistan from Pakistan. COP Keating was situated at the base of three mountains, making landings, support, and other maneuvers very difficult. In addition, the roads to … Read More
Island with No Power, No Airport Receives Shoebox Gifts
CHILDREN ON A REMOTE ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC RECEIVE SHOEBOX GIFTS AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. The small island of Enubirr has no electrical power and no airport. Located in the central Pacific between the Philippines and Hawaii, Enubirr is part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and home to just over 1,000 people. Most residents work on … Read More
Are You Ready for the Summer?
What a relief it is not to wear a mask anymore. I still carry one around in my pocket just in case, but I haven’t had to put it on in a while. I feel free! And, it’s not just me. People everywhere I go have gotten rid of their masks. They’re ready to get out and get around, too. … Read More
How is your Spiritual Love Tank?
Do you ever feel like you are running on empty and there is nothing left to give? You are not alone, pastor. If we are not careful, the unrelenting pressures of life and ministry can put stress and strain on our relationships and leave us emotionally unhealthy. Though we know the value and promise of “Abide” from John 15, our … Read More
Southern Baptist census data reflects COVID’s impact on churches
By Carol Pipes, Originally published on May 20, 2021 by LifeWay Newsroom NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the early weeks and months of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Southern Baptist churches joined the wave of school and business closures to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. Churches shifted to online worship services, while Sunday School classes and small groups met in … Read More