The December 15 deadline for the Annual Church Profile (ACP) is quickly approaching. Although this seems like a mundane and even unnecessary detail in your mission to advance the kingdom of God, here are some reasons why it is important: • Numbers can help us strategize, plan, and know where God is working. • They can also show us where … Read More
Annual Church Profile
By now, your church should have received your Annual Church Profile (ACP) materials in the mail. Although this seems like a mundane and even unnecessary detail in your mission to advance the kingdom of God, here are some reasons why it is important: • Numbers can help us strategize, plan, and know where God is working. • They can also … Read More
Doug Hutcheson Retiring
Well, my old friend, Doug Hutcheson, is about to take that inevitable leap into retirement. I met Doug in about 1994 at Family Camp on the Boulder. He was part of a crop of new, young pastors that seemed to descend as a herd onto the MTSBC scene. I suppose I was part of that herd. Doug and I seemed … Read More
Join us at Refresh
It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over. Denise and I have now marked three of Montana’s four seasons. They’ve been interesting seasons. We’re told, though I have to admit we’re withholding judgment, that this past winter and summer have been two of the most extreme on record. Maybe so. We’ll wait till next year to see if that’s … Read More
Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way
An advertising slogan that I came to love growing up was used by Dodge and simply claimed, “Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way.” I recently challenged the congregation of Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church with this slogan and the response has been amazing. We decided to increase our mission support to 25% of our tithes and offerings, answer … Read More
Baptist Foundation of Montana Offers Help
Have you ever experienced something that you know happened with God’s perfect timing? Not long ago, one of our MTSBC churches had a loan with the Baptist Foundation of Montana to remodel their building. They were able to pay it off early. Just a few days later, another one of our churches called to see if they could borrow some … Read More
Showing Neighborly Love Through Literacy
MEMPHIS (BP) — Born and raised in the “birthplace of Rock ‘N Roll,” Donna Gaines returned 25 years later armed with a background in education and a heart for the county that claims one of the highest rates of childhood poverty. Gaines is a women’s ministry leader and wife to Southern Baptist Convention president Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist … Read More
ACP: Churches Up in 2016; Baptisms, Membership Decline
NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptists experienced growth in the number of churches that cooperate with the SBC in 2016, according to the latest Annual Church Profile report (ACP). However, other key measures declined in 2016, including membership, baptisms, average worship attendance and total giving, according to the ACP compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions. The … Read More
Whatever You are Facing, God is Greater
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this is the best time of year. I know, it gets mighty cold, but the weather is a circumstance, and we all know we must not let our circumstances dictate how we feel. For those in Christ, challenging circumstances are an opportunity to demonstrate the power of God. In Christ, we … Read More