Not long ago, I had the privilege of taking two flights on a private jet. Because of the graciousness and generosity of an individual, I found out what it was like not to go through the hassles of TSA search and seizure, seats with no padding, crowds of cranky people, and tired ticket agents. I have to say, while we were flying along at 537 miles per hour at 43,000 feet, I thought of Will Smith in the movie Independence Day—”I’ve got to get me one of these.” Continue reading “The Joys and Trials of Travel” →

(or a word to pastors and staff members about taking care of God’s traveling ministers, evangelists, and singers)

I have a number of friends in evangelism. I’ve served on the boards (official and otherwise) of Christian music groups and I can tell you, the issue of which I write is more prevalent than I can begin to tell. The stories make me ill. The thought that preachers and churches would stiff someone who is serving the Lord is beyond my ability to comprehend.  Continue reading “Giving the Guest What They Deserve” →

ReFRESH® is not just another conference. It’s unique among the “preaching and preacher” conferences I see constantly advertised. I have nothing against those conferences, but when we started this conference seven years ago, I wanted to do something others weren’t doing. Continue reading “What Makes ReFRESH® So Special?” →

I’ve been in ministry spanning five decades. I’ve served as a staff member and as a pastor. One thing I’ve never done when talking to a church is talked about money. I have a firm conviction that if God is calling you to a church, you should go—end of discussion. Continue reading “Can You Be Content?” →

Thank you for your prayers as I preached Alan Day’s funeral on Tuesday. God showed up! Below is an excerpt about Alan from Edmond’s First Baptist Church. You can learn more about his life and ministry, as well as watch the memorial service, by visiting www.fbcedmond.org. Continue reading “In Loving Memory” →