I came to Christ during the Jesus Movement. Our youth minister started a youth prayer meeting during those days, and at one point we reached hundreds of teenagers doing nothing but sharing and praying. No bands, no technology, no bells and whistles, no standout speaker in skinny jeans, no hot artist – just teenagers sitting on the floor in a dimly lit sanctuary talking to God and sharing with one another. Continue reading “I Was There”
When Your Children Challenge and Stretch You
Our youngest daughter, Hayley, is currently serving with the International Mission Board in South Africa. As she’s been on this faith venture, it’s reminded me that it is easier to talk about missions than to do missions. When it hits home, when it is someone you love, it’s different. When you are a 16-hour flight away from your daughter, you are no longer in control. You can’t fix it. You can’t be there at a moment’s notice. Continue reading “When Your Children Challenge and Stretch You”
Reflections on ReFRESH
We have just returned from a trip that covered nearly 1,900 miles on the bus—plus airplanes, multiple hotels, and a lot of eating out! We’ve finished our winter/spring ReFRESH® Conferences in Branson and Pigeon Forge. There were nearly 1,200 pastors, wives, and lay leaders who attended these two meetings. Continue reading “Reflections on ReFRESH”
What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary…
Recently, one of our staff passed along a blog written by Dr. James Emery White. As I read it, I thought back to times in my own life. I also reflected on what needs to happen if this next generation is to be effective and efficient in ministry.
Dr. White addresses the traps we can fall into as leaders. I remember sitting through a seminar with John Maxwell on “things they didn’t teach you in seminary.” I was fortunate enough to be involved in ministry while I was going to school, so I didn’t have time to sit, soak, and sour. I had to practice my ministry daily and, as this article states, sometimes got busy in the ministry and forgot the Lord. Continue reading “What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary…”
This Place Called Home
Albany, Georgia, is known for many things. At times, those have been good and positive. At other times, we’ve been in the spotlight because of the negative.
On the positive, we are home to a great Marine Corps Logistics Base. We are home to several major companies. We are the home of Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, Ray Stephens and others. Our neighboring town, Leesburg, is home to Buster Posey, Phillip Phillips, and Luke Bryan. We are also the home of Sherwood Pictures, which has produced four award-winning films that have been translated into at least fifteen languages, shown in over 75 countries, and been instrumental in bringing thousands of people to Christ and seeing many homes restored. Continue reading “This Place Called Home”