Category: Life Happens

A Gift We Never Take for Granted

Posted in Adoption, Church Chat, Discipleship, Life Happens, Ministry, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Some joys come quietly, almost humbly, and then grow so large they change everything. That has been our experience in our granddaughter’s adoption.

From the beginning, she has brought a kind of joy that settles deep into the soul. Her laughter fills our home, her presence softens our hearts, and reminds us what truly matters. We did not simply add a child to our family—we were entrusted with a life, and that responsibility has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

One of the greatest joys has been watching what she means to our son and daughter-in-law. As parents, their love, patience, and devotion shine through in the way they care for her each day. She has deepened their bond, strengthened their home, and filled their lives with a beautiful purpose. Seeing them grow into their roles as mom and dad has been a gift to us as well, one that brings quiet pride and deep gratitude.

Adoption is not a second-best story. It’s a beautiful story marked by sacrifice, courage, and love.

Adoption is not a second-best story. It’s a beautiful story marked by sacrifice, courage, and love. We are profoundly grateful for her birth mother. Her decision was not easy, and we honor the strength it took for her to choose life and to place her child in the care of a family who would love her deeply. Because she chose life, we have the joy of watching this little girl grow, learn, and thrive.

Our granddaughter’s life has enriched our family in ways words cannot capture. She has renewed our sense of wonder, strengthened our faith, and given us a living reminder that hope is not an abstract idea—it has a face, a name, and a future. She constantly reminds us that each life is precious in God’s sight.

We are thankful. Thankful for adoption. Thankful for family. Thankful for a brave birth mother. And thankful, above all, for the gift of life that continues to bless us every single day.

Serving Well

Posted in Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, Uncategorized, WorshipLeave a comment

What does it mean to serve well? If you work at the Kentucky Baptist Convention, your mind might go to our core values—being highly responsive, cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit, committing ourselves as lifelong learners, staying people-focused, and stewarding well. Those values matter. They shape how we work and why we work. But that’s not really the question I want to ask.

We know what it means to serve well. The deeper question is this: What does it mean to be well while you are serving well? What does wellness look like for a Christian? And what does wellness look like for someone who gives their life to ministry and service?

To answer that, I want to turn briefly to the shortest book in the New Testament—just 219 words in the original Greek. In 3 John, the Apostle John writes to a man named Gaius, a common name in the first century, but clearly someone John knew and loved deeply.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 2 (ESV)

John prays for Gaius to be well. Wouldn’t you love to know that the beloved apostle was praying for you? And not just praying for your ministry or your faithfulness—but praying for your personal wellness?

In that short verse, John gives us a glimpse of three kinds of wellness that matter for those who want to serve well for the long haul.

3 Types of Wellness

1. Overall Wellness

John begins broadly: “I pray that all may go well with you.” Many translations use the word prosper. The New King James Version says, “I pray that you may prosper in all things.” That is a beautiful prayer.

John isn’t talking about winning the lottery. He’s talking about life—marriage, family, work, friendships, relationships, and the everyday matters that make up our lives. He is praying that life, as a whole, would be marked by God’s gracious care.

Serving well does not require neglecting the rest of life. In fact, healthy service grows out of a life that is held together by God’s grace.

2. Physical and Emotional Wellness

John continues, “that you may be in good health.” When we hear those words, we naturally think of physical health—and rightly so. Anyone who has faced health struggles knows how deeply they affect every other part of life. We want those we love to be healthy.

But there is also an emotional weight that comes with service and ministry. Those who serve often go and go and go. We give and give and give. We listen and listen and listen. We carry stories, burdens, and heartbreaks that we cannot fix. Over time, that can become heavy.

And all of this happens while we are navigating our own lives in a fallen world. This is earth, not heaven. Emotional wellness matters. Ignoring it doesn’t make us stronger—it simply makes the load heavier.

3. Spiritual Wellness

Finally, John adds, “as it goes well with your soul.” The wording suggests that Gaius was doing well spiritually. His walk with the Lord was steady. His soul was healthy.

That matters more than anything else. Physical strength and professional effectiveness cannot substitute for a soul that is being nurtured by Christ. When the soul is neglected, everything else eventually suffers.

A Personal Word

Last fall and winter, I struggled. At the time, I couldn’t fully explain what was happening, but the struggle showed up physically—anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, an elevated heart rate. A visit to the cardiologist and a treadmill test ruled out heart trouble, but the symptoms were real.

Eventually, I recognized several underlying causes. I was grieving my father’s death. His estate was still unsettled. My brother was fighting cancer. And after more than forty years in ministry, I felt the accumulated weight of service.

Most people had no idea I was struggling. As I write this, I don’t know where you are. You may be doing well, or you may be carrying more than you let on. I suspect I’m not the only one who has ever struggled while trying to serve faithfully.

So I leave you with the same prayer John offered long ago:

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

May we serve well—and by God’s grace, may we be well as we serve.

I Miss My Mommy

Posted in Life Happens5 Comments

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You wouldn’t think that a grown man would miss his mother, but I miss my mom more and more each year.  My mom went home to be with the Lord in 1992 at the age of 60.  She was the heart and soul of our family, especially when it came to holidays and birthdays.

One of my favorite Christmas memories is etched in my mind forever and revolves around my mom.  For some reason when I was about 10-years-old, she decided to move the Christmas tree from its usual spot in the living room of our modest little eastern Kentucky home, to the dining area off the kitchen.  She placed it in front of the breakfast nook window and it snowed during the holidays that year.

I remember staring at the Christmas tree with the snow coming down outside in the background. For some reason the combination of the simplicity of the tree, the falling snow, a warm house, homemade candy, and my family nearby is a memory that remains vivid to me.  Even at the time, I seemed to sense that I was experiencing something special!

. . . I seemed to sense that I was experiencing something special!

Enjoy every moment with your family this Christmas and be thankful for each person.  Be sure to slow down so you can notice and appreciate the “little” things about them and about the holiday.  This may be the year that your favorite Christmas memory is etched in your mind to enjoy for years to come.

Staying Well When Life Hurts

Posted in Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

Life can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the weight of ministry, family struggles, health concerns, or unexpected challenges, we all face seasons that test our emotional and spiritual endurance. Pastors and ministry leaders especially carry a unique burden as they seek to serve others while managing their own stress and fatigue. Since difficulties are a normal part of life, how can we stay grounded and healthy when life hurts? 

5 Keys to Wellness When Life Hurts

1. Love God. Regardless of what is happening around us, nothing will ever substitute for loving God. Jesus said this is the greatest commandment, and on it, all the others depend (Matthew 22:37). Like marriage, our relationship with God requires discipline, attention, and intentionality. Spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and Scripture reading help keep our hearts aligned with Him. We will have ups and downs, but we must work to keep our relationship with the Lord fresh and strong.

2. Love Your Family. God created the family before He created the church. That truth should shape our priorities. Many pastors and ministry leaders, myself included, have struggled to maintain balance between family and ministry. Yet, God never calls us to sacrifice our families on the altar of service. Make time for your spouse, your children, and those closest to you. The people in your home are your first and most important congregation. When your family life is healthy, your ministry becomes more authentic and effective.

The people in your home are your first and most important congregation.

3. Love People. People are imperfect—just like us. They’ll disappoint you, misunderstand you, and sometimes frustrate you. But love them anyway. Ask God to help you see people the way He does. Love those who support you and those who oppose you. Love the ones who are easy to be around and those who are not. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), and that includes everyone He brings into our path. God blesses a heart that loves others well.

4. Love the Bible. Many of us claim to hold a “high view of Scripture,” yet we often fail to give it the priority it deserves in our daily lives. We should not only believe the Bible but live it, teach it, and communicate it with passion and accuracy. As ministers and believers, we must let God’s Word shape our hearts and guide our decisions. When people look back on our ministries, may they say, “He always preached God’s Word faithfully and lived by it sincerely.”

5. Love Yourself. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about stewardship. God gave you one body, one mind, and one soul. Take care of them. Nurture your spiritual life through prayer and devotion. Care for your body by eating well, exercising, and resting. Tend to your emotional health by setting boundaries and finding healthy ways to recharge. When we neglect self-care, we limit our effectiveness and risk shortening the time we have to serve the Lord. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s wise stewardship of the life God entrusted to you.

Final Thought: Life will bring its share of storms, but we can weather them well when our hearts stay anchored in God’s love and our priorities stay in order. Loving God, loving family, loving people, loving the Word, and loving yourself—these five keys can keep you strong when life is difficult and equip you to keep serving with joy.

10 Things I Love About Being A Pastor

Posted in Church Chat, Life Happens, Ministry4 Comments

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as pastor in three Kentucky Baptist churches, along with several interim roles. Through it all, I’ve experienced the unique joys—and occasional challenges—of pastoral ministry. While every pastor’s journey is different, I love many things about being a pastor.

10 Things I Love About Being A Pastor

1. Walking Through Life With People I Know and Love. One of the greatest joys of pastoring is being woven into the everyday lives of church members. From weddings to hospital visits, from baptisms to funerals, I get to walk alongside people I truly care about. As someone who loves people, these connections are both meaningful and deeply rewarding.

2. Offering Encouragement in Difficult Times. Life isn’t easy—for anyone. But as a pastor, I’m often invited into moments of hardship, pain, and uncertainty. These moments are sacred. They give me the opportunity to offer hope, encouragement, and the reminder that God is near.

3. Preparing to Preach God’s Word. Each week, I open the Bible and ask, “Lord, what do You want to say to Your people?” The preparation process is both challenging and invigorating. And honestly, before I ever step into the pulpit, God has already preached the sermon to me.

4. Serving Alongside a Godly Staff. Ministry is not a solo act. Working with a team of dedicated, Christ-centered staff members is one of the joys of church leadership. When we’re united in purpose, it makes the work not only more effective but also more enjoyable.

5. Watching Kids Be Kids. There’s something beautiful about the laughter, honesty, and energy of children. They keep us grounded and remind us what matters most. Plus, they’re great at making us smile—sometimes when we need it the most.

6. Seeing People Become Passionate About Jesus. Nothing compares to watching someone’s heart ignite with love for Christ. Whether it’s a new believer or a long-time church member deepening their walk, seeing spiritual transformation is a thrill that never gets old.

7. Having My Own Passion for Jesus Renewed. Serving as a pastor constantly draws me to a deeper reliance upon Jesus. The responsibility of shepherding others drives me to remain rooted in Him and to stay in His Word daily. It’s both humbling and energizing.

8. Helping the Church Refocus. Churches, like individuals, can lose focus. Helping a congregation rediscover its mission and realign with God’s vision is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership. A renewed focus can lead to renewed fruitfulness.

9. Leading With Vision and Purpose. God calls pastors to lead—not just administrate or maintain. Leading a church with prayerful vision, bold faith, and Spirit-filled purpose is both a heavy responsibility and a great honor. Churches need leaders who are willing to step up and lead with courage and clarity.

10. Learning to Follow Well. Even as a leader, I’m still a follower—first and foremost of Jesus, but also in how I trust and empower others. Good leadership means knowing when to step back, delegate, and cheer others on. Leading well starts with following well.

Final Thoughts
Being a pastor isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And while it comes with its challenges, the blessings far outweigh them. I’m grateful every day for the privilege God has given me to serve local churches and walk this journey of faith with others.