Transitional Interim Pastor Training

Posted in Assimilation, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

Untitled-1We are offering a Transitional Interim Pastor Training at the Kentucky Baptist Convention building on November 23-24, 2015 that will equip men of God to provide leadership for worship services, supply basic pastoral care, and guide a congregation through the inherent complexities, challenges, and opportunities during the interim time.

The workshop will help participants focus on:

  • The role and responsibilities of a transitional interim pastor
  • The transition process
  • Assessing the church’s history
  • Assessing the church’s current realities
  • Strategic preparation for the church’s future
  • Preaching and teaching during the interim
  • Conflict management and congregational healing
  • Supporting the search committee
  • Preparing the church for the next pastor
  • Leaving gracefully

Cost is $100 per person. For more information please contact me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org or at 502-489-5731.

Biblical Marriage Resources

Posted in Church Chat, Church Consulting, Discipleship, Ministry, PreachingLeave a comment

RingOne of the more challenging issues facing Southern Baptists today is same-sex marriage. Churches need to protect themselves legally while showing proper Biblical grace toward the LGBT community. Read Dr. Chitwood’s response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in America.

To assist churches, we have created a marriage resource page on our Kentucky Baptist Convention website that includes the following:

  • Videos from Protecting Biblical Marriage conference held May 22, 2014
  • Sample Marriage/Wedding policies and guidelines
  • Sample Facility Use policies
  • Videos by Richard Nelson, executive director of the Commonwealth Policy Center

If you have any questions, please email me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org or give me a call at (502) 489-3571.  Also, as you develop resources, please send them to me so we can share them with others.

True Satisfaction

Posted in Life Happens, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

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In 1965, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards released a song that gave the English rock band, the Rolling Stones, their first #1 hit. One of the unique features of the song was the repetitive, three-note guitar riff throughout. The song was titled “Satisfaction.” Here are the words to the chorus:

I can’t get no satisfaction. I can’t get no satisfaction. ‘Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try. I can’t get no satisfaction.

This was one of my favorite pep-band songs in high school because the trombones played that three-note guitar riff. You can probably guess that I played trombone in school. BUT, at the time, I didn’t know how sad the song’s lyrics were.

When I think of these sad lyrics, I think of King Solomon. He spent most of his life searching for satisfaction. Listen to his frustration:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiates 1:2

“All life is far more boring than words could ever say. Our eyes and our ears are never satisfied with what we see and hear.” Ecclesiates  1:8 (Contemporary English Version)

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiates 1:14

As a pastor, I learned that many people in life are just like Solomon. They are seeking true meaning in life, but don’t know where to find it. Fortunately, our search can end well if our search brings us to Christ. Listen to what the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians:

“For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him (Jesus).” Colossians 1:16 (Msg)

If you are reading this and have an emptiness in your life, then I encourage you to give your life to Christ. Find purpose and meaning in a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Pray and invite Him into your life. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Follow Him, love Him, serve Him. If I can help you in some way to that end, please contact me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org.

Gear Tips for Winter Running

Posted in Life Happens, RunningLeave a comment

Winter Running Gear

I’m absolutely amazed at the running gear that is available today!  Yesterday morning, I ran before daylight in 13-degree temperatures with a cold, blowing snow and was as warm as toast.  I wore three layers and really only needed two.  Believe it not, I actually got a little too warm about halfway through my run.

Here are a few gear choices that work for me on really cold days:

  • Merino Wool hats, neck gaiters, socks, and  gloves.  I use these products at times constructed of materials other than Merino Wool, but on the coldest days, Merino Wool is hard to beat.
  • Pearl Izumi Thermal Base Layer. I have a half-zip thermal base layer from Pearl Izumi that is a “perfect” design.
  • Under Armour Cold Gear. These products are high quality, but quite expensive.  IMHO, you certainly get what you pay for though.
  • Petzl Tikka RXP Headlamp. This headlamp should really be called a head TORCH! The lamp provides 215 lumens, multi-beams, Reactive Lighting, and is fully rechargeable! This is BY FAR the best light I’ve ever worn.
  • Ski Socks.  I have found that wool ski socks work great on frigid days. Since they are very long, they add extra protection on the lower legs.
  • Sugoi Zero Plus Pants. I have accumulated a number of running pants over the years, but when it comes to cold days, I always go for the Sugoi Zero Plus pants. They are much thicker than most running tights and have a great design. I especially appreciate the large, zip pockets. They are available for men and women.

Here is a video that you may find helpful as well as you make winter gear choices. Warm running!

Sunday School Success

Posted in Assimilation, Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Discipleship, EvangelismLeave a comment

A youth group holds on to a bible.In my first doctoral class, I wrote an exit paper on the Sunday School.  My thesis for the paper was as follows:

“Sunday School is a vital program in the 21st Century Church.”

With all the new trends and changes on the current church scene, some have chosen to downplay Sunday School.  In some instances, Sunday School has been eliminated altogether.  In my opinion, such a decision is ill-advised and potentially lethal to most congregations.  Many churches still have Sunday School-type programs although they no longer use that language.  It doesn’t matter what you call it, but the traditional functions of the Sunday School are usually more consistently and effectively carried out through this church ministry.  I believe churches must embrace certain changes, but not all changes are good changes.  Some ministries are fundamental to the health and growth of the church—I believe Sunday School is such a ministry.

As your Kentucky Baptist Convention staff, Darryl Wilson and I are committed to the improvement and encouragement of the Sunday School.  We are thrilled with the current success stories that are taking place in KBC churches, but we pray for even greater success in the future!

One of the things that I’ve observed in many churches is the need to simplify.  Churches can become so complex that it becomes “watered-down” and less effective.  Many of the ministries of the church could and should be administered through the Sunday School.  This approach allows for simplification, shared ministry, organizational structure, and accountability.

For more help with Sunday School, contact Darryl Wilson or utilize his extensive Sunday School articles.