Tag: Jesus

Serving Well

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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.

Bible Leadership

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One of the greatest privileges of my ministry has been walking alongside pastors, leaders, and churches as they strive to be faithful to Christ. I’ve seen the blessings of godly leadership and the pain that comes when leadership goes astray. The Bible has much to say about how leaders are to serve, and when we look closely, we find a model of leadership that is both timeless and transformational.

5 Keys to Bible Leadership

1. Leadership Begins with Humility. Jesus gave us the pattern for leadership:

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43–45)

True greatness in God’s eyes is not found in lording authority over others but in stooping low to serve. As pastors, deacons, and church leaders, we are called to model the humility of Christ.

2. Leadership Requires Wisdom. I’ve discovered that no leader can walk alone. Solomon reminds us:

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

The wisest leaders know when to seek advice and when to listen. In my own journey, godly counsel from mentors and friends has often made the difference between a rash decision and a wise step forward.

3. Leadership Models Integrity. Paul challenged Timothy with these words:

“Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Integrity is the bedrock of leadership. People may forget what we preach on Sunday, but they won’t forget the life we live before them Monday through Saturday.

4. Leadership Shepherds the Flock. Peter’s instruction to pastors still speaks clearly today:

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:2)

This reminds us that leadership is not about driving people, but about guiding, protecting, and nurturing them. A faithful shepherd walks with the flock and always points them to Jesus.

5. Leadership Depends on God’s Strength. Every leader—Moses, Joshua, David, Paul—discovered they could not lead in their own strength. God said to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

That same promise holds true today. No leader stands alone—God’s presence is our strength and courage.

A Final Word: Biblical leadership is not about building our own platform. It is about faithfully following Christ and helping others do the same. As Paul wrote, “Follow me, as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

My prayer is that those of us called to lead—in the church, in our homes, and in our communities—will lead like Christ: humbly, wisely, with integrity, as shepherds who depend on the Lord.

✝️ Thanks for reading. If this post encouraged you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can connect with me at stephencraigrice.com.

Being A Good Example

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I’ve always wanted to be a good example, but that multiplied exponentially when I became a grandfather. The truth is, one of the greatest gifts we can give our family, co-workers, and other believers is the example of a faithful life. Paul reminded young Timothy of this truth when he wrote:

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings… yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:10–12, ESV)

Paul wasn’t simply telling Timothy what to believe—he was showing him how to live. Timothy had seen Paul’s doctrine, his daily conduct, his endurance through hardship, and his unshakable faith. That’s the pattern for us today. If we want to influence others for Christ, we must be willing to let our lives speak as loudly as our words.

4 Ways to Be A Good Example

1. A Good Example Teaches Truth. Paul began with teaching. Right doctrine matters. People are being pulled in every direction by voices that deceive, but a faithful believer points to Scripture as the unchanging standard. To be a good example, you don’t need to know everything—but you must cling to the truth you do know, and pass it on with humility and confidence.

2. A Good Example Lives What They Teach. Doctrine without conduct is hypocrisy. Paul could say, “You’ve seen my teaching and my conduct.” The world may ignore our sermons, but it notices how we treat our spouse, how we handle money, how we respond when things don’t go our way. Every believer’s life is a message. The question is: is it pointing people toward Christ or away from Him?

3. A Good Example Endures with Faith and Patience. Paul’s life was marked by hardship—persecution, rejection, and even violence. Yet he remained steadfast. That kind of endurance only comes from faith. When we continue to love, serve, and trust God in the face of trials, people see that Jesus is real in us.

4. A Good Example Accepts That Persecution Will Come. Paul was clear: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” The faithful life won’t always be easy or applauded. But our response in those moments—our patience, love, and steadfastness—shines the brightest witness. A Christian who suffers with grace proclaims the gospel more loudly than a thousand words ever could.

Summary: Being a good example is not about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. It means teaching truth, living consistently, enduring trials, and trusting God when the road is hard. When we do, others will see Jesus in us, and our lives will echo Paul’s words: “From them all the Lord rescued me.”

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful examples of Paul, Timothy, and so many others who have gone before us. Help me to live in such a way that my teaching and my conduct match, that my faith is steady, and that my love is sincere. When trials come, give me the patience and steadfastness I need to honor Christ. May my life point others to Jesus, not to myself. Keep me faithful, even when the road is hard, and remind me that You are always with me and will rescue me in the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Where Do I Fit in My Church?

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Becoming part of a church family is one of the greatest blessings of following Jesus. Yet for new believers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do I belong? How can I serve? What role does God want me to play?

Take heart—God’s Word assures us that He has a purpose for each one of us in His church. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Here are five biblical truths to help you prayerfully find your place in His family.

1. Be Comfortable in Who You Are. God created you uniquely and purposefully. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” You don’t need to imitate others to fit in—you simply need to rest in who you are in Christ. When you walk confidently in your identity as God’s child, you’ll naturally connect with your church family.

2. Discover Your God-Given Gifts and Talents. The Holy Spirit equips every believer with gifts to build up the church. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Ask the Lord to reveal your gifts and consider how your natural talents may be used for His glory. Whether it’s serving, teaching, encouraging, or showing mercy, your gifts have a place in His plan.

3. Learn from Others Around You. Proverbs 15:22 teaches, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seek guidance from pastors, mentors, and trusted believers in your church. They may see strengths and opportunities you’ve overlooked. God often uses the wisdom of others to direct us to the right place of service.

4. Stay Open to Growth and Change. Your place in the church may shift over time as God shapes you. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Be willing to try new areas of ministry and allow God to stretch you. You may begin in one role and later discover an even deeper passion in another.

5. Pay Attention to Where God is Working. Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17). Look around your church. Where is God moving? Where are the needs? Often, your place is found at the intersection of God’s work, your gifts, and the needs of others. Pray for eyes to see and a heart ready to serve.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for placing me in Your family, the church. Help me to rest in who You made me to be. Reveal the gifts You’ve given me and show me where to use them for Your glory. Surround me with wise counsel, keep my heart open to new opportunities, and give me eyes to see where You are working. May my life bless others and bring honor to Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Practical Steps to a Safe Church

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As Kentucky Baptist pastors and leaders, one of our sacred responsibilities is to care for the flock God has entrusted to us. That means preaching, praying, and shepherding spiritually—but it also means protecting our people physically.

Just as we lock our homes at night or install smoke detectors, we take precautions in our churches because we love the people God has placed in our care. With that in mind, here are some practical, common-sense steps every Kentucky Baptist church can consider.

1. Strengthen Your Welcome Team. Your greeters, ushers, and volunteers are the first line of awareness. Train them not only to warmly welcome guests, but also to be observant. A kind handshake and a watchful eye can both happen at the same time. If something looks or feels off, then report it.

2. Control Building Access. Once services begin, it’s wise to limit how many doors are open. Lock side or back entrances and funnel guests through monitored entry points. Post clear signage so visitors know where to enter. Consider cameras or door monitors if your budget allows.

3. Develop a Safety Team. Even small churches can benefit from a few trusted members who are prepared for emergencies. Look for men and women with calm spirits and sound judgment (law enforcement, military, medical backgrounds are a plus). Establish a simple chain of command so decisions can be made quickly. Provide radios or communication tools so the team can respond without disrupting worship.

4. Prepare for Medical Emergencies. In many churches, medical emergencies are more likely than security threats. Being ready can save a life. Keep first-aid kits in visible locations. Install an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Train volunteers in CPR and basic first aid. During one of my pastorates, two heart attacks happened right in the middle of the church services. Fortunately, trained medical responders handled the situation immediately and effectively.

5. Partner with Local Law Enforcement. Your sheriff’s office or police department can be a valuable ally. Invite them to tour your facilities and point out vulnerabilities. Ask for advice on evacuation routes and emergency procedures. Let them know your service times so they can include your church in patrol routes.

6. Communicate and Train. A plan only works if people know it. Walk your team through drills—fire, weather, intruder, medical. Share emergency exit routes with your congregation. Keep communication clear, calm, and simple.

7. Keep the Balance. Our churches should always be places of warmth and welcome. Security must never overshadow hospitality. Done well, it will mostly go unnoticed—ready if needed, but invisible during worship.

In Summary, Pastor, now is the time to prepare. You don’t need a massive budget or an army of volunteers. Start small. Pray. Gather a few trusted leaders. Put simple, practical steps in place.

The people who sit in your pews week after week are precious souls made in God’s image. Protecting them is part of shepherding them. Let’s be faithful in this calling—not out of fear, but out of love.