Tag: Leadership

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.

8 Reasons to Hire An Interim Pastor

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When a pastor leaves, the church enters a tender and often uncertain season. Even if the pastor’s departure was expected—or even welcomed—it still creates disruption. The transition between pastors is a vulnerable time, and how a church navigates it will often shape the future health of the congregation. One of the wisest steps a church can take is to hire an interim pastor. Here’s why:

1. The church needs consistency. Rotating guest preachers may seem like a solution, but it creates a revolving door in the pulpit. Without a steady voice, the church often experiences tension, confusion, and even division. An interim pastor provides stability and consistency week after week.

2. You safeguard doctrine. It’s far easier to vet and trust one qualified interim pastor than a new guest speaker every Sunday. A parade of different preachers—especially those without theological training—opens the door to doctrinal drift. An interim helps protect the pulpit and guard the truth.

3. The church needs space to grieve. When a beloved pastor leaves, there’s loss—whether people realize it or not. That loss must be acknowledged. An interim pastor provides the space and guidance needed for the church to process its grief, heal, and be ready to fully embrace its next shepherd.

4. A leadership void must be filled. The departure of a pastor leaves a vacuum. If it isn’t filled by a qualified leader, one of two things happens: either the church stalls without direction, or members step into roles they were never meant to hold—and may not want to give up once the new pastor arrives. An interim pastor prevents both pitfalls.

5. The Search Team needs breathing room. A pastor search committee carries a weighty responsibility. Without an interim, they feel pressure to rush the process. A wise interim pastor shoulders part of that burden, allowing the search team to move prayerfully and carefully instead of hastily.

6. Fresh eyes bring clarity. An interim pastor comes without preconceived notions. He notices things insiders may overlook—facility issues, worship dynamics, staffing challenges, or ministry gaps. His perspective can spark helpful conversations and positive change.

7. New ideas can bring momentum. Most interim pastors have years of ministry experience. They’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—in a variety of contexts. Their ideas can inject fresh energy and keep the church moving forward instead of stagnating during the transition.

8. The staff needs pastoral guidance. Even the most capable church staff feels unsettled when the lead pastor’s chair sits empty. An interim pastor provides the leadership, accountability, and encouragement they need so they can continue to serve well until the new pastor arrives.

Final Thought. An interim pastor isn’t just a “placeholder.” He’s a bridge—helping the church move from one season to the next with health, stability, and hope. Churches that skip this step often regret it. Churches that embrace it often find themselves stronger, healthier, and more unified when their new pastor finally steps into the pulpit.

For more information or assistance in this area, please contact me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org or at 502-489-3434.

Deacon Ministry Handbook

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The office of deacon is still relevant and Biblical in the 21st century. Although there has been an increased emphasis on the office of elder in the local Baptist congregation, most Baptist churches still need and honor the office of deacon.

When I consider my years in the pastorate, I think of the men with whom the Lord surrounded me. God placed men in the office of deacon who encouraged me, challenged me, advised me, and prayed for me. These men were partners in the ministry of the Gospel, they were brothers in Christ, and they were friends. I cherish them and count it a special privilege to have served with them and to have personally served as a deacon early in life.

Many good deacon resources exist, but few are recent and updated. The authors of this resource work regularly with deacons and they believe that deacons play a crucial role in the success of the local pastor and church. They wrote the Deacon Ministry Handbook to provide concise, practical guidance to pastors and deacons. The combined ministry knowledge of the authors has produced a tool that can benefit every pastor and deacon in Kentucky and across the Southern Baptist Convention.

You can get a copy at any place books are sold, but you can purchase at a discounted rate from this LifeWay site designed to feature the book. The authors and I recently recorded supplemental video resources that will be available soon to assist with training. If we can assist your church or association with deacon training, please email me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org.

Is Your Church Safe & Secure?

Posted in Church Consulting, Deacon, Leadership, Security, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Every church MUST think about church security in today’s world! Every church should have a comprehensive Church Security Plan and a Church Security Team in place! BUT, where do you begin and who can help?

We have six Kentucky Baptist Convention Regional Consultants prepared to make a presentation to your church or a group of leaders that will raise awareness for the need of a good security plan as well as cover some of the basics. They can provide first steps and help a church take next steps.

We created a Church Security page on our website with resources available for churches as well as links to several Church Security training videos filmed at one of our KBC Church Security Conferences:

For additional assistance please contact a KBC Regional Consultant directly or contact me at the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

4 Steps to Forgiving Those I Hate

Posted in Church Chat, Deacon, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, Preaching, Worship2 Comments

How can we forgive people we hate? How can we show grace to those we can’t stomach? The honest truth is that we can’t! In our own strength, we are unable to forgive those who have hurt us deeply, but with God’s help, it is possible.

4 Steps to Forgiving Those I Hate

1. Turn our hurts over to God. We should remind ourselves that nothing happens that God does not allow. As a result we should acknowledge our hurts and ask God to help us with them. He may choose to teach us through them and shape us into the person He wants us to be. God never wastes a hurt!

God never wastes a hurt!

2. Ask God to transform our hate to love. In time, God will change our hearts to match His heart if we allow Him to do so. We should pray and ask God to start the process of healing and forgiveness in our hearts.

3. Read what God’s Word says about forgiveness. The Bible is replete with verses on this topic. Reading what God says is a major part of how He moves us towards a heart of forgiveness. Here are a couple of passages on the topic:

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) 

“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:  Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'”  Luke 11:2-4 (NIV) 

4. Remember that we sinned against God. God forgave us when we didn’t deserve it, so we should forgive others when they don’t deserve it. We are never more like God than when we grant forgiveness to undeserving people.

Don’t spend the rest of your life without rest in your life!

If you’re struggling with hard feelings toward someone . . . if you’re mad, hurt, bitter, or all the above rolled into one, then let it go! Forgive! Do it for their sake! Do it for your sake! Do it for the Lord! Don’t spend the rest of your life without rest in your life. Unforgiveness can slow down or even sidetrack your spiritual growth.

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