The 2025 Vacation Bible School season is over for most churches but this year’s VBS will remain in my memories because it is the year I returned to my roots. For the first time in six decades, I volunteered to work in VBS, serving at Enoree Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, S.C., where my wife and I joined after our retirement. It’s not that I have been away from VBS

We loved our church family. Jeanne and I were in our second year of marriage and my second year as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Leakesville, Mississippi. It was my first pastorate. Our parsonage had a large living room, and we invited the church’s 35 regular attenders for Thanksgiving. That night, Jeanne and I experienced what it meant to be loved as the church’s pastor and first lady.

As the dawn of a new school year stretches before you, pause — breathe deeply, gather your children close, and look back before getting caught up in shopping for school supplies, new clothes, learning new schedules, and meeting new teachers. Slow down long enough to savor a few moments reflecting on the previous school year. Sit with your children and together recall the treasured moments of the previous grade. Focus

Sometimes it takes a shark to focus on catching the right fish. The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board hosts a variety of Off the Grid experiences designed to help pastors and ministry leaders unplug and recharge mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is part of the effort to strengthen gospel leaders, and healthy ministers lead to healthy churches. One of our Off the Grid opportunities is a deep-sea fishing expedition. Recently a

We are now closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. Let that sink in, and consider this: What gospel impact will you and your church have in the next 25 years? I vividly remember 2000. Perhaps you also remember the excitement and anticipation of the new millennium mixed with the fear of “Y2K.” It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, yet no one argues that we now

Ronald Reagan was the first presidential candidate I voted for. He is the presidential gold standard, in my opinion. I miss his leadership and his whimsical humor. One of my favorite Reagan jokes was about a boy selling puppies outside a Democratic fundraiser, encouraging people to buy a “Democrat puppy.” Republicans met at the same venue two weeks later, and a reporter at both events said, “Hey kid, you were

Thank you, Tennessee Baptists. In some ways, that seems inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude, but please know I mean it with all sincerity. What the Lord has done through Tennessee Baptists — you — over the past 15 years in terms of Golden Offering missions giving is nothing short of phenomenal. Let’s take a look. Fifteen years ago, Tennessee Baptists gave $1.5 million through the Golden Offering

When the high school’s baseball team finished their annual season, Todd, a junior, walked back to the dugout with the other players. “With baseball over, I’ll miss seeing you guys this summer,” he said with a downcast look across his face. “Just because baseball’s over, that is no reason to not spend time together,” smiled John as he patted his friend on the shoulder. “Tell you what, our church has