Recently, I was honored to visit Worden Baptist Church in Bald Knob, Arkansas. Bro. Paul Bearfield has a vision for the church to reach the community around them through small groups –and it’s working. During my visit, I witnessed something uncommon for rural churches in the south. The congregation was incredibly diverse. They are multi-cultural, …
Category Archives: Church Visits
Road Trip: Northwest Arkansas
Bryce and I headed to northwest Arkansas to enjoy our favorite football team over the weekend. While the game wasn’t that enjoyable, the weekend together was great. To cap it all off, we decided to visit Grace Hills Church in Rogers, Arkansas. Grace Hills is led by my friend, Brandon Cox. Brandon’s humble spirit, visionary …
Road Trip: Sulphur Springs, TX
Did you know that Sulphur Springs, Texas has the world’s only free standing glass public restrooms located on its town square? Its a little strange -especially in the fact that from the inside, you can see out. But from the outside, you cannot see in. Still, I decided not to try them…. Davis Street Baptist …
Road Trip: Poplar Bluff, MO
Beyond the Arkansas boarder, the foothills of Southeast Missouri are beautiful. Recently I traveled up Highway 67 to visit the congregation of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Pastor Matt Johnson serves bi-vocationally. More and more, I am becoming convinced that bi-vocational ministry is not a limitation –but an opportunity (to learn more read …
Road Trip: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
In my recent trip to Myaguez, Puerto Rico, I was blessed to see Ephesians 4:11-12 in action. Ephesians 4:11-2 states, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” On one day in one room, …
Road (Air) Trip: Nicaragua
The ministry of discipleship and church planting in Nicaragua under the direction of Oscar Gaitan has been a major influence in my life for many years. Shortly after graduating from college I took my first trip to visit the Central American country where I met Oscar and his wife Tami. Over the years, I have …
Road Trip: Macedonia, Arkansas
Macedonia Baptist Church near Magnolia, Arkansas has a rich heritage and a bright future. During my recent visit, my son Bryce and I fell in love with the congregation. Before the service, I struck up a conversation with the man sitting in front of us. Like me, had experienced the loss of a wife. It …
Road Trip: Cushing, TX
I have had a wonderful experience visiting the people of Landmark Baptist Church in Cushing, Texas recently. Pastor David Snelson was gracious to invite me to preach a series of revival services for their congregation. During my time at the church, I discovered some wonderful people with amazing ministries. One of the senior men spends …
Road Trip: Bono, Arkansas
Pastor Shawn Brandon is a “people person.” I could tell right away as he and his wife Janee’ greeted my son and me in the church parking lot. Shawn has pastored Herman Baptist Church for seven years now. He has a vibrant ministry as displayed by the enthusiasm of his people. Before the service, Shawn …
Road Trip: Three First Baptists
The best part of my job is being able to spend time one-on-one with pastors. Pastors are a gift to the church. They provide leadership, nurture, direction, teaching, counsel and care to God’s children. The Bible refers to pastors as “shepherds” (I Peter 5:2). Interestingly, this is the same terminology Scripture applies to Christ. In …