I was blessed to be in Nashville Monday night for what many believe was a significant and historic night in Southern Baptist history.  It was the culmination and in some ways the celebration of months of labor.  I will count it as one of the greatest privileges of my life to have been involved in the GCR process throughout the last eight months assisting my dad with various aspects of his assignment as Chairman.  What I saw Monday was simply a continuation of countless conversations of 22 godly men and women committed to the Great Commission.  I guarantee that each one of the Task Force members would sit across the dinner table from you and explain their heart for the next generation of pastors and missionaries.  With a heart for the Great Commission and for the next generation, this group has wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to this year long process.  They are giving so much, so in turn, let me give some thoughts as a 26- year-old pastor in this convention.  Young pastors…here’s what I believe the GCR means for you and for me.

It’s time to answer the call. The GCR is an incredible vision.  Thousands of Southern Baptists can rally behind our missional vision that expresses a desire to “present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations.”  However, if we don’t answer the call, the GCR will only go so far.  Take the proposed changes for The North American Mission Board.  What an incredible vision it is to see that 50% of their budget from now on (if accepted and acted upon) will go directly to church planting.  But what is the vision worth if there are not capable, passionate young pastors ready to answer the call to reach the cities and under-served regions of our country?  The same is true for the proposed changes to the International Mission Board.  If there aren’t young pastors and families willing to forsake all for the cause of Christ in missions, who cares that the IMB may get an extra 1% of all SBC CP dollars  and the freedom to reach unreached people groups in the United States?  In other words, the GCR needs you.  The movement will soon die without young pastors who will take the torch of the Gospel and run to the darkest places of this earth.  It’s time for you and your family to answer the call.

It’s time to get involved. Our convention is structured in such a way that the people who show up are the people who get a say.  If we want to influence where our money goes, ensure our entities are fulfilling the Great Commission, and have a say in other details, then we have to show up and get involved.  Come to the convention in Orlando.  Bring 10 messengers from your church.  Vote for the GCR for the sake of the nations.  Call your state convention, NAMB, or the IMB and talk about ways they can assist your church in fulfilling the Gospel mission.

It’s time to drop the cynicism. The time of sideline coaching has passed. You may say, “Well I don’t like the way things are.”  Then do something about it.  “Well I hate politics.”  Then don’t be political.  The negativity and cynicism are not helpful or needed.  The GCR is nothing about denominational politics and it’s certainly not about keeping things status quo.  This is a movement bringing change.  I’ve described last year’s convention to people in this way.  There were no long arguments about issues that weren’t important.  It was as if the majority of the convention said, “Forget all this.  Let’s go for the Gospel,” and the GCR motion was overwhelmingly approved and the movement spread.

It’s time to risk it all. David Platt said something to the effect of “Let’s risk it all” in his message to the SBC last June.  This is really a message for young pastors and all pastors in general related to the GCR.  Is the Great Commission Resurgence really worth the risk?  Is it really worth spending money to be involved with various meetings and events of the SBC?  Is it really worth our time to discuss complex issues within our denomination to try to make us more effective?  The answer is yes.  The answer is not yes because of the Great Commission Resurgence movement.  The answer is yes because I believe the Southern Baptist Convention is the most capable force for missions and the Gospel in the world.  More than anything the answer is yes because the Gospel is worth it all.  It’s worth the money, it’s worth the inconvenience, it’s worth the time, it’s worth our most valiant efforts.  Let’s risk all this for the cause of the Gospel going forth and the nations being brought to Jesus.  What if God used a group like us to finish the task?  That’s worth the risk.

I am most grateful to God for the privilege to be a part of this Great Commission Resurgence movement. The GCR is a grassroots movement of people who have a heart to reach the nations. I want to share a few thoughts with you today that are just GCR report reflections.

1) The GCR report was received by those present on Monday night. While everyone may not agree with each component of the GCR vision, we know our leadership desires to penetrate the lostness of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, God honored our time together in a major way. Not only was this report received on Monday night by those in the room, but Southern Baptists have a great interest in it. In the first 20 hours the report was online at www.pray4gcr.com, we had over 17,000 visitors, and the video has been viewed by at least 3,535 people. Yes, great interest exists in our convention about this GCR movement.

2) The GCR report time was one of the most prayed for moments in perhaps our history. With our 6,200 GCR Prayer Partners, many churches, and major prayer networks praying for Monday night, thousands of people were before the Father in prayer at some point. Therefore, God honored us with His presence.

3) The GCR report was a team experience. So many parts of that report were items contributed by our task force at various points of time over the past several months. Yes, I did write it and had the privilege to deliver it, but it only occurred because of “a team that asked a lot of great questions and did much research.” I am so thankful for the members of the GCR Task Force. Additionally, from my assistants in my office to an inner core of my staff members who have helped along the way to our church’s web and graphics experts who have helped us so much, it took a team to give this report. By the way, we are so much better when we work as a team. I am so limited, but with God and then His people working together, it is amazing how much God can do.

4) The GCR report can be improved upon and we will work hard to do this together. If someone has a desire to give input to our report, they can do it. Perhaps they can help us improve it; if so, bring it on, this is the Lord’s work and we want it to be excellent! While we have worked with diligence on this report, we have to work harder from this point forward to make it more effective.

5) The GCR report is the Lord’s! We have committed this report to Him as we continue to discern His will for the final report. Please know, dear friends, our GCR team knows above all that the Great Commission is Jesus’ vision and agenda. We want His power to be revealed through this report as His glory is extended to the nations. Join us in this grassroots movement as we move forward to Orlando, Florida.

Pray for a Great Commission Resurgence faithfully,

We have been extended an opportunity to present our Great Commission Resurgence Progress Report on Monday night. We will give the report to all those present at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. Usually it is attended by the members of this national committee, national SBC leaders, as well as Executive Directors and the elected Presidents of our State Conventions. Additionally, members of the media are present as well as various individuals and guests.

Our number one need today is for you to pray for tonight. How should you pray?

*Pray for God’s power and anointing to be upon me as I speak.

*Pray for God’s presence to be evident among those who are present.

*Pray for a willingness to exist among all of us to adjust to what God seems to be doing among us.

*Pray for a willingness to do whatever it takes to be a Great Commission people.

If you go to www.pray4gcr.com this evening, probably around 9:30 p.m. CST, you can view the report as well as download the manuscript. As soon I sit down, it will be posted on this site. Hopefully, you will be encouraged.

Thanks for praying for tonight. I would estimate I will be delivering this address around
7:45 p.m. CST. Again, thanks for praying.

Student Day is this coming Sunday on both of our campuses. My message is entitled, “What Does God Say to us about the Next Generation?” I am very motivated to talk about this subject. It has always been on my heart and seems to be ever-growing as I experience the process of getting older. (Not much older, but a little!) If you live in our region, please join me for this special day and I believe a good word from the Lord for each of us.

My week has been really challenging and it is not over yet! While I am grateful for opportunities afforded us in this ministry in Northwest Arkansas, I am running to keep up. Upon that joy, add the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force leadership responsibilities and I feel as if I am underwater. Wow, don’t like that word picture!

Once again, please know I am in deep need of your prayers for me as I deliver our GCR Progress Report on Monday night in Nashville. Much is happening and I am in great need for prayer. I am most appreciative.

Breaking news . . . text is coming in: In our student mid-week service called “Collide,” we just had 17 teenagers come to Christ! I told my Student Pastor, “Praise God, I am going to have a runaway!” He replied, “You go boy!” I love Students, Student Ministry, and Student Pastors! We love all of you and thanks for your enormous sacrifice for Jesus.

Come Sunday and you will hear: “What Would God Say To The Next Generation.” Bring a friend. Bring a student!

I am most thankful for the ever growing number of you who are joining us as GCR Prayer Partners. I do not know of any time in our process where we need prayer any more than for our presentation on Monday night in Nashville, Tennessee. Please encourage others to join us as Prayer Partners at www.pray4gcr.com Again, we need prayer support. On Monday night, I will be giving a Progress Report to the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as to the representative leadership gathered from around the Southern Baptist Convention.

As I deliver this Progress Report, I need your prayers. Many hours of preparation have been spent on writing this report. Preceding this point, our entire GCR Task Force has spent countless hours in meetings, on phone calls, doing research, responding to correspondence, and having personal dialogue with many individuals and groups. The price has been paid to get us to this point of sharing some of our initial vision with you. As we unfold a substantial part of our vision, we ask you to join us with excitement over what God is doing.

We realize that many of you have an interest in hearing the Progress Report. Therefore, if you will visit our website at www.pray4gcr.com on Monday night at approximately 9:30 p.m. CST, we will have the report on video for you. I am going into the studio sometime before Monday so I can share with all Southern Baptists what God has put on our hearts. Once I sit down from making this presentation on Monday night, the video will be online at www.pray4gcr.com. Please share with others that they can view it online.

Finally, more important than anything, let’s pray for God to move mightily on Monday night in Nashville. Gather people to pray for this important night. I humbly appeal to you, please pray for me.

1,000 Thank Yous . . .

Why do I really love my church? As I reflect over the last 23+ years here, there are many reasons why I love this church. Let me share just a few.

First of all, it’s been the extension of belief of our home, a great investment in our children’s lives in their formative years. Our church is the place that affirmed what we attempted to teach our children at home. It’s been where both of our children were saved. It’s been where childcare workers, youth pastors, small group leaders, and others influenced their lives forever. I can’t think of another organization that makes its focus so strategic to teach our children and youth the eternal truths of God.

Secondly, it’s been a place where joys and sorrows alike have been shared. The “body” reaching out in crises is like no other – I am always amazed at the outpouring of God’s people in times of personal crisis. We have been both the “giver” and the “recipient” in this area of church life. Equally, our church has celebrated the victories and joys of life as well as the challenges. I have seen this played out over and over again, not only in our life personally, but in many lives in this church. The “body of Christ” is an amazing thing!

Thirdly, it’s been a place to grow spiritually. The influence from the pulpit is immeasurable; the impact of fellow believers as we journey in life together, and the encouragement to follow Christ in our individual lives, as well as corporately, has been the “map of my life.”

Weekly corporate worship is invaluable. It’s what prepares me for life on a weekly basis. It’s what gives me hope in the face of trials. It’s the joy of fellowshipping with other believers regularly – seeing victories come and sharing the burdens as well.

These are just a few of the reasons why I love this church!

We had an enjoyable Valentine’s Day yesterday. It all began with wonderful worship services at both of our campuses on “I Love My Church Day.” God’s Spirit was powerful, Jesus was honored, and decisions were made for Christ. Praise God!

Due to weather challenges nationwide, we had the privilege to have a segment of our worship led by Tommy Walker from California. He has written great songs like, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” “He Knows My Name,” and “We Will Remember.” Oh, how God used him. Our people loved his spirit and leadership. He flew in to help Josh with last week’s Music Metro Conference and with snow everywhere, he ended up being grounded here all weekend. God had him here for a purpose. Our God is sovereign. Praise God!

Jeana and I enjoyed a quiet lunch on Sunday, just the two of us, at a local restaurant. It was not too crowded and we just took the opportunity to celebrate our love for one another over this quiet luncheon. We have loved each other as husband and wife for over 33 years. Praise God!

I am thankful for each of you. Please do me a special favor this week: Pray for me daily. I have much before me this week as I prepare for my major GCR Progress Report on Monday night, February 22.

Yesterday morning I spoke to the Metro for Music/Worship Ministers that was held in Northwest Arkansas and hosted by our own Josh Stanbery. I talked to them about “Five Disciplines That Will Advance the Gospel and Give You a Productive Long-Term Ministry.” It was an enjoyable time as they really wanted to engage and learn the Word of God and be challenged in their faith. We followed my time of sharing with a Q and A that lasted an additional 15 minutes or so.

While I spoke to the men, Jeana spoke to their spouses. It was a grand time and response seemed very favorable. Jeana and I left believing God blessed our time.

Tonight we had dinner with them at Pinnacle Hills. It was a super time of fellowship and I really enjoyed being with these guys. I am grateful to God for their lives and ministries.

Speaking of Music and Worship Pastors, I need one at our Springdale location. Please join me in prayer for this great need to be filled. I have been very relaxed before God and others about it. I have prayed since January 1 for these three things:

1) Show me what we need.

2) Show me who we need.

3) Make it clear.

Join me in praying for God’s will to be revealed to us. Until that happens, we rejoice over the great leadership of Josh Stanbery. He did a super job leading the conference this week. I am really proud of Josh and Angela.

Have a great Thursday and I hope to see you Sunday.

The title of this blog seems to be an oxymoron. Is it really a blessing when God reveals our sin? Yes. Let me explain why. There are those times when God rids our lives of sin through public revealing, bursting our sin into the open while our loved ones and others watch. Then there are those other times. These are the moments in the midst of daily living when God begins to convict our hearts about certain sin in our lives. That’s what I want to focus on.

It’s in these times that God brings to light those little sins and shows us the destruction they could lead to. It’s in these times that God shows us mercy and draws us back to Himself and away from sin. It’s always a good thing when God draws us to Himself. He does this through ridding our lives of sin, taking us through suffering, and various other ways. We would be wise to heed these warnings of God and come back to Him when He calls rather than be forced back at a later time. These little warnings of the destruction of sin are enormous blessings that save us from pain.

Another blessing of God revealing our sin is that it reminds us of the overwhelming gift of grace we have been given. Each one of us has identified with the old hymn that says, “Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” When God reminds us of our sin, we are reminded of how much we really need Him. We also become aware of what we would be apart from Him. At the very core of who we are is sin. The only reason we are anything but sin-filled pagans set on a course of destruction is because of the grace of Jesus Christ. He is the only reason we are able to live free from sin and its effects upon our daily and eternal lives.

My challenge to you today is to “Embrace the Grace!” Maybe you’re in one of those seasons where God is beginning to reveal sin in your life. Embrace the grace and respond to God’s call. Die to that sin and completely rid yourself of it. Repent and begin again. Start fresh today and embrace the grace of Jesus in your life. Maybe what I’ve described today is not where you are. Your call is the same. Embrace the grace. Be reminded of your fallen nature today. Remember your depravity. Praise Jesus for His grace. Wherever you are today, embrace the grace of Jesus. Never forget these words:

Grace, Grace, God’s grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin…