Be the Church

I’m sure by now you’ve heard the news concerning the leaked Supreme Court draft of the pending opinion in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. While the leak is a breach of court confidence, and perhaps even the law, the opinion itself is being received by many Christians as a signal that the long, hard battle for life is over.

If only.

Don’t misunderstand. I’ll be among those celebrating if the court indeed rules as the draft suggests. But even with Roe v. Wade overturned there is much work to do.

For as long as Evangelical Christians have campaigned for life, we’ve pled with those considering abortion to instead release their babies for adoption. Will more of us step up and give these children a home? The disabled children, too?

We’ve directed them to pregnancy resource centers like our own Hope Women’s Resource Clinic. Will we increase our gifts and volunteer hours so they can meet the increasing demand for assistance?

As the media rhetoric accelerates, painting the pro-life conviction as a threat to women and democracy everywhere, will we continue to honor our Lord, standing for the sanctity of life while offering the gospel to those shouting us down? Remember, they are not the enemy. Those angered by the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade are among the prisoners of sin whose freedom through the gospel we are called to proclaim.

My point: It will indeed be a great day when the Supreme Court’s most consequential decision of the modern era is reversed. But for the church of Jesus Christ, it will not be cause for rest. It will be a call to double down, dig deeply into our faith, and be the church.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Yes, We're Better Together

Finish the statements.

• Peanut butter and ….

• Eggs and ….

• Leonardo, Raphael, ….. and …..

• Moe, Larry and …

Every one of these items, people, or characters are significant in and of themselves. They are complete. And yet, when united with the others, they become far more than the sum of the individuals.

Peanut butter, jelly and bread make a sandwich. Eggs and bacon, or ham, or sausage, make breakfast. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo comprise a unique team of mutant heroes or the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, depending on your age. Moe, Larry and Curley (or Shemp, or Joe) give you the Three Stooges.

Now, I know I’ll get into trouble for comparing the GTBN to the Three Stooges. There’s really little comparison, except for the jokes of a certain preacher who shall remain unnamed. But consider this, the influence of these men together far surpasses the comedic talents of any one of them.

In much the same way, when the churches of GTBN work together, the gospel influence of our mutual effort far exceeds the influence of any single congregation, however great that may be. Together we help one another, supporting and sharpening each other as we make disciples across southeast Texas. Together we plant new congregations and work toward replanting others. Together we train Kekchi pastors in Belize. And soon, together we will share the gospel through our local prisons.

So, if you say we’re like the Three Stooges, or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I’ll gladly take that comparison. Because, like them, we’re better together.

Blessings!

Bro. Jim

Family Matters

Trigger alert. The title of this post may, for people of a certain age, provoke unnerving flashbacks to a shrilly voice calling out, “Did I do that?” However, please stay with me. My purpose is not to traumatize anyone, but to call attention to this simple point. Family matters.

Few would openly deny this, especially when considering your wife, kids, parents or siblings. But the point’s often lost in the church, or in a family of churches like GTBN or the SBC.

Consider the following references (from ESV) :

• Eph. 2:19, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”

• Rom. 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

• Gal. 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

• 1 Tim. 5:1-2, “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.”

When you trusted Christ, you entered a familial relationship not only with the Lord, but with his other children. This applies to those within your local congregation, as well as Christians among sister churches like those across GTBN. It even applies to believers in different theological silos within SBC life, and yes, even those in different gospel centered faith families. We’re family, and family matters.

Now, as we all know, family life can be messy. It can also be great and wonderful, but at some point everyone has their “Urkel moments” (If you don’t know what this means, ask someone who was a teen or older in the 90’s). We either create or stumble upon problems within the family.

The problem is that today, when through social media we all curate friends and information according to our personal preferences and positions, it’s too easy to cut off or cancel others. Instead of pressing through the messiness to strengthen the family, we’re quick to denounce and sever relationships.

As I read Paul’s letters, the familial bond he felt for God’s people was clear. He had clear boundaries which, if crossed, would break fellowship. But it was a high bar defined by outright heresy or unrepentant sin, and even then restoration was the goal (2 Cor. 2:5-11). He lived with a deep conviction that the work of Christ not only freed us from the condemnation of sin, but it also bound us into a family through which His purpose would be fulfilled. Family mattered to Paul, because it matters to the Lord.

Does family matter to you? We need each other, in the local church and most certainly through the GTBN.

Blessings!

Bro. Jim

Savoring the Beauty of Holy Week

Sometimes we miss something wonderful even when we stand right next to it.

Looking back, I think that’s what happened to me a few times as a pastor during the holy week leading up to Easter. Not that I missed the significant of the events we commemorate. After all, Christ’s passion, his rejection and betrayal, and especially his death and resurrection are at the foundation for our faith. I studied God’s word faithfully, and I believe we honored the Lord in the ministries we conducted through the week.

But in all the ministry activity I did so others would worship the Savior, I often missed the opportunity to ponder, savor, and rejoice in what he accomplished for us.

My scripture reading this morning was Romans 6. Here Paul uses baptism to explain the effect of Christ’s death and resurrection upon to the believer. In vs. 6 he says, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” What a glorious thought!

That Jesus died and rose again is a point worthy of great rejoicing. That he did so to free you and me from the bondage of sin, that we might consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11) should prompt great love, joy, gratitude, and deep worship.

As the churches of GTBN celebrate the Lord this week, as we prepare to share Christ with many who are not regularly engaged with any church, amid all the activity, take a pause and savor the beauty of what and who we celebrate. Don’t miss the wonder that’s right next to you.

Father, may the churches across GTBN glorify your name in their Resurrection Day worship, may your Spirit draw unbelievers and may they hear your gospel clearly, and may all we do in celebration of the Lord Jesus Christ this week bless and please you.

Bro. Jim

Learn it, Expressive Individualism

In last week’s post I presented what for many was a new term, expressive individualism. It’s the worldview elevating self-expression as the highest ideal. “Be yourself. Express yourself, however you desire. Be who you want to be, man, woman or something in-between.” It’s the ultimate fruit of postmodern thought.

That it doesn’t make sense is beside the point. When self-expression flagrantly defies the created order, you have no more stability than a stack of Jenga blocks near the end of a game. But even as the blocks of society shake, media, public education and government doubles down to protect self-definition regardless the cost.

That we confront this in the world should be no surprise. The unredeemed nature will naturally work itself out in self-fulfillment. For this, we must remember that the answer is always in the gospel.

What surprises many is how deep expressive individualism has infiltrated the church. Ask yourself, how often do personal preferences about music, people, or forms of ministry determine the congregation one joins more than doctrine or opportunities to serve?

And it’s getting worse. The younger one is, the more their thinking is shaped by this “accept everything, be anything” mindset reflected in books, movies, and favorite TicTok personalities.

It’s vital that pastors, ministry leaders, and parents faithfully pass along the gospel with scriptural clarity, showing how true freedom and fulfillment comes not from expressing self, but in denying self, taking up the cross, and following Christ. But as we do, be ready to answer the questions and give an answer for why the gospel makes sense (thank you, Josh Fultz).

More than ever before, the call to Christ is a call to abandon what unbelievers are taught is good and right and embrace a way of life they’ve heard was backward and harmful. The Holy Spirit will bring conviction. The gospel remains the power of God unto salvation. But the church should be aware of the environment in which we now minister.

The latest 9 Marks Journal provides several insightful articles concerning Expressive Individualism. They are well worth your time. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.

Blessings! Hosanna to the Son of David! May your Palm Sunday worship bring Him great glory!

Bro. Jim

7 Trends Influencing Ministry Today & 3 Opportunities

As a cross-cultural missionary with the North American Mission Board I was taught to “read the culture”, to observe the community where I served for trends presenting either bridges or barriers to gospel communication. It’s a practice I have continued since returning to Texas. This is especially helpful since, even in southeast Texas, today we are all cross cultural missionaries.

With this in mind, here’s my list of seven trends in church and culture that will influence your ministry in the near future, along with three opportunities these trends present.

Trends

1.     The decline of cultural Christianity and its replacement by secularity.

• In the era of cultural Christianity, most churches relied on attractional evangelism. This was fruitful because even unbelievers shared our worldview. But as culture becomes increasingly secular, the worldview gap widens. Church attendance is no longer on their “to do” list.

• Question: How will you mobilize members to infiltrate your community and engage unbelievers who have no predisposition to Christianity?

 2.     The increasing fragmentation of society.

• With the multiplicity of information sources, people are ever more isolated into silos. People curate their friends and information sources to reinforce their worldview. Few have meaningful, non-work conversations with people who are different. This carries into the church.

• Question: How culturally aligned with you must an unbelieve be to feel welcome in your church?

 3.     The declining influence of Boomers and Gen X, coinciding with the increasing influence of Millennials and Gen Z.

• Many of the ministry models valued by Boomers and Gen Xers, such as the mega-church, attractional events, “cafeteria” ministry,” are not resonating with Millennials and Gen Z, who seek a more “authentic” experience.

• Question: What preferences will you yield in order to reach persons of later generations?

 4.     The economic shift that accompanies the generational shift.

• Boomers and their predecessors give 4 times more of their income than persons of later generations. This isn’t only about generosity. Older households at peak income with kids grown often have more to share than young families starting out with children.

• Question: How will your church adjust to doing more ministry with less revenue?

 5.     The changing attendance pattern of members.

• Thirty years ago core church members attended almost every Sunday. Today leading members may attend 30-40 Sundays in a year, with some absent as often as they attend. Travel sports teams, visits to grandchildren or parents back home, along with fluctuating work schedules that include Sundays, complicate ministry involvement.

• Question: How will your church account for changing attendance patterns to assure believers engage with your disciple making pathway?

 6.     The distrust of institutions and authority.

• The Boomers who rebelled in the 60s mostly returned by the 80s to a more conservative posture. Many adults coming of age today feel betrayed by their predecessors, as if they’ve been left a mess and no resources for cleaning it up. This leads to a distrust of authority and institutions, including pastors and the church. The failure of high-profile pastors further fuels this distrust.

• Question: How will your church and those who lead humbly earn trust with those of younger generations?

 7.     The rise of expressive individualism, a dominant worldview that values individual freedom to express oneself in any matter that feels right.

• The most recent 9 Marks Journal focused on Expressive Individualism, the belief that human beings are defined by their physiological core and must be free to fully express themselves. It’s the worldview at the root of today’s cultural debate, evident especially in LGBTQ+ politics. It recognizes only one sin, rejecting another’s self-expression.

• Question: How will your church welcome sinners trapped in this worldview but clearly call them to “deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus”?

 Opportunities Cultural Trends Provide

1.     The openness of unbelievers to spiritual conversations.

• As secular as society has become, unbelieving adults remain open to spiritual conversations (but not lectures).

• Question: How will you equip believers to have such conversations without resorting to debates, arguments, or churchy clichés?

 2.     The desire of adults coming of age today to “save the world”.

• Many Millennial and Gen Z adults, even as they struggle to find their way, take seriously their responsibility for making the world a better place (environmental stewardship, racial reconciliation, etc).

• Question: How will your church leverage their desire for service into gospel opportunities?

 3.     The rising appetite for serious commitment and genuine disciple making.

• Adults today are frustrated with superficial ministries; younger believers expect to see the gospel faithfully practiced (less cliché and more engagement; serious conversations; “radical faithfulness”). Churches reaching them ask for greater commitment from members than most congregations do.

• Question: Will your church provide a disciple making pathway that mobilizes rather than occupies members?

Let me know what you think. Drop your answers to these questions in the comments below.

Blessings,

Jim

The Mistakes We Make with Measures

This is the third in a series of posts concerning measures for ministry. Read the previous entries, What You Measure Matters and What Measures Matter Most.

Measures matter! They matter like your vital signs do for your body. In the same way trends and changes in your pulse, blood pressure, and glucose levels indicate adjustments you should make to assure maximum health, certain measures, when assessed in light of scripture, reveal aspects of ministry where attention would likely strengthen the church.

As helpful as measures are, in my work with congregations across North America I’ve noticed three mistakes churches often make.

The first is simply failing to measure, refusing to track much of anything. This is often a matter of fear, in the same way some men resist visiting their doctor for fear of what he might discover. Other times it’s faux spirituality, as if God frowns on counting attendance or baptisms.

Now, I’ll have to admit that many have misused their measures over the years. For some the numbers become ends in themselves, as when the greater goal is to have X number in worship. But we should never let the misuse of measures by some to prevent us from appropriately benefitting from them.

Remember, the ultimate goal for all churches should be glorifying Christ through the Great Commission. Your measures show progress toward this goal and where you might make adjustments for improvement. One church is not better than another because it has more (or less) attending, but a ministry of any size will be more vibrant and fruitful when it knows the progress of key ministries.

The second mistake is prioritizing the wrong measures. Two common questions asked among pastors are “What are you running?” and “What is your budget?” And I’d never ask a church to ignore these (although, never use them as a matter of pride or judgement of a sister congregation). But, if our mission is to make disciples, how many unbelievers are we connecting with? How many worshippers are moving into discipleship groups? And how many are moving from these to teach, serve, or even surrender for ministry and missions?

Returning to the medical metaphor, the patient that focuses on miles run and weight lifted but ignores changes in his heart rate and blood pressure likely ends up in the ER. In the same way, churches that over emphasize the wrong measures, ignoring others, find themselves on the critical list.

How do you discover the right measures? Let me suggest an exercise. First, remember the church’s mission, bringing glory to God through the Great Commission. Next, think through the core ministries of your church that directly fuel the mission. Visualize your church’s “disciple making pathway”. In a typical SBC church that might include 1) outreach events or connecting points, 2) worship gatherings, 3) community groups or Sunday School, 4) accountable disciple making groups or classes, and finally 5) deployment through church or community ministry, leadership, or call to ministry or missions.

Now imagine what progress toward the mission would look like. What are the identifiable, tangible markers that show we’re moving in the right direction? These measures will help you the most.

The third mistake regarding measures is failing to learn. I can’t tell you how often I visit with church leaders and we discuss the measures, but little to no action comes from it. I can’t explain it. Perhaps they are stuck, having done all they know to do and cannot imagine a different path. Sometimes change would require a release of preferences many simply will not make.

In the Old Testament we read about watchmen, men who took positions on city walls scouting for threats. They were expected to prove faithful, providing appropriate warning so the people could prepare their response. In the same way, when leaders within a congregation notice a trend in the measures, as faithful watchmen they should consider what the trend indicates and prepare the response.

Ministry leadership is essentially stewardship. There’s stewardship of the message you’ve received, and of the souls entrusted to the congregation. But there is also a stewardship of the information the Lord gives, showing the church’s direction relative to His mission. As is true of the message and people, leaders who steward the measures well will show themselves faithful.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

What Measures Matter Most?

If what you measure matters, as stated in last week’s post, then the follow-up question is, “What measures matter most?”

Southern Baptists love to count. I learned this the hard way when, during a church remodel, I asked about removing the board above the piano, the one where attendance and offering numbers were posted. In hindsight, I think I would have been less offensive had I asked them to abstain from southern gospel music.

Back then everyone turned in an envelope with numbers for Bible reading, contacts made, and offering. Sunday School secretaries compiled this data so that the old register board could be updated for any given Sunday. Then, at the end of the year, a final count called the Annual Church Letter was made (the ACP today), recording baptisms, giving, and attendance for worship, Sunday School, and a variety of other ministries. Finally , an SBC entity would collect the data from across North America, making it available for associations, state conventions and the churches to use for ministry assessment and planning. Did I mention Southern Baptists love to count?

Now as my favorite Sesame Street character taught us, counting itself is not bad. And particularly, it’s good for a church to be aware of their attendance and offering numbers. But healthy measures show more than how many attend or give. To honestly know how fruitful the church’s ministry is, it’s important to shift from merely measuring attendance and amounts to measuring trends and movement.

Trendlines tell you whether a given ministry component is expanding or decreasing. Carefully discerning the driving forces behind each trend helps leaders take corrective action. For example, is attendance trending up or down? Why? What does this reveal about the effectiveness of outreach and evangelism efforts? What adjustments might you make? What are your giving trends? What do they indicate?

Movement shows progress through the church’s disciple making pathway. Every church should have a clear pathway by which one progresses from unbeliever or new member to worshiper to growing disciple to mature / serving disciple and reproducing disciple. Fruitful churches count who moves from simple worship attendance to engagement in community through Sunday School or small groups. Then they note who and how many in the small groups engage with accountable, disciple making groups. Finally, they count and celebrate those who progress to active service, leadership, and those who express God’s call to ministry or missions.

When the church counts only attendance, they run the risk of entertaining the crowd rather than multiplying disciples. But when they prioritize movement, they focus energy on shepherding people through disciple making.

So understand, I’m not recommending that you cease counting nickels and noses. I’m suggesting that, when you turn the attention to trends and movement, you develop a more complete picture of your church’s health, a picture leading you to more fruitful ministry for the Lord.

Share your comments below. Blessings!

Bro. Jim

What You Measure Matters

What’s the hardest thing thing for a Southern Baptist Church to do? Increase giving? Not particularly. Commit to supporting a church planter? Nope. Admit a problem and their need for help? Close, but no. At least based on the number of churches which have actually done it, the hardest thing for a Southern Baptist Church to do is complete an Annual Church Profile, or, as it was once known, the annual letter.

There was a season, when Southern Baptists were mostly growing, that churches rarely dismissed the ACP. In fact, many planned entire business meetings around its review and approval. But as churches across North America entered an extended season of decline, churches would increasingly ignore the report. Today roughly two-thirds of all SBC churches complete an ACP, though across the GTBN only half the churches do.

Why? My theory is that no one loves reporting bad news, and with so many churches struggling, much of the news is bad. By anyone’s measure, a large portion of churches are in decline. Like the family who turns off the TV because they can no longer cope with the steady stream of “bad news”, it’s tempting to ignore or dismiss numbers telling us that something’s off.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the ACP isn’t the best tool for measuring ministry effectiveness. Raw numbers tied to isolated activities never tell a complete story.

But measures are important, essential even. Measures tell you where your church stands in relation to its mission. They indicate progress, or the lack thereof. In the same way trends in your vital signs indicate illness or injury, certain measures will speak to the health and vitality of a given congregation.

And your commitment to taking the right measures indicates your commitment to healthy ministry. My friend Daren passed away several years ago due to colon cancer. Through his illness he pled with me to not make his mistake, neglecting regular physical exams until the cancer had well advanced. Time and again he said, “Don’t neglect your family or your ministry. See your doctor and have the screenings.”

Generally speaking, when you regularly monitor key health measures, problems are identified sooner so that appropriate action may follow. The same is true in the church.

In subsequent articles I’ll share with you key measures by which you can assess and shepherd your congregation toward healthy and vibrant ministry. In the meantime, drop a line in the comments below and share what measures you find most helpful.

Why? Because what you measure matters.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

What Chili Has to Do with Disciple Making

I make a great Texas style chili. My personal favorite is the beef and Bambi, with an equal mix of ground prime sirloin and a similar grade of venison. But my carne adovada is pretty good, too. No beans!

With chili, though, it’s all about the spices. I work toward the right blend of chilis, supplemented with oregano, paprika, and other spices, to add just enough “pop” to the meat. Some spices are optional, skewing the flavor in one direction or another. Others, however, are essential. Leave them out, and you’re no longer making chili.

The work of the Great Commission, making disciples who make disciples, is a lot like making chili. There are some things in the church we call discipleship which are good and helpful, but there are a few elements that are essential. Leave these out and you may have a busy church, and even raise a few fruitful believers, but you will not consistently yield disciples who make disciples.

So, here’s an exercise for you. Consider the scripture, especially the New Testament. What are the essential ingredients for making disciples who make disciples? In other words, what are the critical elements that, if we left them out of the recipe, we’d no longer have chili?

Leave your answers in the comments as we continue the conversation.

Bro. Jim

Image Credit: https://lindysez.com/sauces-dressings-condiments/hormel-chili-no-beans-copycat-recipe/ Because I don’t take pictures of my food, and it’s hard to find a picture of good chili online.

The Key to Church Renewal is Disciple Making

You’ve heard me say, “The key to church renewal is disciple making.” But what does this mean?

First, it means that there is no magic bullet, no great program emerging from the SBC, state conventions, or other networks that will infuse new life into your church. Renewal takes time, the time it takes for people’s hearts to turn from worldliness to godliness.

Next, it means you can’t only focus on the large group. Preaching has its place in disciple making (as I wrote previously, it’s an essential place), but very few congregations will the Lord transform strictly from the pulpit. Until pastors and key leaders multiply themselves by discipling a few, the larger fellowship will seldom move.

Finally, it means every issue that drains vitality away from your church is ultimately a disciple making issue. Congregations, like the human body, become injured or ill. Injury includes divisive conflict among key leaders or an ethical lapse in church operations. Illness might be a long season of unfruitfulness, members divided over political / social matters, or an ongoing pattern of decisions rooted in member preference rather than the Lord’s mission.

The roots of these and all other “power drains” in the church run deep into the fallen nature we still contend with. Sermons, seminars, and books may deal with one or more of these. But biblical disciple making aims for full spiritual transformation from the inside out.

When Karen and I served as missionaries among indigenous Americans, we learned that the resources are always in the harvest. Co-workers in ministry emerge from disciple making, as do evangelism, giving, new teachers, new opportunities, and even pastors and missionaries.

Whether your church has the equivalent of a mild cold or cancer, the path to recovery and fulfillment of Christ’s mission always includes the raising of a people unto God with spiritual awareness and deep love for the Lord. That’s disciple making.

It’s not too late to join us tomorrow and Saturday for DMU as we dig more deeply into this matter. I hope to see you there!

Bro. Jim

DMU is Next Weekend!

Your church’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I love how John states it, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…” (John 15:17, ESV).

What a picture! Jesus appoints His disciples to be fruitful, and specifically to yield lasting fruit, steadfast fruit, fruit that yields more fruit. In the language of ministry today, this is about making disciples who make disciples, who go on and make more disciples.

Disciple Makers University is a deep dive into those biblical practices that Jesus taught and modeled for His disciples, by which they would carry on this mission. It’s tempting to ignore these ancient ways in favor of modern, more efficient, glitzy, or techno-based strategies. And these tools are often helpful. Yet time and again congregations find that fruitfulness comes from following the simple, timeless ways of our Lord.

Join us next weekend, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church. Let’s ponder together the disciple making strategy of our Lord, that we may glorify Him with even more lasting fruit.

Register at this link. Email me at jturnbo@gtbn.us with any questions.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Why Some Pastors Don't Make Disciples

“Go… make disciples…” This is the imperative in the Great Commission.

Despite the scriptural clarity, some pastors and ministry leaders struggle with the application. Why? Let me suggest several reasons.

1. They over-rely on the pulpit. Biblical preaching, especially that which systematically explains and applies the text is essential for discipleship. But reliance on preaching alone, or preaching plus bible studies, without fostering accountable relationships between disciple-makers and disciples, limits fruitfulness. And these relationships seldom develop when pastors and staff do not set the example. Jesus had the crowd, the Twelve, and the three. Paul had his Silas, Timothy, and Titus.

2. Others accept the myth that, while many may trust Christ, only a few will grow into deep-rooted, serving disciples. They were told “Twenty percent of the church does eighty percent of the ministry,” or more recently “Ten percent do eighty percent.” So, when traditional programs match this level of fruitfulness, they accept it as normal.

   The Keswick movement emerged when pastors in Great Britain realized a gap in their experience of “normal Christianity” and the norm they observed in scripture. They may not have found the best solutions, but their hunger that the disciples’ life be shaped by what’s evident in scripture should be ours as well. One will never disciple others to become disciple makers while holding low expectations for the church.

3. Many have never been discipled themselves. Some, myself included, came to faith through congregations that were somewhat dysfunctional. Others found Christ in churches with solid preaching and groups, benefitting as well from the informal witness of faithful believers in their circle. I’m grateful that God, in His providence, provides these influences. But even as He does, leaders should remember His call to intentional disciple making. Pastors who lack this experience or equipping are wise to seek out experienced disciple makers and learn.

4. Some fear the disciple making relationship will expose their sin or struggles. There’s great temptation for a pastor to maintain a public persona different from private reality. The greater the gap between the two, the more hesitant the pastor is to forming intimate, accountable relationships. For some this is a question of fitness for ministry rather than disciple making. But assuming the pastor is biblically fit for pastoral ministry, he needs grace like all Christians. Disciples need to see how he responds to God’s conviction with repentance as surely as they see his faithful obedience, love for the Lord, and service.

5. Some were hurt in past disciple making relationships. Few things hurt in ministry like investing in someone over time, then seeing them leave. It’s exciting when they leave in pursuit of God’s call, but often the departure results from conflict, issues in the church, or the disciple’s spiritual derailment. Some find it hard to allow others into their closest circle, where disciple making is most fruitful, after being burnt, often more than once.

   As I write, I’m reminded that Paul felt the sting of Demas’ abandonment even as he sent for Timothy to join him. A careful read of his letters reveals many who, after hearing the gospel from him, opposed him later.

   The problem with relationships is that, when they go wrong, they hurt. But our God is faithful, and in the same way He enabled Paul to press on, pastors today can depend on His strength to overcome the hurt and take the risk on those the Lord brings into their lives.

Making disciples, it’s the imperative. There are numerous reasons why many don’t do it, but there’s no good reason.

For more on disciple-making, join us for DMU at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church, Feb. 25-26. Click the link here.

Blessings,

Jim

Update: Ukraine and Missions

By Curt Edgerton, Executive Director, DMD Initiative

Each morning brings news headlines related to escalated tensions at the Ukrainian border. Perhaps as a follower of Christ, you are not overtly political. Somewhere within the polarized and often conflicting media, many within the ranks of the Church find themselves exhausted and disconnected. It has been a difficult season for many of us. What are we to think and do with such news as a potential invasion of Ukraine on the other side of the world? As the local church has dealt with the effects of Covid, economics, and potential aggressions towards religious freedoms, exhaustion has taken a toll on our ministries and our members. A border dispute in a distant country could be easy to ignore.

Though I sympathize, I cannot personally afford to approach this issue with indifference. A few years ago, God called a precious young family from our congregation in Beaumont Texas to gospel ministry in Ukraine. We stood witness to the weight of their convictions as this successful American couple sold their home and the bulk of their possessions. Knowing their young children would grow up separated from extended family, they took comfort in following the Lord.

Due to potential risk, the sending organization has moved this family and their team to safety. As their children struggle to understand why they must leave their home and school, their missionary parents wrestle with leaving the churches that have grown dear to them. This article is not an encouragement to call your local senator or express your political opinion on social media. We do not need to agree or even state our political perspective. We need to pray. Pray for the churches and ministers in Ukraine. Pray for the frightened children, the nervous families, and most importantly, those who do not know the Lord.

When God Works through Your Train Wreck

Train Wreck. It’s the only way I can describe last Wednesday.

It was 10:30 in the morning, when Bro. Alfredo Ballesta and I were to meet a couple considering a move to Beaumont to plant a church. Because He was an experienced pastor, recommended by a trusted colleague, I had anticipated this visit for a week. Perhaps he would be our re-plant pastor for a church that had closed months ago.

From the moment they arrived to the office, our visit went exceedingly well. By all appearances the Lord was knitting our hearts together. The next step was showing them the church and community.

This is when the train wreck began.

As I opened the door to the church, water flowed. Wading through the hallway, I quickly surveyed the situation. I discovered the building had been broken into, offices ransacked, water left running, and the air conditioner taken.

Looking toward my potential partners, I sought to salvage the moment. As Alfredo showed them what he could of the church, I called the police and began the process of identifying damage and filing the report.

My guests, meanwhile, picked up mops and started cleaning. I called out, “Oh, no. You’re our guests. Let me get things settled and we can move along.” But they continued to mop water and tidy up the church.

Finally, when my assistant Lizz arrived to relive me at the church, Alfredo and I took our guests to lunch, then to the office, where we prayed before sending them on their way home.

This was my train wreck. And at that moment I couldn’t imagine this couple having any interest in serving with us, in this broken down building, in this crime infested neighborhood.

But…

While nothing is certain, this couple continues to pray about coming to Beaumont. They believe the Lord is leading them here, so much so they are taking their next steps in preparation and I’ve not even finished assessing the damage. Apparently the Lord used my train wreck to cement their sense of call. To them, what church needs help more, what community needs it’s witness reopened more, than one where these things would happen?

In all things, God is at work. He is at work to birth a new church in the Avenues of Beaumont, and he is at work in your train wrecks too.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

One Step at a Time

For many congregations, the challenges before them appear insurmountable. It’s not just that problems are numerous and often complex. Many times the potential roads forward are likewise numerous and complex. Daily I clear my inbox of multiple advertisements for church resources, programs, or consultants guaranteed to multiply attendance in x amount of time. Most of these have been fruitful in one ministry context or another. But their sheer volume frustrates leaders seeking to discern their next best step forward.

When the problems and options are many, wise leaders work to simplify things. While they must always keep the “big picture” in mind, they serve well when they sharpen focus on the next step, then the next, then the next.

How do congregations discover their best next step? The answer is deeper than this blog allows, and one about which I learn something new every day. Still, let me share with you a few points I’ve learned over the years.

First, congregations must remember God’s purpose for His church. Any step that does not lead your church toward greater obedience to the Lord’s Great Commandment and Great Commission is NOT your best next step.

Second, while conventional wisdom says to build on your strengths, there are a number of weaknesses and outright sin that will kill a congregation. So an honest assessment of congregational health is crucial. Hebrews 12:1 says that, before we can run with perseverance the race marked for us, we must lay aside every weight and sin. What issues in your church drain life from the ministry? In the same way medical personnel triage patients to determine order of treatment, triage your church and discern which issues are more crucial to address first. Then proceed with treatment.

Third, assess the opportunities. Given the Lord’s mission and having addressed the concerns, ask which of the opportunities available help the church become more faithful to the mission? I find disciple making a crucial element here, as it IS the Great Commission and is essential to believers’ practice of the Great Commandment. What is the next step you need to take in fulfillment of the Great Commission? For some it will be a disciple making pathway for the church. For others it will be engaging disciples as ministry leaders or on mission. Denominations and vendors clamor for attention, hoping churches will buy in to their resource, but the real issue is what best suits your congregation at this time. The best leaders say no to most of the propaganda, focusing in on those resources that help them through the next step.

This is one reason why GTBN isn’t about creating programs. We exist to help the church, we’re catalysts that stand beside congregations helping them discover and take their best next step. It’s in the relationship over time where we serve congregations best.

I’ll share more about this over time. If you would like to visit about next steps, or about how you can help partnering churches with theirs, contact me. In the meantime, let’s continue to serve the Lord together, one step at a time.

Blessings,

Jim

Why "Disciple Making"?

As we ramp up for Disciple Makers University here in GTBN, I’m often asked why the words “disciple making” and not “discipleship”? After all, for years Southern Baptists have talked about discipleship training, to the point of developing national programs around it.

While it’s easy to dismiss the change as an exercise in semantics, the intentional reference to disciple making reinforces several important points.

First, it emphasizes intentionality. As Walter Henrichsen wrote, “Disciples are made, not born.” The life of a disciple does not “just happen.” Nor is it ideal for Christians to pursue discipleship individually. Biblical disciple making involves relationships, the intentional investment by at least one believer in the development of others.

Second, it supports the break away from the common misconceptions concerning discipleship. For example, most Christians define discipleship as “weaker Christians becoming stronger Christians.” But the Great Commission describes disciple making as a process beginning with conversion, some would argue even before.

There’s no set ending point to disciple making either. We often boil down discipleship to a single course or series of classes. These may be helpful, but disciple making is life-long and open ended.

By intentionally speaking of disciple making, the church takes the opportunity to break from these misconceptions and establish a new trajectory for developing believers in greater harmony with scripture.

Finally, the shift in language draws us back to the scriptural command. Jesus words in the Great Commission are clear, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Why use a generality when the scripture provides clarity. The church is called to actively make disciples who are baptized and observant of the Lord’s word.

It’s time for the church to return with laser-like focus to the commission of Christ. That’s why how we say “disciple making” matters.

Join us for DMU, Feb. 25-26 at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Disciple Makers University is Coming!

Disciple Makers University is just around the corner. They keystone event for GTBN, DMU provides an opportunity for those who serve your church to sharpen their focus on our core ministry task, making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our theme this year is Disciples Making Disciples. Led by Dr. Christopher Moody, Lead Pastor for Beaumont’s First Baptist Church, we will look to Jesus model with his disciples as the biblical path forward with the Great Commission today. Breakout sessions include “Women Discipling Women,” “Evangelism: The Front Door of Disciple Making,” “Disciple Making through the Family,” “Disciple Making Among Youth” and “Disciple Making Missions: Making Your Mission Trip Count”.

I’ve shared with you before my belief that disciple making is the key leverage point for strengthening your church. Any problem you need to address or goal you seek depends on growing disciples who follow Christ. Please, make every effort to join us at Beaumont’s First Baptist, Friday evening and Saturday morning, Feb. 25-26. This isn’t just an event. It’s the beginning of a journey, one I pray we’ll travel together.

Check out the DMU website here for the schedule and registration information.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Happy New Year!

Two years ago we began to hear of a novel coronavirus emerging overseas, with no real expectation of the global pandemic to come. One year ago, we celebrated a new year expecting that the virus, which now bore the name COVID 19, had crested and that 2021 would be a return to normal. Today we look forward to 2022, and COVID 19 remains in the news. Now most believe pre-COVID normalcy is history. What the future looks like is anyone’s guess.

Well, not exactly. Why not? Because the Lord we serve is sovereign. And while the prevailing culture, COVID and all, has more flux than Doctor Who, the Lord Most High continues to reign. I’ve said this before, He has not been caught off guard. He knows how the pandemic, along with any other crisis that weighs on your mind, will turn out. That alone is refreshing.

But then consider that, of all the ages in all of time He could have placed you, He purposely placed you in this one. You were created to be His disciple today, that He may carry you through all today entails. This makes Psalm 118:24 even more precious, “This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Happy New Year! May 2022 be a year in which His glory is displayed across SETX and around the world through your congregation and all who partner with the GTBN.

Bro. Jim

Merry Christmas

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (ESV)

On behalf of your GTBN Staff, may this season celebrating Christ’s birth be one of great joy and blessing for your and yours, and may His presence carry you through a wonderful New Year.

Dr. Jim Turnbo

Bro. Alfredo Ballesta

Brittney Chandler

Lizz Jelsma