Pastor Connections: New podcast for ministry leaders; church priorities and discipleship; why we need the local church

August 28, 2025

A few tips and more for pastors from pastors and church leaders.

First person: Christ-centered heart helps us see opportunities amid change

August 27, 2025

Leaders often lecture on “embracing change” or being “change agents” in an organization. But the reality is that most people — employees and leaders alike — hate change. We value stability and predictability.

Lass Words: Missing the message

August 26, 2025

I recently was asked to preach at one of our area Baptist churches. I worked hard on the sermon and was convinced it was going to be great.

Harmony Baptist honors 98-year-old Lola Owens for 87 years of membership

August 25, 2025

In July 1938, Lola Owens walked down the aisle of Harmony Baptist Church in Andalusia, gave her life to Christ and became a church member. And 87 years later, she’s still there. Church members say she’s a “role model” in how to love others.

Gardendale FBC member says God answered prayers to relocate St. Vincent’s Hospital cross to Arizona church

August 24, 2025

An unusual text disrupted Richard Bradley’s workout one morning at the family life center at Gardendale First Baptist Church — someone had a 16-foot cross from the former St. Vincent’s Hospital and didn’t know what to do with it.

Lass Words: God’s holy name

August 24, 2025

I guess, in the moment, it is human nature to want somebody else to blame. We don’t want to blame ourselves. We can’t blame other people — they’d get mad at us.

First person: The calling of a pastor

August 23, 2025

Since a calling that came at age seventeen, the joy of my life has been training for and working in the local church in order to build up the body of Christ.