Archive for the 'Leadership' Category
Taking Care of Aging Parents
One of the growing realities of life is taking care of aging parents. As people are living longer in American society, this is changing the lives of many.
As a pastor, I have always had great admiration for people I know who are caring for their parents. Many have insured their parents’ financial welfare, others have arranged for their care in a wonderful place, and a few of them have even brought their parents to live within their home. For all of you who have done this, thank you for caring for your parents. Some of you have cared for your parents for many years until their death. May the Lord bless you for your unconditional love towards them.
Jeana’s Mom
Jeana’s Mom is eighty-nine years old. Since we moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1986 and her parents retired after pastoring churches for fifty years in 1988, we have talked to them about moving here. Jeana’s Dad became sick and disabled for years before his death; all along through these years and ever since, we have gently encouraged the move. The answer was always the same: As long as I can live on my own, I will; plus, you are a Pastor and God could call you away anytime. Then what would I do? Our attempts to answer that real question have always been in vain.
Jeana’s Mom is eighty-nine years old, still driving, and living alone in her hometown, Bridgeport, Texas. We have always admired her commitment to live on her own and do not blame her one bit.
Jeana leaves today to be with her Mom for a while. On Tuesday, her mom will have surgery. Her energy is low and after much regulation, they believe it is necessary for her to have a pacemaker. Pray for her.
Final Words
This real life problem exists in many families and will continue to grow as time progresses. Only God knows the future of Jeana’s Mom and how she will adjust in this new season. My Dad died suddenly, and we never dealt with this matter at all. Mom’s health was wonderful until she was diagnosed with leukemia. She died two years ago this coming October 12 after a 21-month battle. Thankfully, my sister lived with my Mom. She cared for my Mom in a fabulous manner, assisted by my brother and sister-in-law who lived close by in our hometown.
While these words today may not impact the lives of millions of people in America, some day it will. People will continue to age. Healthcare and its uncertainty will cause enormous questions about this entire issue. May the Lord lead millions of people who are facing these challenges daily. Remember this: Always honor your parents.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Our First Eleven Students in the Cross Church School of Ministry
On Sunday, we introduced our first class for the Cross Church School of Ministry to our Cross Church Family. From five different states across the country, God has brought this inaugural class to us. It was an epic moment for our church to see this vision come to reality.
Just Seven Months Ago
Just seven months ago, I stood before our church family and cast the vision for this school. I stated we had zero students and did not know how many we would have, but regardless, we would give God praise. All I knew is God had put in my heart the vision for the school and who was to lead it.
Dr. Jeff Crawford
By faith, Dr. Jeff Crawford left his pastorate at the Grand Avenue Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and became our first President. Since February, he has worked with academic institutions as well as many of us at Cross Church, carving the specificities of this vision. One student at a time, Dr. Crawford has cast the vision to that which was, at that time, nothing more than a vision in our hearts. His diligence to stay on task as he was working through endless details has resulted in our first eleven students.
One-Year Ministry Residency
Just as a medical doctor would spend a season of time in his medical training in a hospital, we have eleven ministers in residence with us for one year. We will pour into them, but much more important, we will lead them to do ministry, holding them accountable and preparing them to be used by God. For this residency, they are able to earn either master’s or bachelor’s level hours toward their desired degree. We have established partnerships with 12 different academic institutions.
Introducing our First Class
Two More Minutes Before You Go
There are two very important things I want to challenge you to look at and learn from. First, we have produced a short video to demonstrate one of the major reasons we are doing this school of ministry. Please take the time to watch it here. Also, I do hope you will navigate through our Cross Church School of Ministry website at crosschurchschool.com.
Send Us Your Students Next Year
We are already working on our class for 2014-2015. Therefore, send us your students. We will help them compliment their academic preparation with real ministry preparation. It is our hope that when they leave our school, we will launch a team of ministers that are ready to advance the gospel globally. We are one local church preparing people from all over the world to go to the ends of the earth to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.