Archive for the 'Pastors' Category
An Update on the Cross Church School of Ministry
Today, RonnieFloyd.com welcomes guest writer, Dr. Jeff Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the President of Cross Church School of Ministry and a Teaching Pastor at Cross Church.
The Cross Church School of Ministry (CCSM) is off to a God-touched start! Seven months ago, we were a vision and a strategy on a piece of paper. Today we are one month into a year-long ministry residency with 11 God-called men who have come to us from five states. In addition to these men serving in “real time” across the ministries of Cross Church, we are also deep into preparation for our mission trip to Venezuela. Every Cross Church School of Ministry student will advance the Gospel globally via one international mission experience and two North American mission experiences. The trip to Venezuela will put us on the front lines of mission work as we lead a training conference for over 150 church leaders from all over Venezuela. In addition, we will be doing church specific training in reaching Muslims for Christ. The churches of Venezuela have an open door to the Muslim countries of the world, whereas we do not as Americans. So we will provide the training and they will provide the “going!”
CCSM resident minister, Adrian Jordan, on our church planting track, has summed up his experience with the Cross Church School of Ministry this way, “This moment in my life is I believe the perfect place in time where God has uniquely equipped the leadership (of CCSM) to pour into the lives of men who feel His call on their lives. As I answer the calling to, ‘Go!’ I am so excited for this amazing adventure of faith where I know without a doubt this is only the beginning and I look forward to seeing the beauty unfold in God’s great masterpiece.”
A.J. Kirk is studying with CCSM on our student ministry track and has grasped the unique opportunity our school offers next generation leaders. Says A.J., “God made a way for me to be a part of this terrific opportunity, all I had to do was say yes, and that is exactly what I did. I am beyond thankful to everyone who has been a part of getting me here, and I am thankful most of all to serve a Savior who makes a way for His will to be done regardless of the circumstances.”
The story is not finished, though. In fact, it has only just begun. We are currently recruiting for our second cohort, which will begin with us in August of 2014. God is on the move and working even now in the hearts of men and women to join us at Cross Church. Listen to the words of current CCSM student and future church planter, James 
Forbis, “I have complete confidence and faith that God is already calling men and women to be a part of the next cohort of students for next year’s class, and I urge you to pray about and consider two things: ‘Am I called?’ and ‘What am I called to do?’. If you can discern those two things and know without a shadow of a doubt that your life is meant to glorify God through Kingdom work then join us at The Cross Church School of Ministry.”
If you would like to know more about the Cross Church School of Ministry check out our new website at: CrossChurchSchool.com or contact me directly: jeffc@crosschurch.com
Dr. Jeff Crawford
President, Cross Church School of Ministry
Teaching Pastor, Cross Church
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Tuning In Regularly
Each week I do all that I can to grow personally. For anyone who follows my life and ministry practices, you know this about me:
*I exercise five or six days a week, frequently running for an hour or more.
*About three years ago I began listening to podcasts regularly, especially while running.
So, I am often asked, “Who do you listen to?”
Who I Listen To Regularly
It is a stretch for me to call anyone a “regular;” however, I do try to expose myself to various podcasts frequently. I will note three of them:
1. Dr. Albert Mohler’s “The Briefing”
I have “The Briefing” sent to my phone daily. As I am getting ready in the mornings, I listen to Dr. Mohler’s daily briefing. This is usually about a 10 to 15 minute analysis of the leading global news headlines and cultural conversations. Dr. Mohler helps me to stay on top of issues and have some understanding of them from a Christian perspective. Every pastor and Christian leader needs this resource, or one like it, in their repertoire of daily encouragement.
2. Dr. Thom Rainer’s “Rainer on Leadership”
This is a weekly podcast, geared toward talking about relevant matters for pastors and Christian leaders. This podcast is usually 20 to 30 minutes long. Often the podcast is Dr. Rainer being interviewed and periodically he interviews a guest. Admittedly, his audience is vast and at times his podcast may not help me personally at that moment, but I listen anyway because it helps me understand pastors and leaders from all sizes of churches and their needs. “Rainer on Leadership” always challenges me in some way.
3. Our Seminary Chapel Services
Of the Southern Baptist seminaries that make their resources available as a podcast, I listen to them regularly. For example, I love listening to the semester-opening sessions and hearing what is on the hearts of our seminary leaders. As well, listening to the chapel services of our seminaries helps me stay in tune to the academic world of which I love and am challenged by still to this day.
I have a heart for equipping leaders; therefore, I am thrilled by what I hear. For example, the other day, I listened to a podcast from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Dr. David Platt spoke about the four foundations we hold for speaking to cultural issues. This was very strong biblically and extremely engaging personally. Another one that blessed me was the chapel service of Southern Seminary’s Dr. Albert Mohler when he discussed his 20th year at Southern, retracing the years before and how God has worked in the life of Southern Seminary. Usually these podcasts last from 25 to 40 minutes. They are worth your time.
In this format, you will hear fabulous scholars, gifted pastors, and Christian leaders. All can be found within these chapel messages.
Others I Listen To Along The Way
This is dangerous in today’s world, but let me confess: I listen to a long list of Christian leaders from all kinds of theological perspectives. I find this highly engaging and helpful for my growth. Plus, I can learn from people I would not have any exposure to otherwise. After earning three degrees from Christian institutions, pastoring for 37 years, and reading through the Bible annually since 1990, I feel I can keep balanced regardless of what I hear. In fact, at times, listening to these helps me remain balanced.
Here is a list of various people I listen to along the way, supplementing those I mentioned above:
James MacDonald, Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicago
Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community, Chicago
Robert Morris, Gateway Church, Dallas
Jack Graham, Prestonwood Baptist, Dallas
Ted Traylor, Olive Baptist, Pensacola
Robert Jeffress, First Baptist, Dallas
Steve Gaines, Bellevue Baptist, Memphis
Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City
J. D. Greear, Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham
Vance Pitman, Hope Church, Las Vegas
Jud Wilhite, Central Christian, Las Vegas
Mark Batterson, National Community, Washington D.C.
Andy Stanley, North Point Church, Atlanta
Craig Groeshel, Life Church, Oklahoma City
Steven Furtick, Elevation Church, Charlotte
Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Southern California
Ed Young, Fellowship Church, Dallas
Matt Chandler, Village Church, Dallas
Ed Young, Second Baptist, Houston
Greg Matte, First Baptist, Houston
Matt Carter, Austin Stone Church, Austin
Crawford Loritts, Fellowship Bible, Atlanta
Jonathan Falwell, Thomas Road Baptist, Lynchburg
Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle, New York City
John Piper, Desiring God Ministries, Minneapolis
Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist, Washington D. C.
David Platt, The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham
Mac Brunson, First Baptist, Jacksonville
John Maxwell, Christ Fellowship, Florida
Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Seattle
John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, Southern California
David Jeremiah, Shadow Mountain Community, San Diego
Perry Noble Leadership Podcast
The Catalyst Leadership Podcast
And MORE . . .
When I listen to a wide array of gifted men of God, I learn to appreciate people more and I pray for all of them as I listen. Of course, much is seasonable due to what they may be preaching or teaching or what I need at the time in my life.
I find there are many men who are highly gifted and I need them to pour into my life. It ministers to me personally. It challenges me theologically. It encourages me in leadership. I become better if I remain teachable to the Spirit of God in my life. I thank God for the way He uses people from all walks of life to teach me more about Him. He uses all kinds of people to relay His incredible Word.
Yours For The Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.