tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77934000299624332222024-02-08T13:45:41.238-05:00The Pastor's Help BlogThis blog is based on the reading of O.S. Hawkins' book, THE PASTOR'S PRIMER. It is designed for the purpose of sharing ideas, practical applications, scripture reference, etc. that remind us of our calling to the Gospel Ministry. There is no higher calling nor greater responsibility, and we must never forget that fact.Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-59403899972390006932012-04-02T10:57:00.000-04:002012-04-02T10:57:29.106-04:00Being A :Go First" LeaderWhen I first entered the pastorate, the sage advice given was “get to know the church and don’t do anything major for the first year” or something like that. I understand the premise, but the longer I serve, the more I sense the urgency to “hit the ground running!”
Today we live in an unforgiving environment. That means that both seasoned leaders and those coming into new leadership roles Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-22684056513841683352012-03-22T06:34:00.002-04:002012-03-22T06:34:20.314-04:00Ramblings from the life and times of GideonAs Paul Harvey said--"and that's the rest of the story. Good day!" This morning as I read through Judges 6, 7, and 8 I kept thinking of the times I have taught/preached "the story of Gideon." I would always emphasize (and still think it true) the necessity of every man standing in his place and faithfully following God, with the result being God gives the victory. However, the rest of the Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-3691438812743056602012-03-22T06:32:00.002-04:002012-03-22T06:32:43.911-04:00RamblingsAs Paul Harvey said--"and that's the rest of the story. Good day!" This morning as I read through Judges 6, 7, and 8 I kept thinking of the times I have taught/preached "the story of Gideon." I would always emphasize (and still think it true) the necessity of every man standing in his place and faithfully following God, with the result being God gives the victory. However, the rest of the Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-68353625097203967052012-01-31T15:23:00.000-05:002012-01-31T15:23:52.876-05:00TAKE TIME To Be With God!If you have been in the pastorate for any amount of time, you have discovered one thing for sure - you can become mighty busy quickly!! As ministers called of God, our hearts are focused on the needs of the church God has called us to serve. Our churches are busy with activities and programs. Much of what the church does needs our personal attention and involvement. There are ocassions when Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-24270264177325225342011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:002011-12-31T00:01:26.916-05:00Looking Forward to 2012Happy New Year! That's the greeting going around this weekend. It is a good time to examine who we are in Christ and what He would have us to do with out lives! It has been a LONG time since my last post (on any blog), so my first New Year's Resolution as it relates to "social media" is to post more often on the blogs and sites I maintain.
Not just posts, but posts "with purpose." Some of Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-36204940060024519022011-01-11T14:52:00.002-05:002011-01-11T14:55:29.051-05:00Developing a Spiritual Vision For 2011 - Part ThreeI believe I have made my point with Reality # 1: Without Spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild. I keep thinking of Proverbs 14: 12 as I reflect upon this reality - "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." That running wild and trying to do what SEEMS right goes hand in hand. If we are to be productive for the cause of Christ, we must not cling to Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-27068439970606488572011-01-09T19:15:00.002-05:002011-01-09T19:18:49.316-05:00Developing A Spiritual Vision For 2011 - Part TwoI want to continue today some thoughts about our need to develop a spiritual vision for our lives in 2011 - praying for God to reveal one scripture to guide our path/prepare us to deal with life's circumstances throughout 2011. In part one of this discussion, I focused on Proverbs 29: 18, "Without revelation people run wild, but one who keeps the law will be happy." (Holman translation). I closedDougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-69134215068580089162011-01-08T12:02:00.002-05:002011-01-08T12:06:06.676-05:00Develop A Spritual Vision in 2011Over the next few days it is my plan to share with you some thoughts about the importance, significance, and POWER of prayer in our lives. I will admit to you that the premise for my writings will come from readings of works by others on the subject – particularly those of Ronnie Floyd and Gregory Frizzell, but they (hopefully) will be nuggets of information that will serve to help you as you Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-47598414841325991532010-12-28T18:03:00.003-05:002010-12-28T18:21:30.488-05:00Getting READY for the New Year(Special thanks to Neal Eller of BSCNC for connecting me with Don Whitney's post which is the basis for this post)As an association we are entering 2011 with a corporate call for fasting and prayer. We are asking our member churches to commit to praying with the TRBA staff over the first 21 days of 2011. If you have questions concerning this and are not getting our regular updates regarding that,Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-87692561082529283162010-08-07T07:34:00.003-04:002010-08-07T17:53:14.069-04:00How Serious Is Your Church About Reaching The LOST Of Your Community?As I prepared for First Friday time of Prayer for August, I decided to google "praying for the lost by name." What popped up was a site by a friend, Darrel Davis with that title (I really should have known!!!!!). On his site was a quote from George Barna's Evangelism that Works. This quote caused me to stop and ponder. "A church that strives to evangelize its community without saturating its Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-81010284620002313392010-06-29T18:23:00.002-04:002010-06-29T19:06:30.488-04:00The Future Of Conventions/Associations/The Local ChurchThere has been a LOT of talk about the "Great Commission Resurgence" in Baptist life over the past year. In fact, a vote was taken at SBC 2010 in Orlando that could change much in our denomination. However, it should be noted that MUCH HAS BEEN SAID about the Great Commission itself through the ages. "Talk is cheap," what have our actions been? What will our actions be? Will all this "talk" Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-27600920282357775062010-01-26T23:57:00.005-05:002010-01-27T00:14:06.086-05:00Great Commission "Surgence"I remember hearing a pastor say one time--"you can not have revival until you have vive." I know what that means. We sometimes have a series of meetings simply because its in our constituion, but there is no revival because we are dead spiritually and not seeking a movement from God.As I was reading some things today, I thought about that. The GCRTF (Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-30510637022683730012010-01-16T21:34:00.003-05:002010-01-16T21:59:13.341-05:00New Year/New Decade/Fresh CommitmentIt is early in 2010. This is a new year, and a new decade. There are many good days ahead for the church as we commit anew to the work that God has called us to do together. Please join me in praying for our member churches and the opportunities ahead to advance the Kingdom.I wanted to share a few goals for 2010:1. I would like to see fellowship between the brethren (those who serve in ministry Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-39641460088598246392009-12-14T15:07:00.005-05:002009-12-14T15:32:18.654-05:00Building Up The Fellowship Among PastorsBy now you have heard my views about the NEED for fellowship among those of us who serve as leaders/pastors/ministers of our member churches. I have encouraged us to fellowship together around the table, over a cup of coffee, as we partake of a meal. I truly believe this is an important part of the strengthening of the local church to become more effective in its ministry to the community. Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-54173472059314266622009-09-09T11:26:00.006-04:002009-09-09T14:16:49.975-04:00Lack Of Response For A Call To PrayerSeveral years ago I heard a TV preacher state, "a prayerless church is a powerless church." I concur with that statement!A few months back I placed a call for spiritual awakening and revival to our member churches of the association. There were few "takers" and I was a bit disappointed. To be honest, I felt like prayer was the ONE thing that could bring us together (and I still do), and it was Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-79743912135685693472009-05-08T21:03:00.003-04:002009-05-08T21:17:02.133-04:00Bad Economy Challenges Churches but Provides OpportunitiesLifeWay Research: Written by David Roach and StaffNASHVILLE, Tenn., – Protestant churchgoers in America remain generous during difficult economic times, and their churches have increased their ministry to the needy. Despite the country being in an official recession for the past year, giving in 2008 was up an average of 4 percent over 2007 according to a survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors by Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-78333134381065547972009-03-24T20:34:00.003-04:002009-03-24T20:57:58.145-04:00CALL FOR REVIVAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGOver the past several months my heart has been burdened about the LOSTNESS of our communities and the need for revival in the church of North America - the church of TRBA. The theme for the Annie Armstrong Emphasis dealt with the URGENCY that is before us, but I wonder - how urgent is it TO US? Over the past couple of years my life seems to be overshadowed with meeting after meeting. Few of Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-32815855520276099072009-02-26T22:07:00.005-05:002009-02-26T22:41:48.154-05:00Do Not Grow WearyIf you have been in ministry for any amount of time, there have been times you might describe as "Blue Mondays." A lady named Miss Charlotte that worked with my family when I was coming up as a child often made that statement. But I also remember her constantly singing hymns as she worked around the house and in the fields. She experienced "Blue Mondays," BUT she smiled and praised the Lord in Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-89924016015967912162009-01-21T21:24:00.003-05:002009-01-21T21:34:33.568-05:00Couple Of Ramblings2009 has really gotten off to a BUSY start. Even the snowfall of this week has not enabled us to be still enough to "catch up." It was beautiful though--a true indication of the handiwork of God!This week we witnessed a historic event as a nation. What once seemed completely impossible in our society has, in fact, now taken place. We should be much in prayer for the new administration as he seeksDougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-38662534148652495832009-01-15T21:33:00.005-05:002009-01-22T22:45:06.912-05:00We Need One AnotherI know I have said it before. I will continue to say it. I honestly believe we who serve as pastors/ministers in the local church NEED one another. I unashamedly encourage you to become involved in times of fellowship designed to build up our personal relationships.What do we do when we are in personal crisis? Who do we talk with when someone makes false accusations? Who serves as our "Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-81450771932822283242008-12-22T21:49:00.007-05:002008-12-22T22:24:23.873-05:00Where Do You Fit Into The Christmas Story?This past Sunday I was called upon to preach for one of our pastors who had to go out of town with a family emergency. I readily said yes, though I had planned to attend another church. After all, who couldn't preach a sermon the Sunday before Christmas - or at least fill the time.I chose the traditional scriptures for my text. Luke 2 and the Matthew account of the Magi. We are all familiar with Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-32598641710142397502008-11-25T13:08:00.003-05:002008-11-25T13:30:27.394-05:00Working TOGETHER To Strengthen The ChurchThe challenge was placed before you in a previous e-zine. First, are you burdened about the lack of impact being made by the church? Second - do you feel adequately "trained and equipped" to do the ministry God has called you to do? Third - are you among the 85% of pastors that are simply "tired of dealing with problem people?" Fourth - do you have a confidant/mentor? Fifth - do you Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-43969517844842535842008-11-16T16:19:00.004-05:002008-11-16T16:40:30.580-05:00Burden for the church in its missionI begin this post with no title for the blog. I am burdened for the church as we set out on the years ahead. Increasingly I think of the statement I read several years back - that 65% of the existing churches in North America in 1990 would close their doors by 2035.First, when I read it that date seemed so far off. Now, it seems to be looming just around the corner. Second, I thought NO WAY! But Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-91436249931618443832008-10-30T09:49:00.004-04:002008-11-05T21:47:56.148-05:00Is Your Church Essential (Will it be here in 2035)?These guys that can blog daily - or those that blog as an event is happening, I can not see how they can do it. It is difficult for me to find the time. But once in a while, I do have some ideas I would like to share with you - so, then I write. Don't know if anyone reads, but I write.Currently I am reading "The Essential Church." There was a free download (and I will put a copy on our website soDougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-41417152478865515312008-09-23T18:49:00.004-04:002008-09-23T19:09:33.024-04:00The Present State Of The AssociationToday I received a call from LifeWay asking that I present a 20-minute presentation on the "present state of the Association." That becomes a piercing topic as it depends on a lot of variables: the needs of the churches, the involvement of the churches, the cooperative nature of church leaders, rural vs. urban settings, the attitude of the Association Missionary/Director of Missions, etc. Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0