tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77934000299624332222011-12-31T06:43:12.306-05:00This 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.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-24270264177325225342011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:002011-12-31T00:01:26.916-05:00

Happy 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-36204940060024519022011-01-11T14:52:00.002-05:002011-01-11T14:55:29.051-05:00

I 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-27068439970606488572011-01-09T19:15:00.002-05:002011-01-09T19:18:49.316-05:00

I 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 closed

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-69134215068580089162011-01-08T12:02:00.002-05:002011-01-08T12:06:06.676-05:00

Over 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-47598414841325991532010-12-28T18:03:00.003-05:002010-12-28T18:21:30.488-05:00

(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-87692561082529283162010-08-07T07:34:00.003-04:002010-08-07T17:53:14.069-04:00

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-81010284620002313392010-06-29T18:23:00.002-04:002010-06-29T19:06:30.488-04:00

There 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-27600920282357775062010-01-26T23:57:00.005-05:002010-01-27T00:14:06.086-05:00

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-30510637022683730012010-01-16T21:34:00.003-05:002010-01-16T21:59:13.341-05:00

It 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-39641460088598246392009-12-14T15:07:00.005-05:002009-12-14T15:32:18.654-05:00

By 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-54173472059314266622009-09-09T11:26:00.006-04:002009-09-09T14:16:49.975-04:00

Several 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-79743912135685693472009-05-08T21:03:00.003-04:002009-05-08T21:17:02.133-04:00

LifeWay 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-78333134381065547972009-03-24T20:34:00.003-04:002009-03-24T20:57:58.145-04:00

Over 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-32815855520276099072009-02-26T22:07:00.005-05:002009-02-26T22:41:48.154-05:00

If 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-89924016015967912162009-01-21T21:24:00.003-05:002009-01-21T21:34:33.568-05:00

2009 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 seeks

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-38662534148652495832009-01-15T21:33:00.005-05:002009-01-22T22:45:06.912-05:00

I 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-81450771932822283242008-12-22T21:49:00.007-05:002008-12-22T22:24:23.873-05:00

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-32598641710142397502008-11-25T13:08:00.003-05:002008-11-25T13:30:27.394-05:00

The 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-43969517844842535842008-11-16T16:19:00.004-05:002008-11-16T16:40:30.580-05:00

I 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-91436249931618443832008-10-30T09:49:00.004-04:002008-11-05T21:47:56.148-05:00

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 so

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-41417152478865515312008-09-23T18:49:00.004-04:002008-09-23T19:09:33.024-04:00

Today 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.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-76730565142498008932008-03-27T10:39:00.004-04:002008-03-27T11:03:00.710-04:00

I posted a similar post on my TRBA blog this AM. I decided to also post on the "Pastors' blog" as an encouragement to you - as ministry leaders - to both join me in prayer concerning this matter and to lead your church (by example and practice) to become stronger in the Lord.As a pastor, I often used the time between Mother's Day and Father's Day as an emphasis on the family. There is an "

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-37982886570595491432008-03-24T20:25:00.006-04:002008-03-24T20:39:46.200-04:00

If you have been involved in TRBA for the past year, you know we have spent a LOT of time working on new By-Laws, policies, and procedures. This has consumed a great deal of our time and it is certainly not what one would like to spend every day doing. NEVERTHELESS, I believe that IN THE LONG RUN it will be a real help to TRBA as we seek to do things in an effective, orderly manner.Don't get

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-87025796517102674522008-01-05T21:47:00.000-05:002008-01-05T22:08:45.928-05:00

Today I was privileged to sit on an ordination advisory council for a young man entering the ministry. Among the questions during his examination was a question concerning his view of one who serves as pastor. As he began to describe his feelings, I was impressed with his maturity.He spoke of "leading his people" to good pastures in the preaching of the Word. Those the Lord has placed in our care

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-38551555425432218942007-11-17T21:04:00.000-05:002007-11-17T21:14:36.736-05:00

By now you should have received the new By-Laws that were approved in our Fall meeting. As a result of these changes, we will be implementing a new policy and procedures manual over the next several months. As each section is finalized, we will take it to the full association for approval. It is our hope to have several policies for you to look at/vote on in the January quarterly meeting.

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-8087015613982720382007-09-13T21:39:00.000-04:002007-09-13T22:07:02.181-04:00

Recently I read a post on my son's blog -- his blogsite is meditationsonthelaw.wordpress.com. I thought it was pretty good and that I would share it with you - I think he hits the "nail on the head." We - as people who say we are burdened for those around us simply do very little to demonstrate that we really care. I think he writes pretty well--of course, I am his father. "I have recently

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-88939607154123603632007-06-29T13:22:00.000-04:002007-06-29T13:24:03.189-04:00

In a sermon preached at Ridgecrest immediately before I became a Director of Missions I heard Jimmy Draper state "Any two people genuinely seeking God can work together." His words were spoken as he preached on "The Single Priority of Christ," using the testimony of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 1: 21 (and associated verses). I took note of those words and have used it as a guide in my

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-4237937162335756892007-06-22T07:59:00.000-04:002007-06-23T02:47:30.382-04:00

I don't know if you've gotten in the habit of reading from the LifeWay Resources site or not. They have some helpful research and articles that I believe help us in our work.A recent article on their site revealed some thoughts regarding the reasons people change churches/what they are looking for in a church. Like me, I am certain there are some of you who believe many change churches due to

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-75809502493521762872007-02-13T21:07:00.000-05:002007-02-13T21:35:15.566-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. I guess you know blogging is not my top priority. Though I am not creating new posts, I hope you know that I daily lift you up on prayer!When one strives to be obedient to the call of God upon his life as a pastor, there are giants out there. Giants that sometimes appear much larger than they really are because we are simply drained with time pressures,

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-5581770731437481262007-01-10T15:29:00.000-05:002007-01-10T15:51:18.611-05:00

When something lasts for such a long time, it must have some value. Well, it is my belief that Baptist Associations hold great value. 300 years of existence in North America - long before a national convention existed, local churches saw the value to concentrate on that which they held in common and to work together in obedience to Christ. I celebrate the life and work of the associations of

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-90271793715322142262007-01-01T19:43:00.000-05:002007-01-01T20:02:25.005-05:00

We are entering a New Year--a time to reflect, examine who we are and where we are in our walk with the Lord, renew our commitments - personal, spiritual, family, professional, etc. As we reflect, I ask that we examine the need of those of us who serve as pastors to build up the fellowship between ourselves.I am excited about the plans for our Pastors' Fellowship in Tar River Association. I

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-27464954655745526152006-12-09T21:06:00.000-05:002006-12-09T21:31:25.600-05:00

This time of the year, we get BUSY! I have often joked that the choir needs to record their Christmas Cantatas early on and be ready to lip sing the cantata in December with all the colds, etc. that seem to beset choirs at that time. The reality is - trying to juggle more hectic schedules, scheduling more in a day than we can effectively do, rushing to extra practices and church or community

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-19220191420241203312006-12-02T21:19:00.000-05:002006-12-02T21:20:42.732-05:00

I have been “off line” for a couple of weeks. Decided I would send out one more writing for BOTH blogs. After that, I will divide efforts to the one related to general association and the other to pastor helps. if you have specific areas, you would like me to cover, please contact me and I will attempt to respond ASAP.What I want to share with you are the benefits of pastors and church staff

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-62996520210422345912006-11-18T20:42:00.000-05:002006-11-18T21:00:22.700-05:00

Well, you and I know the answer -- there is NOTHING better than knowing Christ as personal savior. However, there is a discovery I made recently that has been a major revelation to me. It is such an important message to share that I have determined to place the information on both my blog sites. It is the fact that I can be a part of sharing the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to a lost

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-31856537013991590912006-11-07T13:44:00.000-05:002006-11-08T10:25:07.241-05:00

There is NOTHING more important to our effectiveness as a pastor than our personal prayer life. Unfortunately, it is the one area that all of us testify is not where it ought to be. We continually express regrets about our prayer lives. Well, we know where we are. We know we need to do better. Again, I just remind you – there is nothing more important to your effectiveness as a pastor.

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-64108079539705387082006-11-01T13:38:00.000-05:002006-11-01T13:47:26.495-05:00

2 Timothy 4: 2 reads, “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”1 Corinthians 2: 21 reads, “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.”Certainly, we who are called to the pastorate must view preaching as preeminent in our responsibilities as a pastor – to proclaim God’s truth; to offer

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-14208373332764582522006-10-23T14:13:00.000-04:002006-11-18T20:53:51.086-05:00

This post "steals" a term much used in church circles of today. We deal with the PURPOSE of one who serves as pastor. We have already dealt with the fact the we, who serve as pastors, have been called by the Soverign LORD to the highest calling as a pastor. That fact must always be before us.As one called to this high calling, we must also note that it is God who gifts us to the task He has

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-45026881570285482002006-10-21T19:31:00.000-04:002006-11-18T20:54:23.575-05:00

In my work as an Associational Missionary I am often approached about new work/new church starts. Unfortunately, many of these new works have been church splits. It would be wonderful if congregations could realize their differences in a more positive way and discover ways for a healthy way to birth new congregations. Nonetheless, when we sit down to talk of the new work I often say, "I can

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793400029962433222.post-54988870786466349822006-10-19T12:39:00.000-04:002006-10-21T15:32:44.494-04:00

In a world so "connected" and "politicized," we can find ourselves forgetting the MOST important element of being a minister/pastor. We are CALLED by the SOVERIGN LORD to the most important task that exists. In our attempts to be connected to what's happening in the world; or to "advance" as a pastor/minister; and - even to advance "politically" within the denomination, etc., we sometimes "

Dougald McLaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956808431932101700noreply@blogger.com0