Wayne Bray

Kyler got saved 3 weeks ago, then invited his friend Caleb, who got saved too. Then both were baptized today! Today Caleb’s friend, Gavin, came to see him get baptized, & he responded to the gospel! All 3 young men are now saved! WE WANT TO MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES.

One thing is abundantly clear, and should challenge us all. @bellevuepastor was loved and respected by everyone in the SBC. We need more who lead with his same spirit. He stood unashamedly on the truth, but he spoke in a spirit of humble strength.

I loved and respected Steve Gaines long before he knew me, but getting to know him made me appreciate him even more. He was a giant of a man in many ways, but so humble and approachable. He was the real deal. @bellevuepastor

@deaninserra So cool Dean. Thanks for sharing that man!

Steve Gaines: I shared this story a while back but want to again. I took some college students who were interested in ministry over to Jacksonville for the old FBC Pastor’s Conference. I saw Steve Gaines was going to be speaking and reached out to him to see if he could meet with them and do a Q&A. He only had a 7am breakfast available. We left before 5am to make it from Tallahassee. Very quickly after we sat down with him he realized he lost his prayer cards and was really upset about it. They meant a lot to him. He prayed through them several times a day. He had to abruptly leave about 5 minutes in to try and find them. We drove from Tallahassee at 5am just so the students could meet with him! Breakfast was off. He called me later that day and apologized (we weren’t upset and understood) and that he was going to fly down to Tallahassee the following week on whatever day we said, to buy the guys pizza and talk as long as they wanted. I told him that was very kind but completely unnecessary, but he INSISTED. About 5 days later he was sitting in our church building with 7 or 8 college students talking life and ministry for several hours. He didn’t post about it, wouldn’t let us pay for his hotel, or pay for anything, brought pizza, and gave those guys and myself a memorable night of conversation. All completely under the radar. Who does that? Steve Gaines. Rest in Christ.

@JoshuaWPowell is a man ready and willing to lead the SBC through this challenging season of strengthening, rebuilding, and renewal. Check out this @BaptistCourier article and video.

We missed 2 Sunday mornings because of winter weather, and everyone has battled sickness all winter. Still, God hasn't stopped working. I was just told that Upstate Church has celebrated 105 people taking their next step of believer's baptism in the first 10 weeks of 2026. Let's go!

@claysmith79 @WBCBaseball Braves!

Baseball fans. If you HAD to pick.... Would you rather: A) See your favorite team win the 2026 World Series Or B) See your country win the @WBCBaseball

@BrettAiken21 @donaldeandrews Agreed. It’s the nature of the culture influencing pastors. Everyone just wants to fight.

@donaldeandrews I really am confused by some of the things I have seen about this topic. I don't know why it would produce such aggressive and judgmental tones and statements.

The reason the sabbatical discussion is full of contrasting hot takes is b/c it's not universal. It doesn't have to be. Your situation may never call for one. Some guys find themselves in situations where they need an extended break. No reason to argue on this.

Find out more about how you can partner with Will and Molly Bray as they plant a church in Arizona.

In John 13:35 Jesus reveals that our love for other believers is great evidence of our being His disciples.

Join me in praying for Pastor Steve Gaines.

@nathancreitz @howertonjosh You never heard me say that brother.

I appreciate this word from @howertonjosh : James Talarico is “ a false teacher who just happens to be in politics.”

David French has confused "decency" in dialogue with convictional Christianity. James Talarico may appear to be a winsome poster child for the religious left, but his conversational kindness is not nearly as noteworthy as his biblical ignorance. Being a nice guy doesn't make him more Christian. It just makes him a smart politician.

After 17 trips to a bomb shelter over 36 hours and a man named Moses leading them into Egypt, a group of weary pastors and their wives are headed back to the United States. baptistpress.com/resource-libra…

Good Word !

Church growth writers talk about the bell-shaped curve that characterizes the growth of many churches. The left side of the bell curve is exciting (vision, outreach, growth, etc.), but the right side is challenging (nostalgia, decline, division, etc.). baptistpress.com/resource-libra…

I’m teaching a doctoral seminar this week on, “Developing a Disciple-making Strategy for a Healthy Growing Church.” The title of the class tells you a lot about the heart of @NOBTS. I’m thankful to be given the honor of helping other pastors fulfill the Great Commission.

@lukedsimmons @Seth_Troutt Praise God!

What a joy to watch @Seth_Troutt preach a clear & compelling sermon on Sunday about the doctrine of conversion. Said that conversion is a personal, private, and public response of faith & repentance. Then about 50-60 people raised their hand to indicate first-time faith. 🙌