In a world often characterized by conflict, retaliation, and “I must get mine” attitude,, the concept of turning the other cheek stands out as a profound and countercultural principle. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, it exhorts Christians to respond to adversity with humility, forgiveness, and grace. Despite its simplicity, this principle embodies a profound depth of character and a radical approach to everyday life.  Read More

I recently saw a video of a scary hang gliding incident. The video was being recorded by a camera mounted at the back side of the glider. The video begins with the instructor and passenger running with the glider and jumping from the slope of the huge hill and immediately the student realizes he is dangling from the glider because the instructor forgot to strap him in. It didn't take long for the instructor to realize what he had done (or not done) and the very serious situation his passenger was in.   Read More

You were made to sing. Yes, you! Not only that, you were made to sing with other believers. While the amount of time has varied from time to time and from place to place, on average, churches devote about one-third of the time they spend together each week to congregational singing. But why? What should we sing? And why should we sing together? While there is a vast number of answers to those questions, here are three thoughts to consider.  Read More

According to Barna research, “More than seven out of ten Americans (72%) claim they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today. But a survey examining some of the other commitments that adults make – and avoid – suggests that people are inconsistent in their spiritual perspectives.”  Read More

In September I shared the emotional results of not forgiving. Today I will share about the spiritual results of not forgiving and what we need to do to keep in fellowship with God the Father.  Read More

If you have attended church for any extended period of time you have probably gotten to witness and maybe even be a part of a few traditions that can mark pivotal moments in the life of those who belong to Christ and His Church. From watching families commit themselves to raising their children up in Christ, to first graders being presented a bible from their church. Maybe you have watched an energetic and excited seven-year-old run up to the front to say they have accepted Jesus as the savior of their life or an older person walk slowly up to the front with tears in their eyes to profess that they have finally found Jesus. Watching people young and old get baptized always brings tears to my eyes. Maybe you have even been lucky enough to be a part of a church pot luck (Baptist churches sure know how to do those right haha).  Read More

Here are some of the ways that your tithes and offerings to God via First Baptist Joplin has resulted in amazing things.  Read More

My dad died VERY suddenly almost eight years ago - just 5 days before Christmas. I had already purchased his gift and wrapped it - a navy and red sweatshirt from Old Navy. Big spender, right? That wrapped present sat in our bedroom for the entire first year. I didn't know what to do with it. Do I unwrap it and wear it and think of him? That didn't make sense. Do I regift it? Didn't feel right. Return it for a measly 10 bucks? Out of the question. It took the whole year for me to figure out what to do with it.  Read More

When we think of the Media Ministry we think of the super smart tech geniuses that sit in the booth full of computers and gadgets pushing a series of buttons to make the magic of Sunday mornings happen. But in all reality the Media Ministry is an area that anyone can serve in. Whether you have a love for everything technology, have an ear for music or have a creative mindset, there are multiple ways you can be involved both inside and outside the Tech Booth. As our Church continues to grow I continue to look for ways to expand our “creative arts & technology” presence to better help us, as a Church, to Worship our Lord, Equip believers and Engage those who do not know the good news of the gospel.  Read More

The weather is changing, days are shorter, leaves are turning and pumpkin spice madness is back and that could only mean one thing...It's Fall. The craziness of Summer has passed and most churches have settled into their regular rhythms of ministry.  Read More

As one part in the whole body of believers you play a significant role in this community. Whether you are the person rocking babies in the nursery or you are the pastor on the stage; God has called you specifically according to his purposes.  Read More

Undoubtedly life is full of ups and downs. At times, things go our way, and other times life's events seem to go completely off the rails. There are also those moments and events where we push to do good, but at times it feels as if it doesn’t even matter.  Read More