How can one pastor figure all that out and do the necessary work? I must confess that I often forget that I am one person with finite limitations. The tension only builds as we consider our roles and responsibilities at home, in the community, to our denomination, and to the Kingdom of God in our … Continue reading Intentionally Developing Leaders in the Local Church
A Response to the Virginia Elections: A Pastoral Reflection on Troubling Days and the Hope of the Gospel
By Pastor Jamie McClanahan11/12/2025 As I reflect on the outcome of the Virginia elections and their impact on Virginians—particularly Christians—I feel a sobering sadness. The cultural landscape seems to shift more quickly than many of us can process. It brings to mind the haunting introduction from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the … Continue reading A Response to the Virginia Elections: A Pastoral Reflection on Troubling Days and the Hope of the Gospel
Turning Point (Part 1)
I’ve been thinking a lot about these two words and what they mean beyond their recent cultural definitions. As a result of current events, many find themselves at a crossroads in their faith. Over the next few days, I will blog about the questions that arise from these happenings. I’m not interested in leaning into the … Continue reading Turning Point (Part 1)
The Significant Role of Small Town Rural Pastors (Part 2)
Small-town rural churches are significant because they contribute to Kingdom growth in many ways. First, they are giving to the CP. In 2023, SBC churches reported undesignated receipts of over $10 billion, up less than 1% from 2022, and mission expenditures through SBC avenues increased by 9% to nearly $800 million. Although they may contribute less than … Continue reading The Significant Role of Small Town Rural Pastors (Part 2)
The Significant Role of Small Town Rural Churches and Pastors (Part 1)
In this first series of blog posts, I would like to share some key statistics and trends about the effectiveness and impact of Small-Town Rural Churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. We should not assume they have a lesser role or impact because they comprise 1/3 of SBC churches. In 2023, 27% of SBC churches (approximately 12,663 of … Continue reading The Significant Role of Small Town Rural Churches and Pastors (Part 1)
Concluding Thoughts on Mentoring
The Paul Timothy relationship began when Timothy was young and continued throughout his lifetime. There needs to be a generational emphasis in mentoring that includes a paternal and pastoral approach. Pastors need trustworthy guides and advisors who are intentional and personal in their leadership development. Mentoring relationships in the local church are an effective vehicle for … Continue reading Concluding Thoughts on Mentoring
Component 4: Paul Releases Timothy to Mentor Others
Three passages in 2 Timothy mark the importance of Paul commending Timothy to mentor others, as he has received training as a mentee. In their book Mentoring: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives, Dean K Thompson and Dr. Cameron Murchison write, “Of the three pastoral epistles, the letter that most clearly represents the wisdom of an elder Christian passed … Continue reading Component 4: Paul Releases Timothy to Mentor Others
Component Three: Paul Trains Timothy in an Incremental Way
A wise leader does not entrust his follower with a task he has not first prepared him to receive. He gradually trains and releases over time and with great care. The mentoring approach of Paul to Timothy exemplifies this slow and deliberate process. The art of mentoring is on display when a mature mentor releases … Continue reading Component Three: Paul Trains Timothy in an Incremental Way
Component 2: Paul Shares His Life and Ministry Alongside of Timothy
In his well-known book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Dr. Robert E. Coleman writes, “Building men and women is not that easy. It requires constant personal attention, much like a father gives to his children…children are not raised by proxy. The example of Jesus would teach us that it can be done only by persons staying close to … Continue reading Component 2: Paul Shares His Life and Ministry Alongside of Timothy
Mentoring Component One: Paul Nurtured a Personal Relationship with Timothy
In these posts regarding mentoring, I will contend that Paul’s mentoring approach to raising Timothy up as a leader includes nurturing a person relationship with him, sharing life alongside of him, training him in an incremental way, and releasing him to multiply into other leaders. I will share the first of these components in this post. … Continue reading Mentoring Component One: Paul Nurtured a Personal Relationship with Timothy
Defining Terms: Spiritual Mentoring and Church Leadership
Relationships are the secret sauce of leadership development. Mentoring is leadership by relationship. It is tricky to define “mentoring”, but there are some features worth emphasizing as we consider several definitions. In this post, I would like to consider at least three helpful definitions as it relates to the ministry mentoring relationships. In the book, Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for … Continue reading Defining Terms: Spiritual Mentoring and Church Leadership
Valley Shepherds 