What a year!

2023 will end with somewhere around 15,000 miles driven all over Collin County to encourage and be encouraged by Collin Baptist Association pastors and ministry leaders, as well as denominational servants or opportunities to represent the CBA. None of these meetings have any other agenda than encouragement, and I’m grateful for each and every opportunity I have to connect with these amazing folks.

Collin Baptist Association is a family of over 120 churches that range from thousands and thousands of members to dozens and dozens, in contexts spanning from rural to urban. Many of these leaders are thriving, but I often have the privilege of helping some simply hang on during a difficult season. 1,712 meetings thus far, and each one reminds me of the evergreen truth that we truly are better together.

Pastor, you need a Paul…and a Timothy. In other words, find someone who can pour into you and find someone you can pour into. You need guys in your corner, guys who can “tell you like it is,” but also pick you back up when you fall. You also need to be investing into the next generation of pastors and leaders, too.

Y'all, ministry can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be…reach out to your local DOM or area representative of your state convention, connect with pastors near you, plug into opportunities for fellowship locally, regionally, and nationally…you need it, and they need you.