My Preaching Schedule (2009 so far)

Sunday, March 8, at FBC Grosse Tete, LA — 10 am

Billy Sutton, Pastor

(The best I recall my college French, “grosse tete” translates to “big head.” I can’t wait to get there and see who the town was named after! I’ll be speaking on missions.)

Saturday, March 14, deacon training at New Testament Church, Harvey, LA 8 — 10:30 am

Jerry Davis, Pastor

(Jerry lined me up for this, then said, “We don’t actually have any deacons.” When I expressed surprise, he said, “But we have some great people who ought to be deacons, so this is a good time to prepare them.” Smart man.)

Sunday, March 22, dedication of restored sanctuary of Free Mission BC, New Orleans, 2 pm

Johnny Jones, Pastor

(This wonderful little church, smack in the middle of the Lower Ninth Ward of this city, was flooded by Katrina, but has been rebuilt. For the last three years, they’ve had Sunday services in our associational building. Even though the church has been restored, that entire neighborhood is mostly vacant lots. Johnny Jones is a retired school principal and easily one of my favorite people.)

Friday, March 27, I’m the emcee at Kathy Frady’s “Gigglefest” at FBC Slidell, LA 7 pm


(Kathy — the world’s most creative/hilarious human being — will be donning wigs and outfits and presenting her takeoff on various types of people we meet in church. The Gigglefest is to raise money for scholarships for women who want to attend the Beth Moore gathering at the N.O. Arena April 3-4 but could not without financial assistance. Kathy will be doing the same program at FBC-NO one week earlier, March 20, 7 pm. You’re invited. A donation of $10 is requested.)

Wednesday, April 2, I’m drawing for the “Spring Fling” at Nunez Community College, Chalmette, LA 2 — 6 pm

Thomas Tindall, BCM director

(Prior to Thomas, we’d not had a Baptist student ministry at this neighborhood college, but he’s doing a super job. I’m glad to help.)

Friday-Saturday-Sunday, April 17-19, Revival at FBC Belle Chasse, LA

Sam Gentry, Pastor

(This wonderful church is located next to the huge Belle Chasse Naval Air Station. We’ll appreciate the prayers of God’s people for our effectiveness in reaching many people.)

Wednesday thru Saturday, April 22-25, bi-ennial meeting of the National Assn of Southern Baptist Secretaries at Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain, NC.

(I’m leading three conferences — and repeating each one — and drawing as many of the women as I can. Glenda Suggs, good friend and admin asst at the associational office in Monroe, LA, serves as the current national president. This is absolutely my favorite group on the planet to work with. These meetings are usually attended by 700 women, easily the sharpest audience any pastor ever addresses. David Uth of FBC Orlando is the primary speaker. He’s going to remember this audience the rest of his life.)

(Monday night, April 27, our Spring meeting of the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans at FBC New Orleans. This will be my official retirement. Thereafter, my plan is to move into a spare office at FBC Kenner and work on three books, and to take every speaking/teaching/drawing opportunity that comes this way.)

May 3-6, Revival at North Greenwood Baptist Church, Greenwood, MS.

Jim Phillips, Pastor

(Jim is the most unusual pastor in the SBC. He’s a professional fisherman and has built an outstanding ministry in Greenwood. My DOM friend, Bobby Douglas, has only good things to say about this great church and its pastor. I think this will be my third revival with them. I can’t wait.)

May 15-16 annual DOM retreat at Springfield, LA. (I’ll be retired, but have been invited. So I’m going.)

Week of June 22, annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Louisville, KY. Right now, the plan is to draw for the Baptist Press at their booth.

June 26-28, I’m the camp pastor for FBC Double Springs’ children at “Camp Lee,” Anniston, AL. (Double Springs is one of my four hometowns, Nauvoo and Jasper and Birmingham being the others.)

September 26-27, FBC Inman, SC. I’ll be drawing on Saturday at their “Harvest Day Festival” and preaching on Sunday.

Paul Moore, Pastor.

(Paul ranks as one of the nicest pastors you will ever meet. He’s surely one of my favorites. I did a revival for him at Grace, Toccoa, GA, and then one at Sans Souci BC, Greenville, SC. This just goes to show he is a forgiving brother — or has been blessed with a poor memory!)

October 4-7 Revival at FBC Leakesville, MS.

Phillip Price, Pastor

(When Phillip invited me a few days ago, he won a place in my heart by saying, “I’ve read your articles and cartoons for years.” He and my mother! I’m excited about the revival.)

November 6-7, retreat for the senior adults, Annistown Road BC, Atlanta, meeting at Toccoa Falls Conference Center, Toccoa, GA. Joel Davis, my longtime best friend — and best man in our wedding — is senior adult minister.

(Our mutual friend George “JoJo” Thomas began this church, with Joel’s assistance I might add, and grew it into a great congregation. I did a deacon retreat at Toccoa for them a few years back and enjoyed it immensely, so I’m grateful for another visit with these terrific folks.)

It took me too many years to learn this simple lesson, but as soon as an event goes on my calendar, I begin praying for the Father to prepare me and prepare those who will be attending. I pray He will give me the messages to preach — the precise ones, not just some sermons out of my files — and prepare the hearts of those who will be hearing.

Then, after the event is over, for a long time afterwards, I regularly pray for that church (or group) and for everyone who heard the message.

Preaching in another church is such a blessing and a genuine privilege, after having pastored for some 42 years and been director of missions for five. God has given me a strong love for preachers and I always pray He will use me to encourage them.

3 thoughts on “My Preaching Schedule (2009 so far)

  1. Are you going to come see us at FBC LaPlace soon?

    We sure would love to see you and catch up.

  2. Well, You just have to come to services at Springfield First Baptist Sunday May the 16th since you will already be in town for the DOM Retreat!

    We would so love to have you and our dear wonderful DOM Bro. Lonnie. Actually ever single DOM is invited and welcome! But I would love to have you and Bro. Lonnie over for Lunch at our home after Service if your retreat would allow.

  3. Joe:

    You and Oscar Williams are always welcome at Cammack United Methodist Church. God bless.

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