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Articles by Randy Harp
The Six Jobs of a Pastor (Part 4)
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about pastoral leadership is that being right about the direction doesn’t mean you’re right about the timing. I learned that the hard way. When I arrived in the Houston area to pastor my second church, the congregation had just come through a devastating season involving its previous pastor. People were hurting, trust needed to be rebuilt, and the church needed time to heal. I knew that going in. I even told myself I was going to take things slowly.
The Six Jobs of a Pastor (Part 3)
The first time I ever attempted to preach a sermon, I was a recent high school graduate studying engineering at the University of Arkansas. I was part of a small group of young adults who had been asked to preach ten-minute sermons during a New Year’s Eve gathering leading up to midnight. I don’t remember my Scripture text. I don’t remember my topic. To be honest, I don’t remember much of anything I said. What I do remember is being absolutely terrified.
The Six Jobs of a Pastor
Early in my ministry, while serving as a youth pastor in Orlando, Florida, I learned a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my years in pastoral ministry: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Working with teenagers in Orlando meant competing with countless activities and distractions for their attention. I quickly discovered that one of the most effective ways to minister to students was simply showing up.
The Six Jobs of a Pastor
I love visiting presidential libraries. In fact, one of the items on my bucket list is to visit all 16 of them. So far, I have made it to nine. My favorite is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. I’m not sure when I’ll make it to the newest one in North Dakota, but I’m determined to give it a try. One of my more recent visits was to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, just outside Kansas City.
ADVANCE: 2026 BBFI National Fellowship Meeting Report
Pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, and their families from across the country gathered in the Boston metro September 21–24 for the 2026 Baptist Bible Fellowship International National Fellowship Meeting, hosted by Sean Sears and Grace Church. Boston provided an especially fitting setting for this year’s meeting as the Fellowship celebrated two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of Boston Baptist College and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
The Higher You Climb, the Clearer You See
Every road trip eventually comes to an end. After several days exploring the deserts of Arizona and Utah, our final national park felt like we had entered an entirely different world. The towering red rock formations gave way to dense pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, rushing streams, and snow-capped peaks (even in the middle of summer). The temperatures had dropped enough that we pulled our jackets out, something that seemed almost unimaginable after hiking through the desert just a day earlier.
God Shapes Us Over Time
One of the unexpected blessings of our father-and-son road trip was discovering places we hadn’t originally planned to visit. After adding Canyonlands to our itinerary, we continued down the road to Arches National Park. Looking back, I can’t imagine making that trip without experiencing it. Arches is another one of those places that almost seems unreal. As we drove through the park, one incredible formation after another came into view.
God Sees the Whole Map
When we woke up that morning, we thought we were headed toward one final national park before beginning the long drive home. That was the plan I had mapped out before we left home. Shortly after getting on the road, we passed a sign that read, “Capitol Reef National Park – Next Exit.” My son immediately looked over and asked, “Dad, should we go?” He quickly pulled out his phone and opened the GPS to see if it was possible.
Every Life is Unique
After leaving Zion National Park, my son and I traveled about two hours northeast to Bryce Canyon National Park. As we climbed from Zion Canyon to more than 8,000 feet at Bryce Canyon, the scenery changed dramatically. The towering sandstone walls gave way to forests of pine and spruce, the temperatures became noticeably cooler, and it felt as though we had entered an entirely different world. Bryce Canyon is unlike any national park I have ever visited.
The Narrow Way Is Always Worth It
If the Grand Canyon reminded me of God’s greatness, Zion National Park reminded me that some of life’s greatest blessings are found by choosing the narrow way. Unlike most national parks, much of Zion Canyon is explored by shuttle bus. Visitors park outside the canyon, board the shuttle, and ride to various trailheads and overlooks. You can stay on the shuttle for the entire visit and still see some incredible scenery through the windows. But if that’s all you do, you’ll miss the best parts of Zion.
God’s Greatness Produces Humility
Our second stop among America’s national parks took us to one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks: the Grand Canyon. Although I had visited the Grand Canyon once before, this trip was completely different. There is something special about experiencing a place through someone else’s eyes. Watching my son stand on the rim for the very first time made it feel as though I was seeing it again for the first time myself.
God Can Preserve What Time Cannot
One of the greatest investments a parent can make is simply spending intentional time with their children. Those opportunities look different in every season of life. Earlier this year, our family celebrated a milestone as my youngest son graduated from high school. In just a few weeks, he will begin studying mechanical engineering and move into his college dorm. Before all of that happened, we decided to take a father-and-son road trip together.
More Than Fireworks
This weekend, millions of Americans will gather in backyards, parks, and town squares to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Flags will wave from front porches. Grills will be filled with hamburgers and hot dogs. Families will spread blankets across open fields waiting for fireworks to fill the night sky. Parades, concerts, and patriotic songs remind us of the freedoms we enjoy. There is something special about Independence Day. For a few moments, the pace of life slows down. Families gather.
Coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous
“Coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous.” I heard this statement a couple of weeks ago, and it really made me think. I think it captures something we have all experienced but often struggle to explain. At first glance, it sounds clever, maybe even a little poetic. But the more you think about it, the more it presses into something deeply theological and deeply personal. It raises a question every believer eventually has to answer: Are the moments in my life random, or are they guided?
From a Garage to the World, and What That Means for Us
Today marks 50 years since Apple Inc. was founded. What began in 1976 in a California garage with Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne has grown into one of the most valuable and influential companies in history. It is a remarkable story. From the early days of the Apple I and Apple II, to the breakthrough of the Macintosh, to the game-changing release of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently reshaped how people live, communicate, and interact with the world.
Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance: Why Now Is the Time to Prepare for Easter - #
After this week, we are four Sundays away from Easter. Let that sink in for a minute. You have probably heard the phrase, “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” It is usually shouted in locker rooms, printed on weight room walls, or repeated by coaches who are trying to prepare their teams for game day. Let me be clear, Easter Sunday is not a performance. We are not putting on a show. We are proclaiming a risen Savior. But the principle still applies.
When Your View Doesn’t Match Your Vision - #
When your view doesn’t match your vision. I heard that statement in a sermon recently and immediately wrote it down. It puts language to something every leader and every believer eventually feels. There are seasons when what you see does not line up with what you believe God has shown you. Your view is what is right in front of you. Your vision is what God has placed in your heart. And the two do not always match.
Preparing for the Blessing - Randy Harp
Every leader wants to see their ministry grow. We pray for more people, greater impact, and wider influence. But true ministry growth doesn’t begin with new strategies. It begins with spiritual preparation. In order to scale a ministry, you must begin by preparing yourself for God to bless. Growth is not something we force; it’s something we faithfully prepare for.
From Caring to Carrying
Most of us would say that we care about people. I do. Pastors do. We notice when someone is hurting. We feel concern. We tell others we will pray for them. And oftentimes, we actually do. Caring is not the problem. But caring is often where we stop. Loving others the way God loves others requires a shift, from caring for people to carrying their burdens. Caring is concern. Carrying is commitment. It is one thing to notice someone’s pain. It is another thing to step underneath it.
When Personal Integrity Becomes a Ministry Issue - Randy Harp
Most ministry failures do not begin with doctrinal compromise. They begin with personal compromise. More often than not, when a pastor’s ministry ends suddenly or painfully, the root cause is not theological drift but a moral failure of some sort. When that happens, the damage is never limited to one person. Families are affected. Churches are wounded. Communities are confused. And the testimony of the gospel suffers.
When Articles of Faith Become a Ministry Issue - Randy Harp
Across the country, churches are facing increasing questions, and in some cases, legal challenges related to their doctrinal convictions. Issues such as hiring practices, who may serve as volunteers, how church facilities may be used, what kind of counseling a church will provide, and even which weddings a pastor will or will not perform are no longer just ministry decisions, they are often being viewed through a legal lens.
When Church Governance Becomes a Ministry Issue - Randy Harp
Over the past few weeks, I have read about large churches in the United States experiencing major internal challenges, not over theology or morality, but over governance, specifically with authority and control. These situations are not just legal issues. They are ministry issues because they affect people, testimonies, and the mission of the local church.
Three Essentials for Growth - Randy Harp
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. Whether it’s spiritual growth, leadership growth, or personal development, it always requires intentional effort. Many people want to grow, but they never build a plan for it. They admire growth in others while remaining stagnant themselves. If you want to grow, there are three things you must have: commitment, a coach, and a course of action. Commitment Nothing grows without commitment. Commitment is what keeps you moving when motivation fades.
BBFI Hosts Sixth Annual State Rep Advance in Springfield
For the sixth consecutive year, January 19–21, 2026, the BBFI Central Office hosted the annual BBFI State Rep Advance, bringing together State Representatives and the BBFI Executive Committee for focused training, networking, and vision casting. In recent years, the Advance has been held in Granbury, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, Texas, and for the second year in a row, in Springfield, Missouri. This year’s meeting took place in the new Event Center on the campus of the BBFI Mission Office.
Texas BBF State Fellowship Meeting Brings Encouragement and Connection in Waco
Pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders from across Texas gathered January 19–20, 2026, at historic First Baptist Church in Waco for the Texas Baptist Bible Fellowship State Fellowship Meeting, enjoying two days of preaching, leadership training, worship, and meaningful connection. The meeting featured guest speaker Terry Thompson of Small Church USA, who preached Monday evening and led leadership sessions on Tuesday morning.
Venture Church Launches in Clermont, Florida, as Newest BBFI Church Plant
Clermont, FL — On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Venture Church officially launched its first public worship service in Clermont, Florida, marking an exciting new chapter for both the congregation and the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. Venture Church is the newest BBFI church plant and is part of a growing movement of new churches being launched across the state with the support of the Florida Baptist Bible Fellowship.
Seventy Years Later, Still Worth It - Randy Harp
Today marks the 70th anniversary of one of the most sobering and stirring moments in modern missions history. On January 8, 1956, five young missionaries, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian, were killed while attempting to make contact with the Waodani people in Ecuador. They had spent months flying over remote jungle territory, lowering gifts in a bucket, trying to communicate peace and friendship to a tribe known for violent encounters with outsiders.
Christmas Countdown for Pastors - Randy Harp
The week before Christmas always feels different. The calendar is full. The phone keeps buzzing. Expectations are high. And for many churches, this weekend and Christmas Eve will bring people through the doors who have not been there in months or maybe even years. This is not a normal week, and it should not be treated like one. What pastors do in these next few days can shape not only a Christmas service, but also how people see the church and hear the gospel.
Grandpa - Tribune.org
This week, something happened in my life that I knew would be meaningful, but I did not fully understand just how deeply it would reach my heart. A little backstory first, I remember a day, a little over 24 years ago, as if it were yesterday. It was the day I became a dad. I have said often that I learned more about God on that day than on any other day of my entire life. I learned unconditional love. I understood the willingness to sacrifice for those you love. Fast forward 21 years.
The Power of Four: Speak, Sustain, Scale, and Scope - Randy Harp
I was recently in Nairobi, Kenya, for the S4 Conference hosted by Global Surge at Hope Church Lavington. The name S4 refers to the four key words that define this conference: Speak, Sustain, Scale, and Scope. As I listened to the messages, shared meals with some incredible leaders, and heard stories of what God is doing across Africa and around the world, several biblical truths and practical principles stood out to me. Even the name of the conference carries a message through the four key words.
When the Cost Is Higher Than the Worth - Randy Harp
When news broke that the United States Mint officially produced its last penny, it got me thinking. The penny has been part of American life since 1793. It has carried the faces of Lady Liberty, Benjamin Franklin, and, for more than a century, Abraham Lincoln. Children collected them. Cashiers counted them. We filled jars with them. We ignored them on sidewalks. And now, after more than two hundred years, the penny’s long story quietly comes to an end. The reason is simple.
This Book Will Keep You from Sin - Randy Harp
This November is Global Bible Month. It’s a time when people all over the world are coming together to celebrate the life-changing power of God’s word. Also this month, the YouVersion Bible app is celebrating the historic milestone of one billion downloads of its mobile app. One billon people, in nearly every language and nation, have downloaded access to the Bible.
The Good, the Hard, and the Hopeful - Randy Harp
This week marks ten years since I began serving full-time with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. Ten years. That’s long enough to see patterns emerge, challenges repeat, and God’s faithfulness shine through it all. In that decade, I’ve seen the best and I’ve seen some of the … let’s just say not-so-great. I’ve seen leaders united around the gospel and others not on the same page. I’ve watched people argue passionately about things that are, at best, secondary.
Planting Trees We’ll Never Sit Under - Randy Harp
I recently heard a preacher say, “Great men and women plant trees of which they never enjoy the shade.” It is a pretty amazing picture. True greatness is not measured by what we consume, but by what we contribute. It is about sowing seeds today that will grow into blessings for people we may never meet. The Bible repeatedly affirms this truth. God calls His people to live with eternity in view, to invest in what will last, and to build into the next generation.
Our Gospel Debt - Tribune.org
I recently heard the following statement in a sermon: “Every saved person this side of heaven owes the gospel to every lost person this side of hell.” This statement captures the heart of the responsibility that we have as Christians. Salvation is not the end of our story. It is the beginning of an obligation. We are debtors, not because we can repay God for His grace, but because we are entrusted with the message that saves.
Lord, Send One More Revival Before Your Return - Randy Harp
Throughout history, God has breathed fresh life into His people through extraordinary movements of revival. Seasons of decline, coldness, or compromise have again and again been interrupted by the Spirit’s fire, calling the church back to holiness, prayer, and mission. A repeated thought at the recent BBFI National Meeting was, “Lord, send one more revival before Your return.” Revival, in its simplest form, is a work of God among His people.
Confessions of a Sinful Pastor - Randy Harp
At a recent Fellowship Meeting, I heard the phrase, “Confessions of a sinful pastor.” It struck me with both honesty and hope. Honesty, because every pastor is still a sinner saved by grace. Hope, because it reminded me that no pastor has to walk alone. Ministry is a calling of deep joy but also one of unique struggles. Pastors carry burdens few others understand. And yet, in the design of God, we are not meant to carry them in isolation.
Ministry is “Brutiful” - Randy Harp
I recently heard someone say, “Ministry is brutiful. It is both beautiful and it is brutal.” The phrase got my attention because it captures the tension of serving God’s people better than almost anything I’ve heard. Ministry isn’t only one or the other. It is both. It is joy and it is sorrow. It is exhilarating and it is exhausting. It is deeply rewarding and painfully costly. For those who have been in ministry for any length of time, you know this reality well.
A Legacy of Impact. A Future of Possibility. - Randy Harp
Every movement worth remembering is marked by two realities: the impact it has made in the past and the possibilities it carries into the future. The 2025 BBFI National Meeting theme, “A Legacy of Impact. A Future of Possibility,” perfectly captured both realities. For seventy-five years, the Baptist Bible Fellowship International has stood as a testimony of what God can do when churches, pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders unite around the gospel.
The Ripple Effect - Randy Harp
Seventy-five years ago, a group of bold men and women, driven by an unshakable commitment to the Great Commission, cast a pebble of faith into the waters of history. At that moment, the founding of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International created ripples that continue to move across oceans, nations, pulpits, and generations. The founders of the BBFI likely had no idea just how far those ripples would travel.
Why “What Does Your Church Do For Discipleship?” Is a Bad Question - Randy Harp
When pastors, ministry leaders, or church members are asked, “What does your church do for discipleship?” the natural tendency is to list programs: small groups, Bible studies, one-on-one mentoring, or classes on spiritual disciplines. While these are good and often fruitful expressions of discipleship, the question itself may be flawed. It risks reducing discipleship to a program instead of recognizing it as the very essence of the church’s existence.
A Legacy of Faithful Service: 75 Years of Temple Baptist Church in Springdale, Arkansas
by Randy Harp On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Temple Baptist Church in Springdale, Arkansas, paused to celebrate 75 years of ministry. Like any anniversary, this milestone provided an opportunity to look back with gratitude, to rejoice in God’s blessings, and to look forward with renewed commitment. Temple Baptist is not a “mega church” by contemporary definitions, but its legacy proves that impact is not necessarily measured by seating capacity or budgets.
From Desperation to New Hope - Randy Harp
By Randy Harp There are moments in ministry when you know, beyond all doubt, that only God could orchestrate what just happened. This is one of those moments. It’s a story of heartbreak and hope, of connection and calling, of desperation transformed into revitalization. And it all started with a phone call. About a year and a half ago, I was sitting in my office at the BBFI Central Office in Springfield, Missouri, when the phone rang. The voice on the other end belonged to a man I had never met.
10 Conversations I Keep Having with Pastors - Randy Harp
One of the most rewarding aspects of the ministry where I serve is the regular connection I have with pastors and missionaries across the country and around the world and the ministry conversations that we have. On any given day, I might get a phone call from a pastor just needing to talk, no agenda, no crisis, just someone who understands. Sometimes the conversation turns into a time to vent, maybe about a difficult church member or a frustrating leadership challenge.
The Artisan Church: Handcrafted for Your Community - Randy Harp
There are two moments in Scripture when Jesus is recorded as weeping. The first is found in John 11:35 — the shortest verse in the Bible and perhaps one of the most emotionally profound: “Jesus wept.” He wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. This wasn’t a theatrical tear or a symbolic sadness. It was the deeply human sorrow of a Savior who entered into the pain of the people He loved.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday of January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. This has become a day when churches and pro-life organizations across America come together to reflect on the value of every human life, from conception to natural death. After the elections of 2024, this day brings a new level of importance.
Don’t Quit on Quitter’s Day - Randy Harp
I didn’t know such a day as “Quitter’s Day” existed until I saw an Apple Watch commercial recently. Apparently, this day, observed annually on the second Friday of January, marks the moment when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. It’s a clever nod to the common human tendency to quit when the going gets tough. The commercial made me pause and think. Why do so many people quit so quickly?
Why Christians Should Write: 10 Biblical Insights - Randy Harp
As we turn the page on a new year, one of my personal goals is to embrace writing with greater consistency and purpose. Writing is a powerful tool for reflection, communication, and, ultimately, glorifying God in meaningful ways. This year, I’m excited to work toward finishing and publishing a couple of books that I have been working on for years. I also plan to share more regularly on my personal website. Interestingly, writing hasn’t always been a passion of mine.
Preparing for the New Year: A Guide for Pastors - Randy Harp
As the new year begins, pastors face the critical task of planning for their church’s spiritual and organizational growth. Preparation involves mapping out key dates, creating a preaching calendar, scheduling events, and ensuring a healthy balance between ministry and personal well-being. Here’s a sample guide for pastors to prepare for a fruitful new year.
Why I Am Thankful for the BBFI - Randy Harp
As I sit at my desk on the eve of Thanksgiving, preparing to head home for a long holiday weekend, my heart is full of gratitude for the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. This moment of reflection has reminded me just how much the BBFI has shaped my life. Truthfully, I probably don’t take enough time to pause and express my thankfulness for the BBFI, but today feels like the perfect opportunity.
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