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Articles by Todd Gray
FIRST-PERSON: Setting five-year goals
Tech leader Bill Gates is often quoted as saying, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years.” The same could be said about five-year goals. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar was known for saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FIRST-PERSON: Stay faithful to the end
Short-timer’s syndrome, according to one online definition is “a psychological and behavioral state where a person loses motivation, focus, or emotional investment in their current role as their departure date approaches.” Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Short-timer’s syndrome can be the malady of a pastor or ministry leader as one prepares to transition to a new role, or as retirement day draws near.
FIRST-PERSON: Revival living
“Revival” and “revivals” are not necessarily the same thing. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. A revival could refer to a series of special church services where preaching, singing and fellowship took place.
FIRST-PERSON: Giving a gospel invitation
We invite lots of people to do many things. In 2025, both of my daughters were married, and they sent many invitations to friends and family members inviting them to join their special day. Invitations are sent for baby showers, groundbreaking ceremonies, anniversaries, birthday parties and more. Sometimes folks spontaneously invite neighbors to join them for snacks at their home. An invitation is made and a response is given. It happens all the time.
FIRST-PERSON: Together for the Mission: Reaching college students
One of the greatest missional opportunities available to Kentucky Baptists can be found on the more than 100 college campuses that dot the landscape of our Commonwealth. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. More than 260,000 students descend on those grounds every semester with the vast majority, possibly as high as 95%, not being connected to a local church during their college years.
FIRST-PERSON: Partners in the gospel
The Apostle Paul expressed in clear terms his appreciation to the Philippian believers because of their gospel partnership. Paul wrote Philippians 1:3-5,“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FIRST-PERSON: Consider going to them
Knocking on doors in hopes of sharing the gospel has been part of my life for 35 years of ministry leadership. I learned to share the gospel at age 25 and have been involved in door-to-door evangelism since age 26. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Front door evangelism is not the only way to share the gospel, but it remains one way to access many people with the hope of Christ.
Slavic presence grows in SBC
ORLANDO (BP) – In late May, at least 25 Slavic churches in Florida were unaffiliated with any denomination. In mid-June, they were introduced to the expansiveness of the Southern Baptist Convention, with its 47,000 churches plus its North American and International mission boards, its colleges, universities and seminaries.
Worship micro-conference attendance, enthusiasm projects bright days ahead
Andrew McKinney, head of The Worship Initiative, speaks in the first part of a two-part micro-conference for worship leaders June 8. The morning session featured a choir made up of members from various Orlando-area churches.
Consider going to them
Adobe Stock Photo. Do not publish. Metadata: Topic(s): Churches & Ministry, EvangelismFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: Knocking on doors in hopes of sharing the Gospel has been part of my life for 35 years of ministry leadership. I learned to share the Gospel at age 25 and have been involved in door-to-door evangelism since age 26. Front door evangelism is not the only way to share the Gospel, but it remains one way to access many people with the hope of Christ.
FIRST-PERSON: Helpful and respectful feedback
I recently wrote an article summarizing my time at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting. The link to that article is here. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. One of our faithful Kentucky Baptist pastors reached out sharing why he was unable to attend the SBC, and his reason for not going to the annual gathering of Southern Baptists highlights some of the challenges being faced by many of our Kentucky Baptists families.
FIRST-PERSON: Why attend the SBC Annual Meeting
I didn’t attend the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting when I pastored churches in Kentucky and Indiana. The churches I served were all supporters of our SBC mission work through the Cooperative Program and the annual missions offerings, but attending the convention was just not something we normally did. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FIRST-PERSON: Lectio Divina
One of the most important parts of my daily routine is time with the Lord in His word and prayer. For all of my adult life, I have been an early riser — greeting each morning with a cup of coffee, a journal, a Bible and prayer. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. This daily discipline stems from the pattern of Jesus in Mark 1:35.
FIRST-PERSON: Praying blessings on churches
Some of us pray for Kentucky Baptist churches daily, or at least occasionally, the following prayer: That every KBC church will be a thriving church and that every leader will be a cared for leader. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. The heart behind that prayer is the conviction that churches were meant to thrive – to do well – impacting their communities with the gospel.
5 tips for a good performance evaluation
iStock Every year Kentucky Baptist Mission Board staff members undergo a performance evaluation process. Each KBC team member completes a “self-evaluation” form and submits it to their supervisor who then reviews that form, fills out their own evaluation and meets with their team member for encouragement and feedback. This annual process provides an opportunity to encourage good work and point forward for continued growth and improvement.
FIRST-PERSON: Maybe it needs polishing
In a recent conversation with one of our great Kentucky Baptist pastors, he shared an encouraging story. A dear older saint had reached out to hear an update on his ministry. He shared that the honeymoon phase was over and that the “shininess” was starting to fade. She exhorted him, “Honey, if you keep polishing something, it will keep on shining.” Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. What in your life or ministry needs to be polished?
FIRST-PERSON: Performance evaluations
Every year Kentucky Baptist Mission Board staff members undergo a performance evaluation process. Each KBC team member completes a “self-evaluation” form and submits it to their supervisor who then reviews that form, fills out their own evaluation and meets with their team member for encouragement and feedback. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FIRST-PERSON: A prayer for churches
Prayer is the great elevator of hope for the people of God. Prayer holds out the possibility, even the certainty, that things can be different than they are now. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Certainly, every believer prays for their own church, but could a kingdom mindset call us to pray for churches — all churches that preach the gospel, but especially churches of like faith and practice?
FIRST-PERSON: Embracing limits for healthy living
I recently received a text from a friend who had suffered a mild stroke. He shared that he was okay and there were no long-term effects, but the experience was a wake-up call for him. He added that he had made lifestyle changes and was learning to embrace his limitations. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
TOOLBOX – 5 ‘I Will’ Statements to Combat Fear
Fear is an enormous challenge for many of God’s people. Milly Jones discovered 145 Bible verses encouraging God’s people who battle fear. She wrote: “I have searched the Bible using an online tool for verses that tell us not to fear, not to be afraid, etc. I have added in verses that encourage us to have peace in God, not to worry and not to be anxious (both general types of fear).
FIRST-PERSON: Personhood rights
“The same constitutional principles that ensured equal protection for black Americans also protect defenseless children in the womb.” That was the opening line in a 2023 National Review article by the title, “The Pro-Life Movement Should Follow Its North Star: Equal Protection.” Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FIRST-PERSON: When a crisis comes
Crises come without warning. When they arrive in a church or ministry, they require the fully devoted attention of pastors, elders and ministry leaders. No matter what is written on your calendar for the day, it all changes when there is a crisis. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. One online source defines crisis as “an unexpected event that leads to a potentially dangerous situation affecting individuals, communities, or even the global environment.
FIRST-PERSON: What is in your heart?
Each year I am invited to bring greetings at gatherings of faithful servant leaders. And each year, the organizer gives me the same instruction: “Just share from your heart.” Those instructions always make me nervous because I know the truth about the heart. Jesus informed His followers in Luke 6:45, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
FIRST-PERSON: Who will fund the mission?
A friend recently shared Pew Research data that stopped me in my tracks: Baby Boomers make up only about one-fifth of the population, yet they represent almost half of Southern Baptist church membership. Another friend shared that while they had experienced an increase of 100 people in their services, there was barely a difference in the undesignated receipts received. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. These two matters are not unrelated.
FIRST-PERSON: Pro-life after January
On Jan.22, 1984, Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday in January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. His directive encouraged all Americans to value life, both born and pre-born. Being reminded of the value of human life is important beyond January. The World Health Organization states that there were more than 73 million abortions worldwide last year.
FIRST-PERSON: Remember your pastor
Recently I was invited to give a charge to the church at the ordination service for a young Kentucky Baptist pastor. It was an inspiring worship service, and many attended to encourage him and his family and to celebrate God’s call on his life. My text was Hebrews 13:7 where the author wrote to the believers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.
FIRST-PERSON: Celebrate Mission: Dignity
I am a Christian by the grace of God, Baptist by conviction and Southern Baptist by choice. I value cooperation and believe the kingdom of God and the gospel enterprise is strengthened when people of like faith and practice work together for the glory of God and the good of people. Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. One reason I love being Southern Baptist is because of Mission: Dignity.
FIRST-PERSON: “I wills” to win against fear
Fear is an enormous challenge for many of God’s people. Milly Jones, in a blogpost under the heading of Milly’s Scribblings, discovered 145 Bible verses encouraging God’s people who battle fear. She wrote: “I have searched the Bible using an online tool for verses that tell us not to fear, not to be afraid, etc. I have added in verses that encourage us to have peace in God, not to worry and not to be anxious (both general types of fear).
FIRST-PERSON: Do you believe in tithing?
Tithing is generally understood as setting aside 10% of one’s income to be given to one’s local church as an act of worship to the Lord. I grew up in a home where my mother tithed off our household income. So, when I became a Christian, tithing was a natural expression of worship to God and support of my local church. When Connie and I married, we practiced tithing as a family and eventually started tithing on the full value of our pre-tax pay package.
FIRST-PERSON: It's been a good year
2025 has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists. As a convention of 2,350 churches, God has given us wonderful unity and noticeable fruit as we partner together to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ. Here are seven ways it has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists: 1. God has provided servant leaders to help churches in our state: 2025 has been a year of transitions with Kentucky Baptist Mission Board staff.
FIRST-PERSON: Jumping to conclusions
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions. This well-worn jibe is used to describe those (myself included at times) who react rather than reflect and jump to conclusions about people and situations instead of considering whether there might be more to the story than meets the eye. The writer of Proverbs highlights the danger of this personal predilection.
FIRST-PERSON: Should you run for office?
The Kentucky General Assembly has many followers of Christ. These are men and women who love Jesus and have answered a call from God to endure the rigors of politics. They campaign, raise funds and sacrifice time away from their families and vocations so they can make laws and shape public policy in a way that promotes human flourishing. These brothers and sisters are a gift from God and are making a difference for the well-being of our commonwealth.
FIRST-PERSON: Funding the Great Commission
“Massachusetts independent movie theatre turns 100 — and shows how to survive and thrive.” That was the headline from a Nov. 25 episode of a national radio show featuring The Capital Theatre in Arlington, Mass., identifying it as a success story in the context of 5,000 similar venues closing their doors since 2020. What did this theatre do differently from their movie showing peers? They provided good service, expanded their business and found ways to add value to their customers.
FIRST-PERSON: Ministering to Mr. or Mrs. No
‘Mr. or Mrs. No’ are fictional names of real people in many Baptist churches. They are people who possibly mean well but over time have developed a stranglehold on the growth and health of their church. They possess an outsized influence and people either like them, are afraid of them or are determined to overlook them. Mr. or Mrs. No make life difficult for pastors.
FIRST-PERSON: I'm thankful for ...
Nothing changes one’s attitude like saying ‘Thank you.’ Giving thanks is the quickest route out of discouragement, anger, fear and so much more. The psalmist reminds us of our opportunities and responsibility to give thanks to God.
FIRST-PERSON: I love the KBC
I love the KBC. While that is my sentiment, it is also what I hear back regularly and consistently from Kentucky Baptist ministry leaders and church members from across the state. Kentucky Baptists are enjoying a sweet season of unity, joy, provision and gospel impact. At the 188th Annual Meeting in Cold Spring we had much to celebrate. We praised God for strong Cooperative Program giving, high baptism numbers, new churches affiliating with the convention and much more.
FIRST-PERSON: Healthy, faithful, effective
I have had the honor of rubbing elbows with men and women I consider to be great leaders. Whether it be in Christian ministry, nonprofit organizations or business, these are leaders who lead with vision, energy and impact. But I never looked at leadership the way I heard a seminary professor describe it recently. In a Leadership Lessons interview with Dr. Justin Irving, the Duke K.
FIRST-PERSON: Are you important?
Unfortunately, many leaders in churches across Kentucky do not feel that they matter or that the church they serve is significant. But, when it comes to being part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, every leader is important and every church matters. In fact, our daily prayer is that every church will be a thriving church, and every leader will be a cared-for leader. For that reason, it is imperative that every KBC affiliated church is represented at the 2025 KBC Annual Meeting.
FIRST-PERSON: Why we associate
On a recent Friday night, I was invited to bring a message of encouragement to an associational gathering of some of our finest pastors and their spouses. While it would seem odd for any of those pastors to get together to show appreciation for themselves, it was completely appropriate for their local Baptist association to plan and execute this gathering. We enjoyed a good meal, prayed for one another, took a group picture, gave away gifts to those in attendance and laughed like teenagers.
FIRST-PERSON: Who will replace you?
I pastored a military church for 11 years and witnessed regular leadership turnover like I had never seen. While the average church may have an annual attrition rate of 10%, this church saw roughly 25% of its members leave each year — mostly by transfer to other military installations. That high turnover prompted us to adjust our policies for how quickly members could take on leadership positions. But it also prompted something else.
FIRST-PERSON: Winning against pornography
To say that pornography use is a “sin epidemic” in our nation and in the Christian community may be an understatement. The Barna Group’s 2024 survey, “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” highlights the prevalence of pornography use among practicing Christians. It reveals that the problem of pornography among professing Christians who attend church regularly is probably worse than most of us could imagine.
Winning against pornography
As I read this report I got so sick to my stomach! Baptist Press By , posted October 15, 2025 in Entertainment, Pornography, Tech & Entertainment To say that pornography use is a “sin epidemic” in our nation, and in the Christian community, may be an understatement. The Barna Group’s 2024 survey, “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” highlights the prevalence of pornography use among practicing Christians.
10 Tips for Leading a Non-Profit Ministry - No EGOS Here
: The fruits of the Christian life are only phony when we look for them in the wrong places. Pastor Dewey Moede: I found the message below very encouraging. FGGAM is into its 14th year. We are a mom and pop ministry, founded by God. God has sent many people over the years to bless the ministry He has given us. People with the talents I do not have. So many writers over the years have had the blessing to share their God-given talent with the world. Without the writers, FGGAM would be in sad shape.
FIRST-PERSON: Winning against pornography
To say that pornography use is a “sin epidemic” in our nation, and in the Christian community, may be an understatement. The Barna Group’s 2024 survey, “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” highlights the prevalence of pornography use among practicing Christians. It reveals that the problem of pornography among professing Christians who attend church regularly is probably worse than most of us could imagine.
FIRST-PERSON: Kentucky’s best option for foster care and adoption
Sunrise Children’s Services, formerly known as Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children, has been serving the same constituency since 1869 — children who need someone to step in the gap and provide food, shelter and love for them. Since that time, Sunrise has cared for thousands of Kentucky’s most vulnerable children and today ministers to approximately 1,300 children each year through foster care and residential services.
FIRST-PERSON: Advice for non-profit ministry leaders
I was recently asked to bring a greeting to some of Kentucky’s finest ministry leaders. These are men and women who have started or currently lead nonprofits serving crucial needs in their communities here in Kentucky. They labor diligently and seek to lead faithfully to meet needs and share Christ. They do good work, manage tight budgets and wear many hats.
FIRST-PERSON: Invite a young man to preach
We live among a gold mine of young preachers in Kentucky. Kentucky Baptists have access to three separate institutions where hundreds of young men are being trained for ministry leadership and many of them are being trained to preach. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville and Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville are working daily to train up the next generation of faithful preachers. Many will one day pastor churches here in Kentucky.
FIRST-PERSON: Consistently pro-life
I join many Kentucky Baptists in praising God for faithful men and women who have dedicated much of their lives in the defense of the unborn. Because of God’s blessings on their efforts, we live in a state where medical elective abortion is banned. Because of the hard work and prayers of many, the EMW Women’s Surgical Center, our state’s primary abortion clinic, was shuttered in 2022 and Planned Parenthood is no longer able to list abortion as one of the services it provides in Kentucky.
FIRST-PERSON: Caring for your pastor
Good pastors are hard to find. Some churches that are without a pastor have spent two years or longer in a search for their next one. Currently there are approximately 280 Kentucky Baptist churches searching for their next senior leader. But what if you already have a good pastor? What are you doing to help him and his family enjoy their service to your congregation? I recently discovered a practice called “Stay Interviews.” Think the opposite of an exit interview.
The value of colleagues
Metadata: Topic(s): Churches and MinistryFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: My ministry calling has allowed me to build relationships with people who serve in a similar capacity as mine. Whether it was in the pastorate or in state convention work, I have always benefited from times with ministry colleagues. Proverbs 27:17 is an often-used verse to describe the value of relationships of this type.
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