What challenges might new pastors face when entering into a church revitalization situation?   How can pastors lead the way in connecting with the community?   In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help churches turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and hear stories of hope.   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) interviews Sam Bunnell, Lead Pastor of FBC Henrietta. While Sam has not been in his church long, there has been some real progress, including 30+ baptisms in the past couple of years. Situated in a small, rural context, Sam's church has begun to thrive after a VERY rough start. Lots to learn from Sam's experience!

Why would a pastor start an orphanage? How has this ministry started by Dr. Buckner developed over the almost 150 year history of Buckner International? How can churches learn from and partner with this great ministry? In this episode Matt Singleton interviews Dr. Albert L. Reyes, the sixth president and CEO of Buckner International. Previously, Dr. Reyes served as president of Buckner Children and Family Services. Prior to joining Buckner, Reyes was president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio. Reyes has also served as pastor of three churches and has been involved in numerous roles with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, serving as its president in 2005. He currently serves as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance, USA Region. Reyes received a bachelor of business administration degree in management from Angelo State University, a master of divinity degree in theology and a doctor of ministry degree in missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a doctor of philosophy degree in global leadership from from Andrews University.  Dr. Reyes is the author of three books: "The Jesus Agenda: Becoming an Agent of Redemption" (Believers Press, 2015) "Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice When the Kingdom Comes Near" (Iron Stream Books, 2019) "Never Alone: The Power of Family to Inspire Hope" (Iron Stream Books, 2024). Learn more about Buckner International at www.buckner.org.

What is spiritual formation and how is it different than spiritual disciplines? What resources are helpful for both ministers and church members? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA DOM) interviews Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of FBC Llano, on the topic of spiritual formation. Matt earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Truett Seminary and his project focused on helping his church engage with spiritually forming practices and information.

Why is taking a vacation often not enough for ministers? What does ministry burnout look like and how can it be avoided? What FREE retreat resources are there for those in ministry? In this episode of the SCBA Leadership podcast we speak with Cory Brand, the co-founder and co-Executive Director of The Hiding Place, a unique ministry on Lake Brownwood. Cory and his wife, Amy, have served in church ministry for many years and desire to give ministers a respite from the rewarding and often challenging work of serving in a local church. Learn more about what they do at www.myhidingplace.rest! You can also follow The Hiding Place on FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086930696926

What is reformed theology and how does it differ from Calvinism? Does God want everyone to be saved? If God has already chosen, why evangelize? In this episode Matt Singleton interviews Dr. Blake White (Southside BC, Abilene) who gives a Biblical, theological, and philosophical defense of Calvinism. Joining the conversation is Corey Barnes, Youth Pastor at FBC Runge.

How can ministry leaders raise up more ministry leaders within the local church? What should leaders look for when discipling those who may be called to ministry? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) speaks with Rob Millman and Tim LaFleur. Rob and Tim help run an organization, "Follow the Call." Rob is passionate about evangelism, discipleship and church leadership. Tim is world class at equipping pastors, personally investing in the lives of pastors like Robby Gallaty and David Platt. For more information, visit www.followthecall.org! Get their book, "Follow the Call: For Those Aspiring to Christian Ministry and Pastors Mentoring Emerging Leaders"! Get Tim's book, "The Heart of a Disciplemaker: Building a Lasting Legacy Through Authentic Relationships"!

What can parents do to help their children and teens navigate the dangers of technology?   How should churches think about practical issues when it comes to ministering to those struggling with gender identity?   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM), RoseMary Vickery (Children & Missions Minister at FBC Kenedy) and Molly Gordon (Kids Ministry Director at FBC La Vernia) visit with Andrew Dealy, a licensed counselor and the Executive Director of the Austin Stone Counseling Center. He has helped many parents and leaders in children and student ministries think through issues around sexual identity, anxiety, and the impact of technology in the lives of kids and teens. You can learn more about Andrew and the counseling center at www.austinstone.org/counseling-team/andrew-dealy.

What options are there for churches who have less than 25 in attendance?   How can senior adults be the conduit through which vibrant ministry can be done?   In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help churches turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and hear stories of hope.   In this episode we visit with Phillip Cole, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Smithville, Texas. This story is somewhat unique in that Calvary is more of a church plant than it is a revitalization or replant. Coming out of Calvary Baptist in Bastrop, Phillip and other leaders began forming a relationship with Trinity Baptist Church. Trinity was down to 20-25 members when they reached out to Calvary for help. The outcome was incredible! But it wasn't easy.

80% of guests need 7 connections to people within a given church community to become fully engaged. How can churches make those connections? Glenn Lackey is the Co-Founder and Co-President of First Blessing, which aims to provide church partners across Texas with the opportunity to share the love of Christ by providing resources and facilitating shoe ministry events. These events present opportunities for members of the church to engage in meaningful conversations with families in their local communities they might not encounter otherwise. Learn more at www.firstblessing.org For info on how you can receive Texas Baptist (BGCT) funds for local mission/outreach projects, visit www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/community-missions  

What does a disciple-making culture look like in the local church? What are some practical tools we can use to help make disciples who can disciple others? How can ministry leaders make discipleship reproducible and scaleable?  Where can leaders weave the message of disciple-making into the church? In this episode Matt Singleton (DOM of the SCBA) is joined by Josh Fuentes (Pastor of Crestview Baptist Church in San Antonio) and Keith Durham (Director of Concho Valley Baptist Association) to interview author and Pastor Kirk Freeman (CrossBridge Community Church in San Antonio). The focus of their conversation was around discipleship.   Threads: Weaving Disciple Making Into the Fabric of Your Life UPDATED VERSION disciplemakingthreads.com

How can leaders earn the needed trust to lead change? In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help their church turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and hear stories of hope. In this episode, DOM Matt Singleton talks with Brad Mills, Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Luling, Texas. Brad has served in this capacity since June 1, 2019. Before he came to Central, he served at churches in Texas and Alabama. He is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2015), the University of South Alabama (B.S., Management, 2011) and a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

What is Calvinism and what are its alternatives? Why has Calvinism grown so much lately? What does Romans really teach? If faith a gift or do we have the freedom to choose? In this episode DOM Matt Singleton talks with Dr. David L. Allen, Mid-America’s Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of the Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching. Dr. Allen earned his MDIV from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, where he became the founding Dean of the School of Preaching and served as the Distinguished Professor of Preaching and as Director of the Center for Expository Preaching. He also held the George W. Truett Chair of Pastoral Ministry and served from 2004–2016 as the Dean of the School of Theology Dr. Allen earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he majored in Linguistics, preparation for using the principles of linguistics in exegesis and expository preaching. Practicing what he teaches and preaches, Dr. Allen has also pastored churches in Texas for more than 20 years. He is founder and editor-in-chief of the new preaching ministry and website, preachingcoach.com, a one-stop shop for all things preaching. Dr. Allen also has a personal blog site at drdavidlallen.com. You can order his latest book on Amazon:  Liberating Romans from Reformed Captivity: A Critical Evaluation of Calvinism’s Interpretation of Paul’s Letter.

What is a theology of creativity and play and how does youth sports fit within them? What are the problems with youth sports today and how can parents and ministers respond to them?   In this episode Matt Singleton is joined by Pastors Corey Barnes (FBC Runge) and Ryan Kurtz (FBC Floresville) to interview Dr. Drew Dabbs, pastor of FBC Hamilton. They unpack the doctoral work Dr. Dabbs on a Biblical framework for youth sports. 

How useful is personal testimonies in sharing our faith?   How can Christians use questions to help in evangelism?   In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, visits with Eric Hernandez, Evangelism & Apologetics Lead with the Texas Baptists. Eric is an author and conference speaker on apologetics.   Check out the resources we mention in the podcast at the links below: The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Nonbelievers by Eric Hernandez Unapologetic Evangelism Conference www.erichernandezministries.com

What is discipleship? How can churches strategize for discipleship, from the parking lot to the area of service in the church? In this episode DOM Matt Singleton talks with Dr. David Hardage, the Director of Church Engagement for Texans On Missions. David has also served many years in the pastorate and as the Executive Director for Texas Baptists (BGCT). In this conversation we talk about the ins and outs of discipleship in the local church.

What are the different kinds of teams in ministry and how are they unique? What is "psychological safety" and why is it important on a team? How can teams improve their communication and why is it important? In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, is joined by Dr. Michael Godfrey, founder & president of TRUE COURSE. He is also the author of Without Regret: Be More, See More, and Achieve More that Really Matters and Put Stress to Work: Turning Headaches into Advantages. Michael holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from the Baylor University and a Doctor of Ministry degree in church and education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.   https://discoveryourtruecourse.com/about-us/

How can pastor respond faithfully in the face of a crisis?   What should church leaders expect in the aftermath of tragedy?   What can pastors do now to prepare for a day they hope will never come?     In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, interviews Dr. John Crowder who has served as the pastor of FBC West for over three decades. During his tenure, a crisis struck his town. A building caught fire at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in West. It led to an ammonium nitrate explosion occurred that leveled about half the town. In his new book, Anchor Point: How To Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope After Crisis, he explains what he learned as he reflects on the challenges of navigating the immediate response and subsequent recovery and rebuilding efforts.    

Why did Matt start a podcast?   What surprised Matt about being a DOM?   What does Matt miss about pastoring?   What words of encouragement (and challenge!) might Matt give to pastors? What about to church members?   In this episode Dr. Walter Jackson turns the tables on podcast host Matt Singleton. Walter, a fellow DOM for the Guadalupe Baptist Association (Victoria, Texas), interviews Matt and, perhaps, gets more than he bargained for!   By the way, go check out the Annual Meeting + Church Conference page on the SCBA website to learn more about this exciting event coming up on October 11th at FBC Gonzales.    www.southcentralarea.net/annual  

How can ministry leaders prepare their members to understand and interact with AI? How can a Biblical understanding of the imago dei aid Christians in their view of AI? What is the upside and what are the downsides to AI?   In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, visits with Dr. Katie Frugé. Joining in on the conversation is Pastor Jeremy Pritchett (FBC Kenedy) and Pastors Roland Contreras and Eric Rachui from The Grove Baptist Church in Orange Grove, Texas. Dr. Frugé serves as the Director of the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Director of the Christian Life Commission. She holds both an M-Div. and Ph.D. Her doctorate focused on the image of God, which she believes is foundational for a holistic understanding of advocacy and human dignity and worth. Since joining the CLC, she has worked to help highlight various issues surrounding cyclical poverty including food insecurity, education disparities, racial reconciliation, and access to healthcare. She is also a stomach cancer survivor, special needs parent, broadway enthusiast, coffee drinker, and busy mom to three young daughters. Article on AI Blackmail

What are a few keys to giving input on selection of ministerial staff? How can you work well with existing staff? How can the lead pastor dismantle silos and help everyone stay on the same page? In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, is joied by Pastor Dr. Josh Breslaw and Pastor Justin Lopez (FBC La Grange) as they interview Dr. Dennis Wiles, Senior Pastor of FBC Arlington.