“The most powerful weapon in the hands of our Almighty Lord for the destruction of Satan’s dark kingdom is a healthy local church.” Andy Davis, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Durham NC, Revitalize, (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 2017), 16. Dates & Times: November 12-15, 2021 DETAILS There seems like there are so many legitimate ways … More 9Marks Weekender in Los Angeles at Bethany Baptist Church

Note: The following is a yellow sheet given to guests who visit Bethany Baptist Church. What Should You Look for in a Church? Do they believe and teach the gospel message clearly and regularly? You’ll want to hear how they articulate the gospel and what they believe about Jesus’ death and if one is justified … More Looking for a church in Los Angeles

Recharge.  Refresh.  Resolve. Recharge. Hear God’s Word read and spoken to you. Get prayed for. Pray together. Pray for each other. Refresh. Connect with other pastors in the trenches. Share the evidences of God’s grace in your church with fellow pastors. Disclose pastoral burdens have them pray for you. Meet and make new pastor friends … More Recharge.  Refresh.  Resolve.

1. Read/Watch 9 Marks of a Healthy Church Statement and short videos (and write down questions) 2. Read What is a Healthy Church? or 9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever (and write down questions) 3. Read Deliberate Church by Mark Dever (and write down questions) 4. Read the short article, “The Cross … More How to Prepare for a 9Marks Weekender in L. A. with Bethany Baptist Church

5/28/19 – SLAC lunch hosted at BBC and books given to Mike Larsen (Encounter Christian Church, Bellflower), DJ Jansson (Imago Dei, Downey), Jaylenn Wong (Generations Church LA), James Lim (Faith Presbyterian Church, Long Beach), Alex Hong (Christian Fellowship Bible Church, West Covina), Ron Boomsma (Sovereign Grace, Pasadena), Mark Pakingan (Pillar Bible Church, Long Beach), Jon … More Shepherd LA Report for Bethany Baptist Church, 7/8/19

T4G Affirmations & Denials (with Article XIX added) (T4G link) We are brothers in Christ united in one great cause — to stand together for the Gospel. We are convinced that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been misrepresented, misunderstood, and marginalized in many Churches and among many who claim the name of Christ. Compromise … More T4G Affirmations & Denials (with Article XIX added by/for Shepherd LA)

Statement on Traits of a Healthy Church (from 9marks.org): 1. Preaching What is it? An expositional sermon makes words and goal of the biblical text(s) control the words and goal of the sermon, and applies it to life today. (this one modifying the 9marks original statement) Where is it in the Bible? According to Scripture, … More Statement on Traits of a Healthy Church (from 9marks.org):

Statement of Faith: 1. The Scriptures. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God. Therefore, all scripture is authoritative, infallible and inerrant. The Scriptures are the only sufficient rule for faith and practice (Ps. 19:7; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). 2. God. There is but one God, the … More Foundation Statements

Dear LASBA, The “LASBA Letters” are a group of short articles written to our Los Angeles Southern Baptist churches and their pastors seeking to articulate a clear, biblical, and reasonable vision of where our churches should be going as an association. Every Christian and pastor in LASBA (Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association) wants to cooperate … More What are the “LASBA Letters”?

Pastors need other pastors for encouragement. There are 3 types of local pastoral groups I want to identify: household pastoral groups, big-tent pastoral groups, and tribal pastoral groups. Household pastoral groups: If you only hang out with your church pastors and members then you may not realize you’ve been living in an echo chamber. The … More Pastors Need Pastor-Groups