How do We Actually Experience God’s Sovereignty?
Sovereignty: God’s absolute and unquestioned control over every single detail of creation, including our lives and choices. So, how do we...
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Shepherding Thoughts
by Pastor Ben Francis
Welcome to Shepherding Thoughts: An inside look at a Southern Baptist Pastor's comments on navigating popular topics in Christianity and Religion.
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Ben Francis
Aug 5, 202311 min read
The "Secret" Mission of the American Library Association.
Are Public Libraries becoming Social Engines for the LGBTQ Agenda? How to use this post. If you would like to read a synopsis of this...
212 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Jul 20, 202315 min read
The Unique Grief of Miscarriage and the hope and help of Jesus Christ.
We recently lost our daughter to miscarriage. It happened somewhere in the 10-14 week range of the pregnancy. My dear friend summed up...
649 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Jul 10, 20239 min read
An Open Letter to the Person County Library, and Person County Government from her Pastor-Shepherds.
An Open Letter to the Person County Library, and Person County Government from her Local Pastor-Shepherds. On behalf of the members of...
1,233 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Jul 5, 20239 min read
Making Boys Into Men
“It’s easier to bleed than to sweat.” - Flannery O’Connor I was reminded recently that boys don't become men on their own. "Maleness...
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Ben Francis
Jun 27, 20233 min read
The Virtues of Masculinity
It's not popular to be manly anymore. It's not even popular to be a man. More and more, our culture is coming to reject manliness. And...
143 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Jun 19, 202312 min read
The 2023 Southern Baptist Convention: In Review
The 2023 Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana June 13-14, has now come and gone. My first comment is: New...
438 views0 comments
Ben Francis
May 31, 20235 min read
What I’m Reading: April-May 2023
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of...
58 views0 comments
Ben Francis
May 25, 20235 min read
2023 Southern Baptist Convention: A Preview
In just a few weeks, the Southern Baptist Convention will gavel itself into session in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a reminder, the...
144 views0 comments
Ben Francis
May 23, 20234 min read
Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated World
A Review I am thankful for Eliza Huie and the folks at the Biblical Counseling Coalition. They are producing some great work in really...
65 views0 comments
Ben Francis
May 16, 20237 min read
Parents: Don't Give Your Kids a Smartphone...
We are living in a day and age that revolves around technology, especially smartphones. Our days are filled with them: Tasks, jobs,...
113 views1 comment
Ben Francis
Apr 30, 20233 min read
Minnesota Oversteps: Christian Parents Beware...
Trans Rights and the Loss of Parental Authority The Transgender Revolution marches on… “Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. Not...
97 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Apr 28, 20238 min read
What Does it Mean to Be Pastored?
Life in the Local Church Belonging to a local Church of the Lord Jesus Christ entails all sorts of things: Membership, fellowship,...
201 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Apr 15, 20238 min read
A Lament for the Hard Things: The Joy of Pastoral Ministry; A Follow-Up…
When I sat down to write the previous post, “A Lament for the Hard Things,” my goal was to share a tangible illustration of what I had...
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Ben Francis
Apr 11, 20235 min read
A Lament for the Hard Things…
A Day in the Life of a Pastor-Shepherd... Pastor-Shepherds occupy a unique position in that they get to share in the various life...
245 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Apr 4, 20238 min read
What's Shaping My Life?
This question lodged itself in my mind during our Sunday morning Bible study. "Are Christians in danger of living in a delusion?" We were...
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Ben Francis
Mar 31, 20235 min read
What I'm Reading - March 23'
"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” -George R.R. Martin Theology Powerful...
87 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Mar 3, 202312 min read
An Ongoing Struggle: The fight for Life in a Post-Roe Culture.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at a Pro-Life event for our local Pregnancy Support Center. The full text of my address is...
125 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Feb 27, 20234 min read
What I'm Reading - February 23'
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss Here's this...
142 views0 comments
Ben Francis
Feb 23, 20235 min read
Was Disfellowshipping the Right Move? Yes.
On Wednesday, February 22, 2023 the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention reported out that it had voted to Disfellowship...
217 views1 comment
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