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.

Why American Christians Can No Longer Vote for Democrats.

Ben Francis

Oct 225 min read

Why American Christians Can No Longer Vote for Democrats.

For much of American political history, American citizens have shared a common worldview, which led to basic agreement on a great many...

466 views0 comments

Walking Our Wives through the Valley of Miscarriage: An Encouragement to Husbands

Ben Francis

Sep 97 min read

Walking Our Wives through the Valley of Miscarriage: An Encouragement to Husbands

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they...

1,126 views0 comments

Ben Francis

Jul 126 min read

Give us Preachers, not Shepherds!

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do...

131 views0 comments

Ben Francis

Jul 26 min read

How God Decorates our Lives

“Sunday morning worship is a Saturday night decision.” Maybe you’ve heard that said, or maybe you’ve said it yourself. And it's right. It...

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Pastor Ben's Reading List: A Guide for Christians, Bible Students, Pastors, Parents, and More.

Ben Francis

Mar 278 min read

Pastor Ben's Reading List: A Guide for Christians, Bible Students, Pastors, Parents, and More.

I’ve put this list of resources together for Christians, Church ministry leaders, Sunday School teachers and small groups leaders,...

562 views0 comments

10 Lessons about Church I've learned from the Gym…

Ben Francis

Mar 16 min read

10 Lessons about Church I've learned from the Gym…

I go to the gym 5 days a week (most weeks anyhow). I do it for several reasons, but mostly for my own personal well-being. Caring for the...

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A Pastoral Guide to Preparing for a Funeral.

Ben Francis

Feb 1510 min read

A Pastoral Guide to Preparing for a Funeral.

**Note, this post is written in view of North Carolina Law.** Funeral planning comes during some of the most difficult moments of our...

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Developing a Christian Political Worldview

Ben Francis

Feb 102 min read

Developing a Christian Political Worldview

The 2024 political season will be tumultuous. It already is. That much is a given. Lots will be said and written…and probably thrown. For...

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Our Responsibilities in Baptizing Our Children

Ben Francis

Jan 268 min read

Our Responsibilities in Baptizing Our Children

In Matthew 19:13-14, we read these words, “Then children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples...

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Male and Female He Created Them: The Bible and Homosexuality

Ben Francis

Dec 26, 202311 min read

Male and Female He Created Them: The Bible and Homosexuality

The issue of homosexuality confronts Christians everywhere we look today. Our twenty-first century culture is inundated with the full...

144 views0 comments

How Should Christians Practice Santa Claus?

Ben Francis

Nov 20, 202313 min read

How Should Christians Practice Santa Claus?

Christians, Christmas, and Santa Claus. And Elf on the Shelf, the Easter Bunny, and More… SHHHHHHHHH! Don’t tell the kids…but, Santa...

868 views2 comments

The Priority of Sunday Christian Worship

Ben Francis

Nov 13, 20237 min read

The Priority of Sunday Christian Worship

Is Sunday morning Church important? With the rising list of activities and committments facing us today, is gathering with our Church...

213 views0 comments

Ben Francis

Sep 21, 20237 min read

How God is Saving Me from Preaching

Thoughts from a growing Pastor-Shepherd… I'm a Pastor-Shepherd, and I preach and teach every week; multiple times each week. And by God’s...

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How do We Actually Experience God’s Sovereignty?

Ben Francis

Sep 5, 202310 min read

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...

108 views0 comments

The Unique Grief of Miscarriage and the hope and help of Jesus Christ.

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...

650 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...

167 views0 comments

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...

161 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...

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Parents: Don't Give Your Kids a Smartphone...

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 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