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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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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...
Ben Francis
Feb 10, 20242 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...
Ben Francis
Jan 26, 20248 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...
Ben Francis
Dec 26, 202311 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...
Ben Francis
Nov 20, 202313 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...
Ben Francis
Nov 13, 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...
Ben Francis
Sep 21, 20237 min read
Why I'm Starting a PhD…
Well, now you know. I’m starting a PhD. I noted toward the end of last year that I was working on a large project that would take up some...
Ben Francis
Sep 7, 20239 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...
Ben Francis
Sep 5, 202310 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...
Ben Francis
Aug 5, 202311 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...
Ben Francis
Jul 20, 202315 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...
Ben Francis
Jul 10, 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...
Ben Francis
Jul 5, 20239 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...
Ben Francis
Jun 27, 20233 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...
Ben Francis
Jun 19, 202312 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...
Ben Francis
May 31, 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...
Ben Francis
May 25, 20235 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...
Ben Francis
May 23, 20234 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,...
Ben Francis
May 16, 20237 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...
Ben Francis
Apr 30, 20233 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,...
Ben Francis
Apr 28, 20238 min read
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