Chuck Lawless Archives - The Baptist Paper

First person: Unique gift ideas to show appreciation for your pastor

October 9, 2026

We have a few weeks left in Pastor Appreciation Month. As I think about this month, I’m reminded of some of the unique gifts church

Opinion: Why some people don’t go to church

September 29, 2026

Here are some of the most common responses we’ve heard over the last several years.

First person: 8 reasons we need to put our phones down during meetings, conversations

September 26, 2026

I admit my struggle here. I’m so accustomed to having my phone with me that I almost unknowingly and reflexively check it continuously throughout the day. I’m trying, though, to put it away during meetings and conversations. Here’s why.

First person: Thinking about quitting ministry? Do this first.

September 16, 2026

Some days in ministry are really hard. God’s people can be troublesome, and few seem to understand the weight that pastors and church staff carry on their shoulders.

First person: Here’s what small groups can learn from ‘old-fashioned’ Sunday School

August 9, 2026

When I started ministry many years ago, on-campus Sunday School was the predominant form of small groups. That trend has changed now, but the structure of old-fashioned Sunday school still provides needed lessons for small groups, regardless of their meeting place or time.

First person: Beware of ‘convenience-store’ Christianity

August 4, 2026

I’ve recently been with believers from another part of the world, and I was again reminded that our brothers and sisters around the world often pay a heavier price than we pay to follow Christ.

First person: Why you should sit in a different seat at church

May 17, 2026

Most of us have a habit of sitting in the same place in church on Sunday, and I realize that nobody else is calling for changing this pattern. Nevertheless, I press on with my reasons that you and I should sit in a different place at church this weekend.