John Powell

John Powell, a Regular Contributor to For The Church, is the Pastor of First Baptist Church, Hamlin, Texas. A native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, he has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri and an M.Div in Christian Ministry from Southern Seminary. He also serves on the leadership council for the SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission. John is married to Katherine, and they have three children: Gunner, Bennett, and Ada Kate.

Oct 29

Battling Your Church’s Budget Crisis by John Powell

I eventually came to accept the surreal fact that my church could be bankrupt in 4 years.

Sep 28

One Thing: John Powell by John Powell

Series: One Thing

What is the one thing the first-time pastor should know?

Jul 8

3 Pieces of Advice For Rural Church Ministry by John Powell

For one thing, don't be weird.

Jun 2

7 Words of Advice For The First-Time Pastor by John Powell

When a minister assumes his first pastorate, it can be an exciting time for everyone. There is so much hope and anticipation. But there is also so much that is mysterious and fraught with difficulty. The following are some bits of advice from some lessons I've learned over the years, some of them the hard way.

May 6

Leading Staff in The Rural Church by John Powell

Many times, those who lead ministries in small or rural churches let slide things like effective staff leadership, thinking such a practice is only the mandate for larger churches or churches in busier contexts. But if the small, rural church pastors neglect tending to their support leaders — whether vocational or volunteer — they can stifle the growth of their ministry