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IRVING—Over the course of two days, pastor and seminary professor Robert Smith Jr. poured out his heart to other pastors and shared the experience he has gained over decades of ministry.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 22, Smith led a preaching summit hosted by the Shepherds Collective, speaking about the Holy Spirit’s central role in the proclamation of God’s Word. The next day, on the official start of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s annual Empower Conference, he participated in a question-and-answer session that covered topics ranging from his advice to younger pastors to the importance of maintaining personal spiritual disciplines.
“I preach out of the depths of my devotional life,” Smith said during the Q&A, “and they have given me stability. My preaching life goes as my devotional life goes.”
Later, Shepherds Collective pastors and others attended a dinner where panelists discussed artificial intelligence, deconstruction, and preaching in a rapidly changing world.
The events illustrated the value of SBTC networks that offer not only a venue for information and ideas to be shared, but for connections to be made. Networking leaders is one of the SBTC’s three pathways, and as such, networks exist for children’s, student, and collegiate ministry leaders, pastors’ wives, executive pastors, and many more.
Josh Fields, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Iowa Park, said he has been a member of the Shepherds Collective since its inception and, before that, the Young Pastors Network. He said the network brings value to his life and ministry through the friendships he has built with people who can relate to his calling.
“They understand the joy, the toil, and the burden of pastoral ministry,” Fields said. “We are all doing the same basic work which, by nature, creates a camaraderie. … I’m convinced that lifelong ministry is fueled by long-term friendships that encourage and strengthen you. Shepherds Collective has created more opportunities for these.”
Like Fields, Ed Fenton—senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Malakoff—attended the preaching summit. He said Smith’s insights reminded him that “the effectiveness and power of preaching doesn’t come from personal giftedness, but through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.” Fenton added that the connections he has made through SBTC networks such as the Shepherds Collective have been invaluable as he fulfills God’s calling on his life through the local church.
“It really is a brotherhood where we sharpen one another, encourage one another, and are spurred on by one another to continue fighting the good fight of the faith,” Fenton said. “It’s always good to be with other pastors who are striving to lead their churches well.”
Click here if you are a lead pastor and want to learn more about joining the Shepherds Collective.
