2026 Sabbatical Report

2026 Sabbatical Report

by | Aug, 2026 | Featured Posts, Pastors, Planning

LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger A. Yancey, D.Min.

I was grateful to have completed in June, the Sabbatical our Association provides to full-time Ministry Staff upon their completion of every 7 years of consecutive service to the TEBA. Our policy reads in part, “the purpose of sabbatical leave is to benefit both the association and the full-time ministry staff. It is intended to be a period of spiritual refreshment and equipping to further the full-time ministry staff’s expertise and the mission of the Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association.” It is also required that “Upon completion of the Sabbatical, a report is to be provided to the Administrative Team and the Executive Board.” 

A Sabbatical Plan was approved by the Administrative Team with the general focus on “Balcony Time” for me to rest and reflect on the ministry of the TEBA and the focus of my role as the Executive Director. Also, it was intended to be a time to envision the future as we enter this next season of ministry. The timing of the Sabbatical proved to be a blessing with the announced transition of Darrell Ingram, our Associate DOM, into the role of Missions Minister for one of our member churches, West Conroe Baptist Church, beginning in July. This staff transition has added to this becoming a significant season of change within the TEBA.

Read the full Sabbatical Report

(Click to download PDF)

In Kingdom service,

Executive Director ~ AMS

Through the generosity of the Lanier Foundation, you too can experience the amazing Lanier Library and Learning Center both in Houston and in the United Kingdom.

~ Contact the TEBA to learn more ~

CO-VOCATIONAL SABBATICAL ASSISTANCE BASICS

Postscript: The TEBA has resources we can provide to churches on how to create a Sabbatical Policy which aligns with the needs of the minister and the church. Also, we are highly committed to the ministry of co-vocational pastors within our Association and have financial resources to assist them in having a Sabbatical.

Co-Vocational Pastors who qualify may be given up to $1,500 in Sabbatical Assistance. The award includes funding to allow the pastor to not have church responsibilities for up to one month. This award provides for weekly Pulpit Supply, Pastoral Care for the church on a limited basis, and a week away at an area retreat center. The TEBA will also be available to provide support to the church. Additional elements such as training and renewal events may be included as well. Co-Vocational Pastors who serve as the primary minister of their church are qualified to take part by fulfilling the following criteria: 

  • Serving as primary minister for 5 years + of continuous service in a TEBA church.
  • Submit an application for participation in the Co-Vocational Pastor Sabbatical Program.
  • Initiates the creation of a Sabbatical Plan in cooperation with the Church Leadership and the TEBA.
  • Commits to the Sabbatical Covenant.

Summer Reading & Listening 2026

Summer Reading & Listening 2026

by | Jun, 2026 | Featured Posts, Leadership, Pastors, Personal Growth

LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger Yancey, D.Min.

One of the best parts of the summer months is the books I can look forward to reading.  Allow me to share a portion of the books that I think you might find of interest as well.  Full confession, the book descriptions are taken from the descriptions you can find on Amazon as are the links to purchase the books if you are interested in doing so.  Whether you read one of these books or others on your own list, allow your summer to be one for personal growth.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by john Mark Comer

“Who am I becoming?”  That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. Turning to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words: “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.” It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was—and continues to be—the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the world.  https://a.co/d/04tl8DWL

Lead with Prayer: The Spiritual Habits of World-Changing Leaders by Ryan Skook, Peter Greer, and Cameron Doolittle

Even the most experienced leaders seek outside help–they pray. Looking for help in their own leadership, entrepreneur Ryan Skoog, CEO Peter Greer, and executive advisor Cameron Doolittle set out to investigate how established leaders pray.  The authors share the spiritual habits, techniques, and practices of world-changing leaders. In addition, they include prayers for leaders to use in their own prayer time as well as tools for how to cultivate a personal and organizational commitment to prayer.  Learn not only how to pray, but how to build a culture of prayer wherever we lead. It is only when our businesses, ministries, and churches pray that they will be transformed. https://a.co/d/04VqsOIC

 

Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion by Wayne Cordeiro

If you’re a church or ministry leader, you probably identify with Wayne Cordeiro’s experience of being overwhelmed by the demands of ministry. At times you may find yourself depleted of energy and longing to escape the constant pressure. In Leading on Empty, Wayne Cordeiro candidly shares his experience with the hope that it will encourage others headed down the same path. He was able to get back in touch with his life, get back in proper balance, and allow God to reenergize his spirit in a way that propelled him forward to greater levels of service. Learn from his experience how you can continue a fruitful ministry. Better yet, take advantage of Wayne’s helpful advice early on and avoid burnout altogether. https://a.co/d/0dAcmf3U

 

Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change by Tod Bolsinger

Tod Bolsinger, leadership expert and author of Canoeing the Mountains, is uniquely positioned to explore the qualities of adaptive leadership in contexts ranging from churches to nonprofit organizations. In Tempered Resilience, he deftly examines both the external challenges we face and the internal resistance that holds us back. If you’re facing resistance to the changes you know are necessary for your organization to thrive in this rapidly changing world, Tempered Resilience will give you the tools you need to remain steadfast through change and lead with strength of purpose. https://a.co/d/02cS4bug 

 

Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers by Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilnite

In addition to the regular demands of preaching and shepherding, modern pastors feel undue pressure to entertain congregants and increase attendance numbers. Often, churches resort to the latest business models to keep pace. But true, life-giving guidance lies in Scripture and the wisdom of those having come before us. Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls helps pastors to embrace a classic, biblical vision of ministry through the study of selected pastoral virtues and early church figures. Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Great both referred to ministry as “the care of souls.” Calling for a “return to the sources.” https://a.co/d/0752Q6dO

 

Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay by Craig Symonds

From America’s preeminent naval historian, the first full-length portrait of the man who won the war in the Pacific in World War Two―”destined,” says Andrew Roberts, “to be the defining life of Chester Nimitz for a long time to come.” Only days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt tapped Chester W. Nimitz to assume command of the Pacific Fleet. Nimitz was not the most senior candidate available, and some, including his new boss, U.S. Navy Admiral Ernest J. King, considered him a “desk admiral,” more suited to running a bureaucracy than a theater of war. Yet FDR’s selection proved nothing less than inspired. From the precarious early months of the war after December 7th 1941 to the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay nearly four years later, Nimitz transformed the devastated and dispirited Pacific fleet into the most powerful and commanding naval force in history. https://a.co/d/004kWPkX

 

PODCASTS

I often find it adds to my time in a vehicle to listen to a podcast. Here are some that were recommended to me, you might want to check out, too.

What Happened at First (story of transition with FBC Jacksonville, FL)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-happened-at-first/id1695333370?i=1000623644094

The Rest is History
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rest-is-history/id1537788786

Cautionary Tales
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cautionary-tales-with-tim-harford/id1484511465

Killer in the Code
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/killer-in-the-code/id1863557288

Pastors Talk
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastors-talk-a-podcast-by-9marks/id1205903016

99% Invisible
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastors-talk-a-podcast-by-9marks/id1205903016

 

FINAL REFLECTION

While it should go without saying, one of the most critical choices we can make related to personal growth is to be sure we are anchored to God’s word. The Bible is the foundation upon which we build our understanding of who God is and learn God’s ways. The Bible is the first and last word by which we discern the truth of all the other voices spoken into our lives. The Lord has given us the gift of his word, and it is a precious privilege to have access to it and to be shaped by it. If you have to make a choice with your time, spend time with God’s word over everything else.

Enjoy your summer reading and listening!

 

In Kingdom service,

Executive Director, AMS

More Than Numbers

More Than Numbers

by | May, 2026 | Church Health, Church Planting, Featured Posts

LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger A. Yancey, D.Min.

Church Planting is a critical pressing need in the TEBA.

Please understand, I acknowledge we are blessed with many healthy churches. We also have churches in the Association who have plateaued or are declining. We need to help churches stay healthy, get healthy, and recover to their God-given potential.

But that doesn’t change a core reality in the TEBA. We need member churches to plant more churches so the people can be reached who are presently in the Association, as well as those who are moving into our area. If every evangelical church in the TEBA held 7 Sunday services packed full – more than half of our present population would not be able to find a seat.

Add to that number the approximately 2880+ new people who move each month into the Association. This translates to 96 people a day or 4 new people per hour. Of those, approximately 3 out of 4 added each hour don’t express an evangelical witness.

In summary, 3 out of 4 people moving to the TEBA don’t know Jesus. With more than half of the TEBA already not knowing Christ, in relation to church planting, it means we could plant a church of 2,000 people each month and not keep up with lostness in the TEBA.

In response to this need, your Association has been actively engaged in supporting, facilitating, and training church planters within the TEBA. Recently, we hosted a North American Mission Board (NAMB) Church Planter Training Map which is designed to train the trainers who lead Church Planter Training Cohorts to train present and future church planters. We had 7 TEBA Senior Pastors who trained for 3 days and to the churches they serve for their investment. Thanks, Rodney Woo of Kingwood FBC, Josh Henry of The Trail of Life Cowboy Church, Alec Brunson of Pillar Church, Joshua Crutchfield of Emmanuel Church, Garrett Bowman of Willis FBC, Richard Rogers of University Heights, and Scott Young of The Fellowship!

To help gain a greater understanding of the Church Planting needs within the TEBA, the Missions Team led out in a focused effort called “Explore,” where they toured growth areas in the TEBA with other member church staff members. This led to a greater understanding of needs beyond the immediate ministry areas of local congregations to other areas in the TEBA where churches can partner together to assist in church planting. This effort included nine of our churches and will be the forerunner to an Association-wide “Explore” effort in the fall of 2027. Be in prayer about how you and your church can be part of “Explore”.

The pressing needs within the TEBA are why we have the TEBA Golf Tournament for Church Planting. While it’s a great time of fellowship, ultimately, the purpose is simple. We are raising support to help fund more churches. This year was the 21st anniversary of the tournament. To date, the tournament has raised more than $120,000.00 and helped support more than 35 church plants. We are thankful to all our sponsors, churches, and the teams who play in the tournament for the impact they make to church plants. Special thanks to the TEBA ministry team who made this tournament possible, including Darrell Ingram, Stephanie Cuilty, and Kay Hunt.

Thanks for allowing us to serve the churches of the TEBA. Together, churches make the difference!

In Kingdom service,

Executive Director, AMS

His Heart – Our Hands

His Heart – Our Hands

by | Mar, 2026 | Evangelism, Featured Posts, Relationship

LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger A. Yancey, D.Min.

As churches gather to celebrate the glory of the Resurrection this Easter, we do so in a world often marked by division, busyness, and skepticism toward organized religion.   But what would happen if churches rediscovered a simple but powerful approach to outreach: loving people through action. Servant Evangelism, the cultivation of a Kindness Culture, and an External Church Focus are three deeply connected ideas that help faith communities reflect the heart of Jesus in tangible, credible ways.

Servant Evangelism: Sharing Faith Through Service.  Servant Evangelism is the practice of meeting practical needs with no strings attached, motivated by Christlike love rather than the desire for immediate conversion. Instead of beginning with words, servant evangelism starts with service. It reflects Jesus’ model of washing feet, feeding crowds, and other acts of love that opened hearts long before sermons were preached.

The power of Servant Evangelism lies in its humility. When believers serve simply because they care, people feel valued rather than targeted. Conversations about faith may arise naturally, but the primary goal is to demonstrate God’s love in action. In a culture wary of religious agendas, this approach rebuilds trust and shows that the church exists for the good of the community, not just its own growth.

Building a Culture of Kindness.  A Kindness Culture goes beyond one-time outreach events. It is a shared mindset where generosity, empathy, and service become the normal rhythm of life—both inside and outside the church. When kindness is celebrated, practiced, and modeled by leaders, it becomes contagious.

Within the church, a kindness culture fosters unity, emotional health, and spiritual maturity. Members learn to notice needs, speak life-giving words, and respond with compassion. Externally, that same culture reshapes how the church is perceived. Instead of being known primarily for beliefs or programs, the church becomes known for how it treats people.  Kindness is not weak or passive; it is transformative. Small acts—done consistently—can soften hearts, restore dignity, and open doors that arguments never could.

Maintaining an External Church Focus. An External Church Focus intentionally shifts attention from “How do we serve our members?” to “How do we serve our community?” While internal care is essential, a church that looks only inward eventually stagnates. An externally focused church understands that its mission field begins just outside its doors. This outward posture encourages believers to see their neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools as sacred spaces for ministry. Outreach is no longer a department or an occasional event; it becomes a lifestyle. When servant evangelism and kindness culture are embraced, external focus feels natural rather than forced.

Sample Servant Evangelism Projects:

  • Free Car Washes: Volunteers wash cars in public places, offering smiles, refreshments, and encouragement with no expectation of return.
  • Kindness Kits: Distribute care packages to the homeless or essential workers containing snacks, hygiene items, and handwritten notes.
  • School Appreciation Days: Provide meals, gift cards, or thank-you notes for teachers and school staff.
  • Community Clean-Ups: Serve neighborhoods by picking up trash, landscaping public spaces, or helping elderly residents with yard work.
  • Coffee on the House: Pay for drinks at a local café and leave notes that say, “You are loved. No strings attached.”

Each project is simple, affordable, and relational, emphasizing presence over promotion.

Servant Evangelism, Kindness Culture, and an External Church Focus work together to create a compelling witness of faith. By serving selflessly, practicing everyday kindness, and prioritizing the needs of the community, churches can reflect the love of Christ in ways that feel authentic and life-giving.

In Kingdom service,

Executive Director ~ AMS

Find More Servant Evangelism Project Ideas on the Pages the Follow

(Click to download PDF)

Other Servant Evangelism Projects by Focus Area

Community & Neighborhood Projects

  • Free Car Wash or Gas Buy-Down: Wash cars or cover a few dollars of gas at a station during busy hours.
  • Neighborhood Clean-Up Days: Pick up litter, repaint fences, or beautify parks and common areas.
  • Lawn Care for Seniors: Mow lawns, rake leaves, or shovel snow for elderly or disabled neighbors.
  • Free Bike Repairs: Offer basic tune-ups for kids’ bikes in local neighborhoods.
  • Moving Day Help: Assist families moving in or out with loading, unloading, and packing.
  • Community Laundry Day: Pay for loads at a laundromat and offer detergent and encouragement.

School & Education Focused Projects

  • Teacher Appreciation Stations: Deliver snacks, coffee, and handwritten notes to teachers and staff.
  • Back-to-School Supply Drives: Assemble and distribute backpacks filled with supplies.
  • After-School Homework Help: Volunteer tutoring with no proselytizing agenda.
  • School Cleanup & Refresh: Help organize classrooms, libraries, or playgrounds.
  • Graduation Encouragement Notes: Write cards celebrating students’ achievements and futures.

Workplace & Essential Worker Projects

  • First Responder Appreciation Meals: Provide lunches or care packages to police, fire, and EMT teams.
  • Hospital Encouragement Rounds: Deliver snacks and thank-you notes to nurses and support staff.
  • Construction Site Water Drops: Bring cold water and snacks to crews during hot days.
  • Office Coffee Surprise: Drop off free coffee and pastries to local businesses.
  • Retail Worker Blessings: Give gift cards and notes during high-stress seasons.

Family & Parenting Support

  • Free Babysitting Nights: Offer safe, well-organized childcare so parents can rest or date.
  • Single-Parent Support Days: Help with errands, house cleaning, or car maintenance.
  • New Parent Care Kits: Diapers, wipes, meals, and encouragement notes for new families.
  • Laundry & Meal Trains: Serve families with newborns, illnesses, or crises.
  • Playground Popsicles: Hand out treats and encouragement to families at local parks.

Youth & Children Projects

  • Sports Team Snack Sponsorship: Provide snacks and drinks for local youth teams.
  • School Lunch Debt Payoff: Help cover unpaid lunch balances anonymously.
  • Free Art or Music Workshops: Host creative activities for kids and teens.
  • Mentorship Days: Career exposure and encouragement without recruitment pressure.
  • Exam Week Encouragement: Care packages for students during testing seasons.

Care for Vulnerable Populations

  • Homeless Care Kits: Hygiene items, socks, snacks, and handwritten notes.
  • Street Outreach Meal Teams: Serve hot meals with dignity and conversation.
  • Refugee Welcome Baskets: Household essentials and local resource guides.
  • Prison Family Support: Care packages and meals for families visiting incarcerated loved ones.
  • Domestic Shelter Support: Donate supplies or provide on-site services requested by shelters.

Seasonal & Holiday Projects

  • Thanksgiving Grocery Giveaways: Provide full meal kits discreetly.
  • Christmas Toy & Gift Drives: Focus on dignity and choice when possible.
  • Back-to-School Haircuts: Offer free haircuts before the school year begins.
  • Heat Relief Stations: Cold water, sunscreen, and shade during extreme heat.
  • Winter Warmth Drives: Coats, gloves, and scarves distributed personally.

Relational & Everyday Kindness Projects

  • “Coffee on Us” Days: Pay for drinks at cafés with simple kindness notes.
  • Encouragement Card Campaigns: Write and mail notes to random households.
  • Gas Station Blessings: Cover purchases and offer smiles—no explanations required.
  • Compliment Teams: Intentionally speak encouragement in public spaces.
  • Kindness Notes on Cars: Leave uplifting messages on windshields.

Creative & Skill-Based Projects

  • Free Photography Days: Family photos for those who can’t afford them.
  • Basic Car Care Clinics: Oil checks, wiper replacement, tire pressure help.
  • Technology Help Booths: Assist seniors with phones, email, or online forms.
  • Resume & Interview Help: Support job seekers with practical skills.
  • Home Repair Days: Minor fixes like painting, patching, or installing safety features.

REMEMBER – Keep Projects:

  • Simple (easy to explain and repeat)
  • Visible (where people already are)
  • Personal (face-to-face whenever possible)
  • Expectation-free (no pressure, no pitch)

 

Deacon Ministry Training

Deacon Ministry Training

by | Mar, 2026 | Church Health, Featured Posts, Leadership, Relationship

LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger A. Yancey, D.Min.

The partnership of Pastors and Deacons in ministering to the church family is significant to the health and well-being of every church.  Time and again, the Deacons in our Association have asked when another time of training will be made available that is specific to Deacon Ministry.  We are glad to share with you that this coming October 17th, you will be able to spend time with Dr. Jim Henry, one of the foremost leaders in understanding and providing training for Deacon Ministry.

Dr. Jim Henry served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando from September 1977 to March 2006, when he retired and was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus.  A native of Nashville, Tennessee, “Brother Jim” is a graduate of Georgetown College in Kentucky and earned his B.D., M. Div. Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. 

He also pastored churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  He is eminently qualified in the area of deacon training.  He pioneered online training of deacons by teaching the first deacon training course ever produced on videotape nearly 30 years ago.  His study, Deacons: Partners in Ministry and Growth, produced in the Fall of 1997 by Sampson Ministry Resources, is now in over 7,500 churches.

Dr. Henry is one of the most respected Christian leaders of our day.  He speaks for conferences and conventions throughout the world, has authored many books, serves on numerous boards and commissions, and has completed two terms as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. You can learn more about Dr. Jim Henry at the end of this article. 

Come join with other Pastors and Deacons from churches throughout the TEBA for a time of fellowship and learning.  The gathering will be hosted at Kingwood’s First Baptist Church, located at 3500 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339. Reserve time on your calendar on October 17th and register by clicking HERE.   

Special Offer for Sr. Pastors.  All Sr. Pastors who register 6 Deacons with their church will receive their own registration for free.  We are committed to your church’s developing Deacon Ministry.  The registration cost of $20 per person includes the materials for the training and a box lunch.  We look forward to seeing you at the One-Day Deacon Retreat!

In Kingdom service,

Executive Director, AMS

More about Dr. Jim Henry…

Pastor Jim Henry is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. He received his B.A. degree from Georgetown College, the M.Div. degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and honorary doctorates from Georgetown College, Southwest Baptist University, and California Baptist University.  Jim and beloved first wife Jeanette, who went to be with our Lord in 2019, have three grown and married children, five grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren. In 2020, he married long-time mutual friend and First Baptist Orlando member Kathy Ann Siegel. She has two daughters, five grandsons, and three great-grandchildren.

After being ordained in 1960, Jim served churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and after serving 29 years, is Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida. He has held many national denominational positions, including President of the SBC Pastors Conference (1981), trustee of the International Mission Board (1978-88), trustee of LifeWay Christian Resources Board (1969-75), member of the SBC Peace Committee (1985-88), Chairman of the SBC Spiritual Awakening Task Force (1991), Co-chair of the Reach the World SBC Task Force Committee (1993), President of the Southern Baptist Convention (1994-1996), Chairman of the Baptist Worship Study Commission of Study and Research for Baptist World Alliance (1995-2000), Trustee of GuideStone Financial Services (2004-2011), inducted into the inaugural Hall Of Fame Class of the First Academy (2015), Trustee at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trustee at Chriswell College and was honored to be added to the Georgetown College Distinguished Alumni Class of 2019.

He has preached on seminary and college campuses and has spoken at various state and SBC conventions, pastors’ conferences, and other special meetings, including the Billy Graham School of Evangelism and The Cove. He has made a number of television guest appearances. His writings include nine books, Heartwarmers, The Pastor’s Wedding Manual, Keeping Life in Perspective, In Remembrance of Me, The Two Shall Become One, A Treasury of Funeral and Memorial Messages, Dangerous Intersections, his autobiography Son Of A Gunn, and a book for caregivers of Alzheimer’s and memory loss called What Now. Jim has been active in civic affairs and honored in the list of Outstanding Young Men of America (1970), named Minister of the Year by the Greater Orlando Baptist Association (1985), Floridian of the Year, by the Orlando Sentinel (1997), awarded the M.E. Dodd Cooperative Program Award, by the SBC, (2000), the Florida Baptist Convention named scholarships for theological education known as Jim Henry Funds (2002), and New Orleans Seminary designed a Jim Henry Classroom for Pastoral Excellence (2002).

 In his leisure time, Jim enjoys jogging, reading, fishing, golfing, and grandchildren.