I launched Strike the Match on March 12, 2015 (“Who was St. Patrick with Ed Smither”). Season 4 concluded last week. I have enjoyed these four seasons of 64 episodes. Thank you for listening and sharing. You are in 139 countries, with the U. S., Japan, U. K., India, and […]
Students
What time is it? It is time for season 4 of Strike the Match! After 50 episodes, I kick off this season by addressing my recent transition to Samford University. Earlier this summer, I announced this move on the blog. However, I thought it would be good to provide an […]
Season 4 Strike the Match Begins Right Here, Right Now
Six years ago, the Payne Gang moved from Louisville to Birmingham. The Lord had called me to serve as one of the pastors of The Church at Brook Hills. It was announced this past Sunday that His leadership has taken me in another direction. After much prayer, fasting, and seeking […]
My Move to Samford University
I recently had the honor of giving the Scholarly Lectures Series at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. After they asked me to speak about apostolic church planting, I was encouraged that an academic institution was interested in this important topic. It is my hope that more schools will follow their lead. […]
Apostolic Church Planting: Foundations and Challenges
Lord willing, next Monday, I will be speaking at the Business as Mission Conference hosted by Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham. My assigned topic is “Careers for the Kingdom,” and I am supposed to keep pastors in mind as my primary audience members. If you would like a glimpse into […]
Shepherd Your People to the Marketplace: Soft Skills Needed
The Institute of International Education recently released its annual report on the number of international students in the United States. I have written about their findings over the past few years. And each year, I write the same thing: Record Number of International Students Studying in US. This year is […]