In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Bob Lowman, reflecting on the lessons learned through nearly 20 years of ministry and leadership with the Metrolina Baptist Association. Bob shares about navigating difficult conversations, maintaining spiritual and personal health, and learning from decisions that did not go as planned.

Together, they discuss the difference between a good opportunity and a God opportunity, and Bob offers wisdom for leaders who may feel overwhelmed as they begin serving in association ministry. As he looks toward eventually handing the ministry to a successor, Bob also reflects on his hopes for the future of Metrolina Baptist Association and the lasting impact he wants to leave behind. This conversation offers honest and practical encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to lead faithfully for the long haul.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Bob Lowman, who has served as the Director of Missions for the Metrolina Baptist Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, for nearly 20 years. Bob reflects on what has kept him in association ministry for so long and the lessons that can only be learned through decades of walking alongside pastors and churches.

Together, they discuss how Bob's understanding of the AMS role has changed over the years, what pastors truly need from their association, and the challenges and opportunities of bringing churches together for the sake of the gospel. Bob also shares lessons learned from walking with pastors through seasons of success, crisis, and discouragement, including what he has learned to look for when a church is struggling—and what he has learned to stop doing.

This conversation offers valuable perspective for pastors, association leaders, and churches seeking to understand the purpose of cooperative ministry and how associations can come alongside local churches to strengthen and encourage them.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at Union Baptist Association

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You can find Matt Wilkinson's podcast at:

Youtube: ⁠Pastor Matt Approved⁠

Apple: ⁠The Pastor Matt Approved Podcast⁠

iHeart: ⁠The Pastor Matt Approved Podcast

In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Matt Wilkinson, reflecting on the lessons he has learned through years of serving in student ministry and his transition into a new season of ministry. Matt shares about the importance of partnering with parents, building strong volunteer teams, and walking faithfully with students and families through both difficult and rewarding seasons.

The conversation also explores the value of longevity in ministry, the compounding impact of faithfully serving one church over many years, and the lessons Matt would share with his younger self. As he transitions from student ministry into communications at Hopewell, Matt reflects on how his experience with students and families will shape his new role, what he hopes to see carried forward by his successor, and the conviction he believes every pastor and ministry leader should build their ministry around. This episode offers honest, practical, and encouraging wisdom for anyone seeking to serve the local church faithfully for the long haul.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

Follow us for future episodes!

You can find Matt Wilkinson's podcast at:

Youtube: Pastor Matt Approved

Apple: The Pastor Matt Approved Podcast

iHeart: The Pastor Matt Approved Podcast

In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Matt Wilkinson from Hopewell for a conversation reflecting on his years in student ministry and his transition into a new role in communications at his church. Matt shares how he first felt drawn to youth ministry, what he expected the role to be when he started, and what years of experience taught him about the calling and responsibility of discipling students.

Together, they discuss the importance of staying rooted in student ministry, the temptation to view youth ministry as simply a stepping stone, and what actually helps produce lasting faith in teenagers rather than temporary spiritual excitement. Matt also reflects on the dramatic changes in youth culture over the years, particularly the influence of smartphones and social media, while considering what has remained constant in faithfully reaching and discipling students. This episode offers valuable perspective and encouragement for youth pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone investing in the next generation.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at Union Baptist Association

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Brad Kelley, exploring how pastors can use data to strengthen the health and mission of the local church without losing sight of biblical priorities. Together, they discuss the relationship between prayer and data, emphasizing that effective ministry depends on both faithful dependence on God and wise stewardship of the information available to church leaders.

Brad shares practical insights on identifying meaningful indicators of church health beyond Sunday attendance, distinguishing genuine kingdom growth from growth driven primarily by church transfers, and responding to the changing needs of the community. The conversation also addresses common concerns pastors have about using analytics in ministry and encourages leaders to view data not as a replacement for faithful shepherding, but as a tool to help care for God's people more effectively. This episode provides practical wisdom for pastors seeking to lead their churches with conviction, discernment, and a heart for the Great Commission.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Brad Kelley to discuss how churches can faithfully evaluate their ministry while remaining focused on the mission of making disciples. Together, they explore the role of numbers and data in the life of the church, asking whether they should be viewed as tools for accountability and stewardship rather than measures of success.

Brad shares practical insight on using church data as a diagnostic resource to better understand congregational health, evangelism, and the changing communities churches are called to reach. The conversation also examines how demographic trends can help churches engage their neighborhoods more effectively while guarding against the temptation to adopt a business mindset that loses sight of the gospel. This episode offers thoughtful encouragement for pastors and church leaders seeking to lead with both biblical faithfulness and strategic wisdom.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook and Quinn Medlin continue their conversation with Michael Hasty, exploring some of the most pressing challenges facing student ministry today. Together, they discuss how to respond with both biblical truth and Christlike compassion as students wrestle with questions surrounding gender, sexuality, and cultural pressures.

The conversation also focuses on preparing students for a faith that lasts beyond high school, partnering with parents in the discipleship process, and keeping the local church at the center of spiritual growth. Michael shares his vision for the kind of men and women he hopes today's students will become years down the road, offering practical encouragement for youth pastors, church leaders, parents, and anyone invested in discipling the next generation.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook and Quinn Medlin are joined by Michael Hasty for a conversation about the unique challenges facing student ministry today. Together, they discuss how pastors and church leaders can faithfully shepherd students who are navigating anxiety, depression, and the growing pressures of modern culture.

The conversation also explores the influence of technology and artificial intelligence on the next generation, offering practical insight into how churches can disciple students to use these tools with wisdom rather than fear. Michael shares how youth leaders can care for struggling students with biblical compassion while recognizing the importance of partnering with parents and mental health professionals when needed. This episode encourages pastors, youth leaders, and parents to engage the next generation with truth, grace, and a Christ-centered perspective.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Curtis Laney on the essential role of prayer in the life of the church and its leaders. Together, they explore the difference between simply praying about ministry responsibilities and praying through them, highlighting the importance of depending on God in every aspect of leadership and decision-making.

Curtis also shares practical insights on how churches can cultivate a genuine culture of prayer that extends beyond programs and becomes a defining characteristic of congregational life. The conversation addresses the balance between faithful planning and waiting on God's direction, as well as the role of praying in the Spirit in the context of spiritual awakening and revival. This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and believers who desire to see prayer become a deeper and more central part of their walk with Christ and the life of their church.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Curtis Laney to discuss the vital role of prayer in the life of a leader. Drawing from his own ministry experience, Curtis shares how prayer shapes the decisions he makes, sustains him through the demands of leadership, and keeps his focus on God's direction rather than his own abilities.

Together, they explore the challenges of maintaining a consistent prayer life amid busy schedules and ministry responsibilities. Curtis also reflects on ways he has seen prayer transform circumstances and change his own heart in the midst of difficult situations. The conversation concludes with practical insight on leading others in corporate prayer in a way that is authentic, engaging, and centered on seeking God rather than simply following a routine. This episode offers encouragement and wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and believers who desire to grow deeper in their dependence on God through prayer.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

Follow us for future episodes!