Dr. Al & Pastor Dan relate various stories of disturbances in the church services. The pastor needs a sense of humor or he can become very agitated - which would even amplify the disturbance.

The two Baptist pastors discuss various things which distract them from being focused in their priorities in the ministry.

* Sometimes it is a church member who doesn't seem to be on the same page.

*  Hearing of problems, someone leaving the church, discovering the special music is not prepared or any other negative problem moments before going to the pulpit to preach.

* Throughout the week interruptions to our schedule are often difficult, such as illness, home emergencies, etc.

* While we sincerely enjoy the interaction with our members throughout the week, the pastor doesn't have to be the only one to remind the members of the church calendar or particular events.

* While every pastor should be available to members for emergencies, the pastor should learn to guard his family time during the few evenings he is actually home.

* Technology can be a great distraction: emails, texts, various notifications can often distract us from studying.

* There may be times when you need to set limits on appointments during the week, counseling, sales, maintenance, taking bids, etc.

In Part 3 of this series, the pastors discuss some foundational reasons why we should stand for Scripture in the face of an ever-hostile community.

* Our children are constantly being assaulted with the message of acceptance through education and through media.

* Members from the LGBT-Q community are very active and organized in legislative areas.

* As believers,our attention needs to be focused on changing the world with the Gospel, not necessarily only focused on opposing the LGBT-Q community.

* We are battling for the traditional home for the next generation.

* God gives solemn warnings throughout Scripture about sodomite activity.

Pastor Dan & Dr. Al address dealing with the LGBT-Q community as an entity.

* The steps which the homosexual community is taking as they have addressed our society could be labeled as Toleration, Interaction, Validation and then Participation.

* As we deal with any individual with the Gospel we should be compassionate and understanding. As we deal with this community as a whole we need to be clear and bold.

* We need to understand that anyone who makes obstructions to the entire LGBT-Q agenda will be villified.

* Keep reason in the argument and  make every attempt to keep emotions under control.

* This battle is not going to disappear or even dissipate, we will need to remain vigilant.

* Be sure you make your position clear with Scripture and teach on it often.

* Love Christ with all your heart, stand your ground and be well-prepared.

As society changes, how do independent Baptists address those changes? In this episode Dr. Al & Pastor Dan examine how to deal scripturally as we interact with members of the homosexual community.

* Everyone is welcome in our churches.

* We exist to give all people the Gospel.

* Any sexual activity outside the boundary of marriage is sin.

* There are those that are born without an attraction to the opposite sex.

* Biblical preaching is not adapting a sermon for those attending the service; either intentionally removing a point so we don't offend or adding one in order to offend.

Dr. Al & Pastor Dan encourage pastors, as well as all those on the platform, to reexamine themselves to see if they really are putting their best foot forward and are making the best impression for Christ that they can.

* Be sure that your appearance is as pleasing as possible.

* Your demeanor and platform presence should be inviting.

* Make sure your suit fits properly.

* Your demeanor on the platform does not need to be demeaning.

* We ought to seek for people to have a positive experience in our services without compromising the message from God.

Our Baptist preacher pals seek to encourage every pastor, staff member and church member to look at their church services through the eyes of a guest.  It may greatly enhance the way we conduct them.

* The first person to greet your new guests: give them clear directions.

* Start on time, be clear in your instructions and be joyful that you are there.

* Don't assume everyone has an independent Baptist background and understand how our services are conducted.

* Be sure the pulpit, platform and decorations give the impression you wish to give.

* Are mic cords neat, song sheets visible and are the microphones on?

* Is your platform up to date or does it need some refreshing?

* Be sure the service flows well and has a good continuity.

* Be attentive to the needs of your guests.

Dr. Al Stone and Pastor Dan Wolvin bring to mind the importance of your first impression to guests who may attend your church for the first time.

* The lawn, bushes, flower beds need to be properly maintained.

* The sign needs to be attractive and in good repair.

* The building needs to be clean and painted.

* The parking lot should be clearly marked and well-lighted.

* The garbage and trash which may blow onto your grounds should be picked up.

* The entrance needs to be clearly marked.

* The inside of the building needs to be clean and flooring should be attractive.

* How does your building smell?

* Colors give an indication of how dated your building is.

Continuing the theme of the week, our two pastors address the topic of seasoned men in the ministry who have not yet prepared for retirement.

* If you are older in the ministry and have not yet prepared, you need to be very aggressive.

* Contact a professional who can help advise you.

* Consider investing in real estate - if the market in your area is appropriate.

* Some pastors place any love offering they receive into a savings/retirement account.

* It is unfair and unreasonable to expect the church to provide for you and your wife until you die; these are priorities which we must have.

Dr. Al & Pastor Dan discuss the topic of young men and preparing properly for retirement.

* Start early - even if it is something very small.

* Use a professional to set up a retirement account.

* Make saving a priority.