Ernie Baker has the privilege of serving the Lord at First Baptist Jacksonville as the Pastor of Counseling and Discipleship. He is the author of Marry Wisely, Marry Well.

How to Receive Pastoral Criticism

Here are five principles the Lord has led Pastor Ernie Baker to develop to cope with criticism in ministry in God-honoring ways.
Ernie Baker
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Oct 3, 2025

How to Love Difficult People

Scripture is very relevant and gives an amazing model to follow and deep motivations for loving a person who has deeply offended you or who rubs you the wrong way.
Ernie Baker
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Jul 21, 2025

Leadership Styles and Church Conflict

Learning to be a shepherd demands that, out of love for the flock, I put to death my natural heart propensities.
Ernie Baker
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Apr 1, 2025

Trusting God with Ministry Pressures

To trust God’s Word—choosing to believe its promises—is to trust God. This disciplined action results in calmness and assurance and in being a model to your flock. Let’s unpack what
Ernie Baker
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Feb 27, 2025

The Holidays and Family Tensions

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with
Ernie Baker
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Dec 19, 2024

Pastors and Church Conflict: Soul Health and Scriptural Nutrients

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction" (Psalm 119:92).
Ernie Baker
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Oct 17, 2024

Conflict and the Care of Your Soul

The Lord can use prayer to strengthen us and help us learn intimacy in our walks with Him. Let's explore the dangers of not dealing with the pressures of conflict
Ernie Baker
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Aug 26, 2024

Conflict! God is Up to Something Good

Pastor Ernie Baker explains some of the biblical principles that the Lord has used to help him navigate conflict and has helped him counsel others in conflict.
Ernie Baker
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Jul 15, 2024

Keep the Big Rocks in Place to Balance Family and Ministry

When it was clear that the Lord was leading us into ministry, my wife and I had some serious talks about how we would maintain balance. It was a struggle
Ernie Baker
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Apr 24, 2024

Pornography and Premarital Counseling: Deal Breaker or Not?

In this article, we will explore some biblically informed questions to ask during premarital counseling to determine if the viewing of pornography should be a deal breaker for the engagement.
Ernie Baker
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Nov 27, 2023

The Pastor’s Family and Ministry Pressure

Part of your calling as pastor is to care for your family, especially during times of ministry pressure. That can feel overwhelming. But rest assured—if God has called you to
Ernie Baker
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Jun 14, 2023