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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.
Wooden blocks with icons of heads, light bulbs, gears, and a checkmark, symbolizing how to receive criticism and grow from feedback.
Faith & Evangelism

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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A photo of a man and woman holding hands in an understanding and supportive way.
Marriage

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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Shepherd guiding a flock of sheep across a green hillside, symbolizing Biblical leadership principles of care and guidance.
Faith & Evangelism

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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an open Bible on a table next to a tea cup and lavender sprig
Faith & Evangelism

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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A family sits around the dinner table during a holiday gathering, holding hands to pray instead of fostering conflict.
Faith & Evangelism

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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a pastor nourishes himself with Scripture in the face of church conflict
Faith & Evangelism

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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A man is sitting peacefully outside with a bible on his lap, and his hands folded in prayer, resting on the Bible.
Faith & Evangelism

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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Two men sit at a table, face to face with each other, staring at each other in conflict.
Faith & Evangelism

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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Dad doing work in his office with baby in his lap
Parenting

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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a premarital counselor with open bible in hand sits across from an engaged person holding a coffee mug
Faith & Evangelism

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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A pastor and his wife run through a golden field holding the hands of their three daughters.
Parenting

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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